Probability of conception, conception delay, and estimates of fecundability in rural and semiurban areas of certain Latin American countries
Balakrishnan, T.R.
Social Biology 26(3): 226-231
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-766X PMID: 550301 DOI: 10.1080/19485565.1979.9988380Document Number: 447020
Fecundability was studied using data collected through fertility surveys undertaken among rural and semiurban women in Costa Rica, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru in 1969 and 1970. Only noncontracepting women in sexual unions were studied. The life table method was used to estimate the probability of conception and conception delay from the date of entry into union. All data are tabulated. Although the 4 samples were similar in age distribution and none were contracepting, thine proportions becoming pregnant within the 1st 2 years after entry into unions were somewhat different, suggesting the importance of behavioral factors. However, the proportions remaining unfecund at the end of 5 years were remarkably similar. Therefore, it is concluded that, in the absence of contraceptive use, various biological and behavioral factors are not very relevant in the long run. A primary sterility rate of approximately 3% was estimated for all 4 populations. The fact that overall mean fecundability rates were somewhat low when compared with other populations is attributed to the lower mean age at entry into union among these populations.