Genetic overlap between autoimmune disorders and anorexia nervosa: insights from a large-scale cross-trait genome-wide analysis.

Infertility is a significant reproductive health issue that affects individuals and couples worldwide, with profound physical, emotional, and social consequences. The ability to decide the number, timing, and spacing of children is an essential human reproductive right, yet infertility challenges the realization of this right The World Health Organization (WHO) defines infertility as a condition affecting the male or female reproductive system, characterized by the inability to become pregnant after 12 months or more of consistent unprotected sexual activity. It can be primary or secondary. Primary infertility is when a pregnancy has never been achieved by a person, and secondary infertility is when at least one prior pregnancy has been achieved. Infertility impacts millions of individuals in their reproductive years around the world. Infertility is a major public health concern worldwide, affecting an estimated that between 48 million couples and 186 million people are experiencing infertility on a global scale. While global prevalence varies, the burden is particularly high in Sub-Saharan Africa, where it affects an estimated 10% to 30% of couples. In Ethiopia, although infertility is a leading reason for gynecological consultations, its exact prevalence remains unknown due to a lack of well-designed studies and insufficient documentation. Based on analysis of the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) data, secondary infertility in Ethiopia is estimated at approximately 8.7% to 9.0%. Yet these estimates are based on national surveys and may not reflect the full extent of infertility in particular rural areas, where access to healthcare and cultural factors vary widely. Community-focused studies, like the current research, are essential to enhance DHS findings by offering a richer contextual insight into infertility experiences in rural areas. The causes of infertility are multifaceted, ranging from abnormalities in the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, and endocrine system in women to a variety of male factors. Uterine and ovulation dysfunctions are among the most common causes of female infertility. Despite these complexities, societal perceptions often place the burden of infertility on women, irrespective of whether the underlying issue lies with the male partner.