During 1998, FPAI clinics registered 1,314 new cases of infertility, continued to treat 1,454 existing cases, and reported 87 live births. Infertility services also have encouraged women and men to seek other reproductive health services, such as treatment for reproductive tract infections. Misconceptions about infertility and its causes are widespread in most communities. FPAI cannot afford to equip its clinics with good laboratory set ups. Infertile couples must visit multiple facilities for diagnostic tests and treatments.
Couples drop out when infertility investigations and treatment become too expensive.
Family planning centers can provide infertility services with minimal additional infrastructure and personnel by relying on a strong referral network for specialized services. Infertility services can become self supporting in the long run, although they must be nurtured initially. Infertility services are more effective when they are coupled with an educational component. Regular updating of service providers is essential. Programs must devise appropriate indicators and reporting formats to evaluate infertility services.