Differences in Fertility and Assisted Reproduction in South Asian Women

Abstract

IntroductionAs racial and ethnic disparities are being recognized in all areas of medicine, interest in outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in different groups, such as South Asian women, has increased signifi cantly. Unfortunately, the true incidence of infertility in these women at a national level within the United States is unknown, as there is a lack of literature examining fertility across multiple ethnic groups living in the same geographic region. One reason for this limited information is lack of reporting. One study that systematically reviewed SART data from 1999 to 2007 found it diffi cult to draw conclusions on disparity outcomes due to the lack of universal reporting of race and ethnicity by practices. The study concluded that 35 % of cycles could not be used in their analysis because the data on race/ethnicity were indeterminate [ 1 ]. A recent study has shown an increased reporting in race, suggestive of a trend in the right direction [ 2 ]. However, many studies group all Asian women together (Chinese, Japanese, Indian, etc.), which makes analysis of data more diffi cult.Despite the lack of information, we can use other data to extrapolate the prevalence of infertility in South Asian women. Overall, infertility in the United States

The Association between Polymorphism of INSR and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis

“…It is associated with increased risks of infertility, impaired glucose tolerance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome [ 2 ]. While 6%–17% of reproductive-age women worldwide suffer PCOS [ 3 , 4 ], some ethnicities, such as South Asian, have higher incidence rates [ 5 ]. The exact molecular mechanism and cellular pathways underlying this disorder are still unclear.…”