The problem of infertility in men and women
Infertility is a global issue that affects both men and women. It has been described as the most important reproductive health concern of women and men in Nigeria.
There are different causes of infertility among men and women and these issues have been a major barrier for women and men trying to conceive.
Infertility is a disease of the male or female reproductive system, defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. It can cause significant distress, stigma, and financial hardship, affecting people’s mental and psychosocial well-being.
In 2023, a World Health Organisation, W.H.O. report shows that a large number of people are affected by infertility in their lifetime, according to a new report published today by WHO.
Also, around 17.5% of the adult population – roughly 1 in 6 worldwide – experience infertility, showing the urgent need to increase access to affordable, high-quality fertility assistance for those in need.
However, the infertility prevalence varies across regions. The rates are comparable for high-, middle- and low-income countries, indicating that this is a major health challenge globally. Lifetime prevalence was 17.8% in high-income countries and 16.5% in low- and middle-income countries.
Causes of Infertility Among Men and Women
The incapacity to conceive following a year of unprotected sex is known as infertility, and it impacts millions of couples globally, including those in Nigeria. About 10 – 30% of Nigerian couples are reported to be infertile and many had previously not known the cause of infertility.
The three main problems with infertility in Nigeria are perception, health-seeking behaviour, and the social impact of infertility. There is a negative perception of infertility problems, leading those affected to delay seeking medical attention.
Age, Endometriosis, Chronic diseases such as diabetes, lupus, arthritis, hypertension, and asthma, Hormone imbalance, Environmental factors, too much body fat or very low body fat, and abnormal Pap smears that have been treated with cryosurgery or cone biopsy are some of the factors responsible for infertility.
The cause of infertility varies among women and men. For instance, the continued decline in sperm concentration and general male reproductive health has been attributed to different causes such as smoking, alcohol intake, obesity, medications, and health ailments peculiar to the male gender.
Also, a Dataphyte report shows that globally, the fertility rate across the globe is declining, driven largely by female educational attainment and contraception access which aims to reduce the fertility rate.
Problems with ovulation are the most common reasons for infertility in women. A woman's age, hormonal imbalances, weight, exposure to chemicals or radiation and cigarette smoking all have an impact on fertility.
How Infertility Can Be Reduced
Solutions to fertility problems often require medical attention. Some of the solutions to infertility include medication, surgical procedures, assisted conception – including intrauterine insemination (IUI) and In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).
The Director-General at WHO, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said “The sheer proportion of people affected shows the need to widen access to fertility care and ensure this issue is no longer sidelined in health research and policy so that safe, effective, and affordable ways to attain parenthood are available for those who seek it.”
Research from the University of California, San Francisco shows that overall human health is a reflection of reproductive health and a sustainable healthy life. Some of the important recommendations for a healthy fertile life include exercising, staying physically active to maintain fitness, and adding weight training as you age, especially if you're over 40, to increase muscle mass and maintain a healthy body.
While exercising, it is important not to over exercise and strain your body, such as consistently running more than 6 to 10 miles a day.
Avoid smoking. Smoking lowers your chances for pregnancy and increases the risk of miscarriage. Smokers also tend to go through menopause two years earlier than non-smokers.
Never have unprotected sex. The sexually transmitted infection acquired today can affect fertility tomorrow. When you're ready to have children, don't delay. The age of the female partner is the number one determinant of successful fertility treatment for couples. The duration of infertility is the second most important factor.
Once you're actively trying to conceive, don't delay evaluation, especially if you're over 35. If your cycles are regular, seek help after 12 months, or after six months if you're over 35. If your cycles are not regular, seek help immediately. Once you've started treatment, expect the evaluation to be completed in no more than two months and treatment cycles to range from three to six months before progressing to the next step.
Stay informed. Be the captain of your ship and always understand what is asked of you by your doctor. Ask questions, understand the process and be actively involved in your health. The best approach to staying fertile in today's busy world is to take care of yourself: eat well, sleep well, reduce your stress and take all things in moderation.
A good healthy body is a good reproductive body.
Thanks for reading this edition of SenorRita. It was written by Kafilat Taiwo and edited by Joachim MacEbong.
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