Systematic review finds 54.8% of Indian women with reproductive morbidities seek treatment

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Frontiers in Medicine Published April 11, 2026 Medically reviewed May 25, 2026 DOI ↗ By Dr. Sofia Müller, MD · Lifespan & Whole-Person Care

Key Takeaway

Note that 54.8% of Indian women with reproductive morbidities seek treatment, influenced by socioeconomic factors and barriers.

This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed health-seeking behavior for reproductive morbidities among Indian women. The study population included women experiencing conditions such as menstrual disorders, gynecological infections, pregnancy complications, menopause-related problems, infertility, structural abnormalities, uterine prolapse, pelvic organ prolapse, vaginal prolapse, and chronic pelvic pain. The primary outcome measured the prevalence of health-seeking behavior for these reproductive morbidities.

The pooled prevalence of reproductive morbidities was 41.5% (95% CI: 31.2%–52.7%). Among those seeking treatment for at least one morbidity, the proportion was 54.8% (95% CI: 46.0%–63.4%). Regarding facility type usage among care seekers, 31.4% utilized government facilities while 54.7% used private facilities. Treatment modality distribution showed allopathic medicine at 66%, home remedies at 27.9%, AYUSH therapies at 12.7%, and over-the-counter medications at 15.4%. Additionally, 47% of women perceived no need for treatment.

Barriers to care utilization included symptom normalization at 60%, embarrassment at 16.3%, lack of awareness at 13.5%, financial constraints at 12.3%, communication difficulties at 27.3%, and distance to facilities at 8.4%. No adverse events or serious adverse events were reported as the study focused on behavioral patterns rather than pharmacological interventions. The study did not report specific limitations or funding conflicts. Education and socioeconomic status remain key determinants of health-seeking, while limited awareness and poor knowledge of reproductive health services continue to impede timely treatment.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis

EvidenceLevel 1

PublishedMar 2026

View Original Abstract ↓

IntroductionReproductive health-seeking behaviour is critical to maternal health and overall well-being, yet many reproductive disorders remain underdiagnosed and contribute substantially to morbidity in India. Health-seeking for reproductive health conditions is often limited by symptom normalization, stigma, lack of awareness, and restricted access to female healthcare providers. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify the prevalence of health-seeking behaviour for reproductive morbidities among Indian women and to summarise key factors influencing care utilisation.MethodsThe protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024562508), and the review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched from inception to January 29, 2026, for studies reporting reproductive health-seeking behaviour among women in India. Eligible studies addressed reproductive morbidities, including menstrual disorders, gynecological infections, pregnancy complications, menopause-related problems, infertility, structural abnormalities, including uterine prolapse, pelvic organ prolapse, vaginal prolapse, and chronic pelvic pain. Data were extracted, risk of bias was assessed, and quantitative findings were synthesized using a meta-analysis of proportions with the inverse-variance method. Heterogeneity was examined using Cochran's Q and the I2 statistic.ResultsThe pooled prevalence of reproductive morbidities among women was 41.5% (95% CI: 31.2%–52.7%). Overall, 54.8% (95% CI: 46.0%–63.4%) sought treatment for at least one morbidity. Among care seekers, 31.4% used government facilities and 54.7% used private facilities. Allopathic medicine was the most common treatment modality (66%), followed by home remedies (27.9%), AYUSH therapies (12.7%), and over-the-counter medications (15.4%). While 47% perceived no need for treatment, the key barriers included symptom normalisation (60%), embarrassment (16.3%), lack of awareness (13.5%), financial constraints (12.3%), communication difficulties (27.3%), and distance to facilities (8.4%).ConclusionThis SRMA highlights substantial gaps in health-seeking among Indian women with reproductive morbidities, with only about half seeking formal treatment. Education and socioeconomic status remain key determinants of health-seeking, while limited awareness and poor knowledge of reproductive health services continue to impede timely treatment.Systematic Review RegistrationPROSPERO CRD42024562508.