Authors: Natasha Bushra , Tahira Nasrin , asifa sarwar Asifa Sarwar

Abstract

Background and Objective: Vitamin D deficiency emerges as a significant player in shaping reproductive health challenges including the ones with conception and fertility. The present study aims to ascertain the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the context of female infertility in the local population.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Services Hospital Lahore, Pakistan, from May 30, 2021, to November 30, 2021. A total of 96 sub-fertile females, 20-40 years of age were recruited for the study after taking detailed history followed by clinical examination, and transvaginal ultrasound. The required information regarding body mass index (BMI), type of infertility, and socio-economic status were correlated with the laboratory assessment of serum vitamin D levels. Data were analyzed statistically using the chi-square test keeping p-value <0.05 as significant.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 29.43 ± 3.35 years, and the mean vitamin D level recorded was 19.03 ± 14.30 ng/ml. Notably, 97.9% of primary infertile females compared to 29.2% of secondary infertile patients exhibited vitamin D deficiency (p-value = 0.003). The deficient levels of Vitamin D were associated with the age, BMI, and socioeconomic status of these females.

Conclusion: Females with primary infertility have a notable Vitamin D deficiency compared to the ones with secondary infertility. Additional studies are pressingly needed to confirm a causal relationship and to investigate the potential therapeutic benefits of vitamin D supplementation.

Keywords: Females, infertility, Vitamin D, deficiency, body mass index.