Prevalence and risk factors of infertility in a Mongolian population

Abstract

Objective: To investigate and analyze the prevalence and risk factors of infertility in a Mongolian population.

Methods: We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study between September 2016 and November 2021. Our study population of 1919 participants consisted of residents of Ulaanbaatar city and four regions of Mongolia. A pretested standardized and structured questionnaire was used to gather data from the participants. Our questionnaire comprised categories influencing infertility, such as socioeconomic status, lifestyle factors, health, reproductive history, present status, and sexual function. In addition, trained staff conducted face-to-face interviews with the participants.

Results: Our study showed an infertility incidence of 8.2%, with primary infertility at 2.76% and secondary infertility at 5.47%. Compared with the urban area of Ulaanbaatar, the prevalence of infertility was significantly higher amongst the rural population (P<0.001). Risk factors of infertility included advanced age (35-39 years, OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.99-6.55; >40 years, OR 2.1, 95% CI 2.62-8.55), living rural region (aOR 2.4, 95% CI 1.62-3.69), alcohol consumption (aOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.11-2.44), chronic diseases (aOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.20-2.38), reproductive disease (aOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.86-3.88), gynecological operative history (aOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.38-3.21), ovarian cyst (aOR 4.2, 95% CI 2.70-6.40), gonorrhea (aOR 2.4, 95% CI 1.01-6.16), non-malignant uterine cancer (aOR 2.9, 95% CI 1.40-6.70), and endometriosis (aOR 4.7, 95% CI 1.41-15.62).

Conclusions: In Mongolia, the average infertility rate is 8.2%, similar to the average worldwide and is significantly higher in rural communities. Our study shows the most significant risk factors for infertility are age, alcohol consumption, and rural living. In addition, an unfavorable gynecological history and some diseases also pose a risk to fertility.

Keywords

Infertility / Risk factors / Prevalence, Region / Primary infertility / Secondary infertility / Reproductive health / Age

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Acknowledgment

We sincerely thank the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences for its immense support. Furthermore, we thank the School of Bio-Medicine and the Department of Pathophysiology for their crucial advice and organization. Finally, we extend our appreciation to ZEPH (Young Pathophysiologists’ Club) for their contribution to the integrity of our survey.

Funding

This study was funded by the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences’ Science and Technology Support Fund’s “Domestication of IVF technology in Mongolia project” (Fund protocol number: 2016/01).

Authors’ contributions

Tuvshinbayar Negdel performed manuscript preparation, data analysis, and literature search. Arigbukh Enkhbat, Badrakh Munkhbayar and Ariunaa Ganbold were responsible for data collection. Khantushig Bilegsuren and Carol W Readhead contributed to English langauge polish. Khuderchuluun Nanjid carried out statistical analysis. Lkhagva-Ochir Erkhembaatar, Erkhembaatar Tuduvdorj, and Munkhzol Malchinkhuu contributed to concepts and design. Odkhuu Enkhtaivan was responsible for concepts, design and manuscript preparation.

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