Epidemiological, Clinical and Paraclinical Aspects of Couple Infertility at the Ebolowa Regional Hospital Center

Background: Couple infertility represents a growing public health challenge with profound psychological, social, and cultural implications, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In Cameroon, data remain limited in several regions, including the South. This study aimed to characterize the epidemiological and clinical profile of couple infertility at the Ebolowa Regional Hospital Center (ERHC), thereby contributing context-specific evidence to guide clinical practice and public health interventions. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection was conducted in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of ERHC from September 22, 2022, to September 22, 2023. Medical records of couples consulting for infertility and meeting World Health Organization diagnostic criteria were included. Sociodemographic, clinical, biological, and radiological data were extracted using a standardized pretested form and analyzed descriptively using Microsoft Excel 2010. Results: Among 1850 gynecological consultations, 262 were related to couple infertility, yielding a prevalence of 14.16%. Women had a mean age of 28.6 years, with the 26 - 30 age group most represented (32.1%). Male partner involvement in diagnostic evaluation was observed in 55% of cases. Most women were formally employed (67.9%) and living in cohabitation (44.3%). The mean frequency of sexual intercourse was 3.7 times per week, predominantly 3 - 4 times weekly (54.2%). A documented history of Chlamydia trachomatis infection was found in 41.2% of women. Primary infertility accounted for 64.1% of cases. Female factors were the leading cause of infertility (47%), mainly due to tubal obstruction (56.5%), uterine fibroids (24.4%), and polycystic ovary syndrome (15.3%). Male factors contributed to 32% of cases, with teratozoospermia (13.9%) and oligoasthenozoospermia (11.8%) being the most frequent abnormalities. Couple infertility is a major reproductive health concern worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where its psychosocial and societal impact is substantial. In Cameroon, regional data remain scarce, especially in the South Region. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of couple infertility at the Ebolowa Regional Hospital (ERHC). Conclusion: Couple infertility constitutes a substantial proportion of gynecological consultations at ERHC, with a predominance of primary infertility and female etiologies, particularly tubal damage likely related