ROLE OF ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN THE EVALUATION OF FEMALE INFERTILITY IN A RURAL TERTIARY CARE CENTER

Abstract

Introduction: Infertility is a significant public health issue, particularly in rural areas where diagnostic resources are limited. Female infertility can arise from a variety of anatomical and physiological abnormalities. Ultrasonography, especially transvaginal sonography (TVS), is a non-invasive, cost-effective, and readily accessible diagnostic modality that plays a crucial role in identifying underlying causes of infertility.

Objectives: To evaluate the role of ultrasonography in diagnosing the causes of female infertility in a rural tertiary care setting and to determine the frequency of specific pathologies detected using this imaging technique.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted over 6 months at a rural tertiary care center and included 50 women aged 20–40 years with clinically diagnosed primary or secondary infertility. After detailed history-taking and clinical examination, all participants underwent pelvic ultrasonography, including transabdominal and transvaginal approaches as needed. Ultrasonographic findings were analyzed to identify common etiologies contributing to infertility.

Results: The most common ultrasonographic finding was polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (28%), followed by uterine fibroids (16%), ovarian cysts (14%), and endometrial abnormalities (10%). Tubal factors and uterine malformations were each noted in 6% of cases, while 20% of participants had normal ultrasonographic findings. Primary infertility was more prevalent (64%) than secondary infertility (36%).

Conclusion: Ultrasonography, particularly TVS, is an effective first-line diagnostic tool in the evaluation of female infertility. Its accessibility, affordability, and diagnostic reliability make it especially valuable in rural healthcare settings.