The Effect of Caesarean Section on Bringing About Secondry Infertility

The rate of Caesarean section has been on the rise in the past 25 years without any evidence of improved prospects for the mother or baby. Caesarean section is associated with important potential consequences, including subfertility, uterine rupture, and placenta previa. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between caesarean section and subfertility among women who had planned a future pregnancy. This historical cohort study was done in Besat Hospital in Sanandaj. All women who had history of vaginal delivery (Control Group) or caesarean section (Case Group) were regarded eligible to be included in the study. We examined the relationship between previous caesarean section and the time interval before planned conception among women who had previously delivered a live child. Specific fertility information included previous obstetrical and gynaecological history, sexual experience, oral contraceptive use; including duration of use, duration of cohabitation, paternity, regardles of having any plan for pregnancy and the time interval needed for conception. One of the interesting factors was age of mothers. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistical methods.According to the result of this study 234 pregnant women with history of previous cesarean section and 392 pregnat women without that history were included in our study. The mean time interval after taking decision for pregnancy up to conception was 9.63 (SD=9.41) months in cesarean group and 6.00 (SD=6.31) months in control group. The differences between two group were significant (p=0.001). The effect of Caesarean section on producing secondry infertility was significant (RR=1.88, P=0.001).Conclosion: These findings suggest a relationship between Cesarean section and subfertility. Subfertility may be a consequence of Cesarean section, and may lead to social, health and economical problems.