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ABSTRACT
Objective This investigation was carried out to determine modern and traditional practices of infertile couples in Kayseri, Turkey.
Methods Two hundred and fifty-two infertile couples were selected from the study area. Modern and traditional practices of the infertile women and their husbands were investigated through a questionnaire. The effects of some factors on the utilization of traditional methods were analysed through the logistic regression method.
Results It was found out that 92.5% of the infertile women and 71.8% of their husbands had consulted a physician for infertility and 92.1% of the women and 32.6% of their husbands had applied for medical or surgical intervention. However, only 11.1% of the couples had attempted in vitro fertilization. In contrast, 61.5% of the infertile couples admitted to carrying out traditional practices. All traditional practices were more prevalent among the women than the men.
Conclusion It was concluded that traditional practices were more prevalent in the rural areas and among the older couples.
KEY WORDS
Infertility, Treatment, Tradition, Practice, Men, Women.
INTRODUCTION
Infertility is an important medical and social problem for both men and women all over the world. Infertility prevalence varies from one community to another and in some communities is considered an important public health matter1,2. In some traditional communities, the number and gender of children are important determinants of the position of women in society. The ability to have children is perceived as an indicator of the sexual power of both man and woman, and the cause of infertility is frequently attributed to the woman. On the other hand, in communities in which social insurance systems are poor, children are accepted as an insurance for the aged.
These factors have forced childless families, especially childless women, to use various non-medical practices to have a child. The Islamic religion gives great importance to the reproduction and continuity of the family, and adoption is not preferred as an alternative. Therefore, the treatment of infertility is perceived as a responsibility3.
The most prevalent reasons for female infertility are infections, hormonal factors, and endometriosis, whereas for male infertility, infection is the most prevalent factor4. Treatment of infertility frequently requires sophisticated diagnostic procedures and long-term treatment. In some infertility cases, the success rate is not adequately high in...