Epidemiological profile of women with inferlity in Mbujimayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background The WHO ranks infertility in the young population as the fifth highest serious global disability. Infertility is worldwide problem affecting people of all communities, though the cause and magnitude may vary with geographical location and socioeconomic status. The objective of this study is to determine epidemiological profile of women with infertility attended at CliniquesUniversitaires de Mbujimayi (CUM). Methods This was a retrospective cross- sectional study carried out over a period of 9 months, from April 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023 at obstetrics and gynaecology of CUM including 83 patients who diagnosed with infertility. Results The frequency of female infertility is 23.6% in Mbujimayi, DRC. Uterine myomas followed by Sexual Transmitted Disease (STI) were the most causes of female infertility with 26.5% and 36.1% respectively. Secondary infertility (women who have conceived in their past history) was noted with 69.9%. Conclusion Study outlines that female infertility is a public health problem worldwide and particularly in low-income countries where STI is the main cause, with high prevalence among young adults. The high frequency of myomas in the sexually active group age and the delay of diagnosis are pointed to be associated with infertility. Anyway we recommend to CUM and Authorities to facilitate the diagnosis tools of infertility as well as possible to make it free.