Cervical cytology profile of infertility patients in Abakaliki, South-eastern Nigeria.

Cervical cancer is of public health importance in developing countries. High risk sexual behaviour is a risk factor. This cross-sectional study aimed at establishing the cervical cytology profile of infertile women in Abakaliki, Nigeria. It involved 200 infertility patients and 200 general gynaecological patients. They were interviewed with a structured questionnaire and screened for pre-malignant cervical changes. A total of 28 infertility patients (14.9%) and 34 general gynaecological patients (17.7%) had epithelial cell abnormalities. A total of 21 infertility patients had cytology positive for pre-malignant changes, comprising: seven with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) (3.7%); eight with a low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) (4.3%); and six with a high-grade intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) (3.2%). There were 25 general gynaecological patients who had cytology positive for pre-malignant changes, comprising: eight ASCUS (4.2%); seven LSIL (3.5%); and ten HSIL (5.2%). The distribution did not attain statistical significance. Infertility did not increase the risk of development of cervical pre-malignant changes.

Tubal factor infertility in Benin City, Nigeria - sociodemographics of patients and aetiopathogenic factors.

In Africa, infertility constitutes a major gynaecological complaint and causes enormous socio-psychological stress to the patients. This study examined retrospective data at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria, over a 5-year period to determine the factors associated with tubal infertility. Tubal infertility was confirmed in 13.5% of the 1181 new cases of infertility over the study period. The mean age of the patients was 33.2+/-9.5 years. Over 65% were nulliparous and all socioeconomic classes were affected. Major associated factors included infections such as post-abortal sepsis, puerperal sepsis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Infertility is largely preventable. Attention should be focused on reducing the incidence of unsafe abortion and its consequences, providing clean and safe delivery as well as reducing the incidence of and ensuring proper treatment of any cases of PID. Infertility is largely preventable. Attention should be focused on reducing the incidence of unsafe abortion and its consequences, providing clean and safe delivery as well as reducing the incidence of and ensuring proper treatment of any cases of PID.