Assessment of Structural Abnormalities in Reproductive System of Infertile Women Diagnosed Through Ultrasound at Tertiary Care Hospital in Peshawar

Abstract

Infertility Background: Infertility is the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. Globally, around 186 million people are affected. In Pakistan, the prevalence is 22%, with secondary infertility (18%) more common than primary (4%). Ultrasound is the gold standard for evaluating female reproductive tract abnormalities such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), fibroids, and endometriosis. This cross-sectional study included 183 married infertile females aged 15–45 years who underwent pelvic and trans-vaginal ultrasound at the Radiology Department, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling. Written consent was obtained, and data were collected via questionnaire. Women with prior pelvic surgery, reproductive organ removal, or pelvic trauma were excluded. Primary infertility was more common than secondary infertility, reported in 108 (59.0%) and 75 (41.0%) participants, respectively. The leading cause of infertility was PCOS, observed in 53 (29.0%), followed by fibroids in 47 (25.7%). PCOS was more prevalent in primary infertility, while fibroids were more frequent in secondary infertility. PCOS was identified as the most common cause of infertility in females, particularly in primary infertility cases, whereas fibroids were more frequently associated with secondary infertility.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study included 183 married infertile females aged 15–45 years who underwent pelvic and trans-vaginal ultrasound at the Radiology Department, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling. Written consent was obtained, and data were collected via questionnaire. Women with prior pelvic surgery, reproductive organ removal, or pelvic trauma were excluded.

Results: Primary infertility was more common than secondary infertility, reported in 108 (59.0%) and 75 (41.0%) participants, respectively. The leading cause of infertility was PCOS, observed in 53 (29.0%), followed by fibroids in 47 (25.7%). PCOS was more prevalent in primary infertility, while fibroids were more frequent in secondary infertility.

Conclusion: PCOS was identified as the most common cause of infertility in females, particularly in primary infertility cases, whereas fibroids were more frequently associated with secondary infertility.