The relationship between infertility and intentional delay of childbearing

Background and aims: The intentional delay of childbearing and its relationship with infertility are essential questions in the minds of couples and health service providers. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between infertility and intentional delay of childbearing in couples. Methods: This case-control study on 145 infertile couples with medical records at Al-Zahra Infertility Center of Shahrekord was in the case group, and 145 fertile couples covered by comprehensive health centers of Shahrekord were in the control group. Data were collected through a checklist and analyzed using SPSS software version 18. The chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and independent t-test were used with a significance level<0.05. The validity of the checklist was confirmed using the opinions of experts in the research field of this study. Results: The study’s results showed no difference in intentional delay of childbearing (the duration of contraceptive use) between the case and control groups. The most common contraceptive method used by both groups was the withdrawal method. The use of condoms and oral contraceptive pills (OCP) was significantly higher in the control group, and the use of intrauterine device (IUD) was significantly higher in the case group. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that the duration of use of contraceptive methods is not related to infertility, but the type of contraceptive method is related to infertility, so the rate of IUD use is more observed in infertile couples.