Factors affecting time to pregnancy, Kermanshah, Iran, 2011

The time needed to achieve a wanted pregnancy is referred to as time to pregnancy (TTP). Due to differences in lifestyles and geographical locations in different countries, factors affecting TTP may be different in various countries. This study was conducted in 2011 to determine factors affecting time to TTP in Kermanshah, Iran. In this case-control study 174 women with TTP>12 months (cases) and 587 women with TTP<=12 months (controls) were selected. The tool for collecting data was a questionnaire. The SPSS-16 software was used for data analysis, a p-value <0.05 being considered as statistically significant. Multivariate analysis showed that factors decreasing TPP statistically significantly were women's education level (≥high school diploma; OR=0.854, CI 95%=0.741-0.984), frequency of intercourse in a week (OR=0.728, CI95%=0.631-0.839), blood group A compared to O (OR=0.639, CI95%=0.405-1.01), and non-exposure to smoking (OR=0.606, CI95%=0.380-0.965). On the other hand, factors increasing TPP were a woman's irregular menstrual cycle (OR=3.701, CI95%=2.127-6.441), lack of physical activity (OR=1.920, CI95%=1.263-2.918) and a body mass index (BMI) higher than 25 (OR=2.221, CI 95%=1.489-3.312). According to the results of this study, a high BMI and lack of exercise increase, while factors such as frequency of intercourse decrease the length of TTP. Couples seeking medical intervention for pregnancy often disregard factors associated with TTP. It is recommended that care-providers support these couples, promote their awareness, and give them suitable advice.