Infertility in Shanghai: prevalence, treatment seeking and impact
Che, Y.; Cleland, J.
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology the Journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 22(6): 643-648
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0144-3615 PMID: 12554255 DOI: 10.1080/0144361021000020457Document Number: 234192
To assess the level of treatment seeking and impact on marriage of infertility among newly married couples of Shanghai, China, a total of 7872 newly married couples, enrolled between 15 August 1987 and 14 August 1988, were followed-up for 5 years. The prevalence of infertility (no fertile conception after 24 months of unprotected intercourse) was 5.1%. The age of couples at marriage, education, prior induced abortion, miscarriage, use of intrauterine device or hormonal contraceptives and medical problems of both partners were associated significantly with infertility. About 57% of infertile couples sought infertility treatment and subsequently had a higher probability of childbirth (42%) than non-seekers (28%). Husband's education, induced abortion and both partner's previous medical problems were associated significantly with infertility treatment seeking. Moreover, infertile couples were 2.2 times more likely to divorce than their counterparts (95% CI: 1.52-3.18). We concluded that infertility in Shanghai is modest, but a substantial number of infertile couples would not like to seek infertility treatment.