A study to determine the prevalence of infertility in females in a patient population attending a general practice in Katlehong was done over seven weeks in 1985. In this study 40.6% out of a total of 143 patients interviewed were found to be infertile. Contributing factors to infertility included an advanced age of patients and use of intra-uterine contraceptive devices. Pelvic inflammatory diseases, fibroid uteri, fixed retroverted uteri and a poor socio-economic status of patients were also found to be associated with infertility. The above factors associated with infertility in females are discussed and recommendations directed to the reduction of infertility are submitted.

Thesis (M.Med.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1987.