Association of body mass index with primary and secondary infertility among infertile women in a sub-saharan African city

Introduction: Studies have shown that abnormal body weight can lead to fertility problems in women. The effect of body mass index (BMI) on female infertility has not been studied in this environment. Aims and Objectives: To find out the association of BMI with primary and secondary infertility among infertile women in a sub-Saharan African city. Methods: A cross-sectional and descriptive study which included 112 infertile women (18-45 years) was carried out at a private diagnostic centre in Ado-Ekiti. Data on socio-demographics and other relevant information were collected. Primary and secondary infertility were classified based on the World Health Organization's definitions of infertility. The patient’s weight and height were used to calculate the BMI and reported in kg/m2. Results: More than two third of the participants (70.5%), had secondary infertility and 33 (29.5%) had primary infertility. The majority of the infertile women were overweight (41.1%) while 33.9% had normal BMI and 20.5% and 4.5% were obese and underweight respectively. Overall women with secondary infertility had significantly higher BMIs, than women with primary infertility. Conclusion: There is an increased risk of infertility among women with a BMI ≥ 25.00 and most of these women had secondary infertility. Evaluation of weight and treatment of obesity should be considered as part of treatment in obese and overweight women with infertility as this may improve the outcome. Precautionary measures including lifestyle modification may also go a long way in reducing the risk of infertility associated with abnormal body weight.