By Chioma Obinna

Undoubtedly, infertility, the inability to conceive after a year of unprotected intercourse, is a common challenge faced by couples globally. While often associated with women, infertility affects men and women equally; hence, infertility experts say it should be seen as a shared responsibility.

A Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist/Fertility Expert, Dr Edem Hiadzi says infertility affects men and women equally.

Hiadzi said there was a need for men to share the treatment journey, adding that about half of the causes of infertility are due to, or Include, malefactors.

He said infertility is one of the most common conditions affecting the reproductive age group between 20 and 45 years.

Hiadzi, who is also the CEO of Lister Hospital & Fertility Centre, Accra, Ghana, highlighted the importance of shared responsibility, stating that men should undergo fertility testing alongside women.

Currently, infertility is a problem across the globe. For instance, the prevalence in the United Kingdom is 6 percent, USA-10 percent, Sub-Saharan Africa: 20-30 percent, and South East Asia, East Asia and Oceania: 19-27 per cent.

The immediate Past President of the Fertility Society of Ghanaian (FERSOG), in his presentation tagged: “The link Between Infertility and Infectious Diseases Male Infertility”, sheds light on the causes, prevention, and importance of shared responsibility in the journey towards parenthood.

Breaking down the causes of infertility, he said 40 per cent are due to male factors, including low sperm count, motility issues, or blockages, while another 40 per cent are due to female factors, such as Ovulation problems, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or blocked fallopian tubes.

According to him, 15 percent are due to combined factors from both partners while 5 percent is due to unexplained causes.

Hiadzi who spoke during the 11th edition of Merck Foundation Asia Luminary held in Tanzania, pointed out that in developing countries, the high level of infertility is due largely to the consequences of reproductive tract infections.

“These are commonly from sexually transmitted infections, post abortal infections, and puerperal infections, which lead to tubal occlusion and peritubal adhesions.”

Continuing, Hiadzi said several studies have shown higher levels of infectious organisms in infertile women compared to fertile controls.

He said infertility is one of the most common conditions affecting the reproductive age group between 20 and 45 years.

Urging men to get tested alongside their wives, he regretted that infections associated with unsafe abortion lead to tubal blockage and unfortunately, only a few women in developing countries obtain care from trained personnel at delivery while the majority still rely on traditional birth attendants where non-sterile delivery procedures are practised.

“The result is a high rate of pelvic infection after delivery.

For men, viral infections like mumps may also affect the testis leading to infertility. Other causes in the male include; previous hernia repair.

Varicocele may lead to low sperm count. Also, sexual dysfunction – premature ejaculation among others.”

Continuing, he said, that since the major cause of infertility in Sub-Saharan Africa is from pelvic infections in both males and females, it is clear that a better approach to its management is to direct programmes towards prevention at various levels.

Hadzi stressed the need for individuals to prevent sexually transmitted infections, post-abortal infections and post-delivery infections.

Further, he called for early recognition and aggressive treatment of sexually transmitted infections and prompt treatment of post-abortal and puerperal sepsis to prevent future infertility.

“Go to a health facility when you suspect any pelvic infection. Do not self-medicate. Where infertility is irreversible, the couple should accept their fate and consider options of adoption or IVF treatment.

He called for continuing sex education promoting safe sex practices and responsible behaviour, adding that, access to effective contraception like condoms would reduce unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions.

He said people should go for early diagnosis and treatment for STIs to prevent complications as well as prompt intervention for post-abortion and post-delivery infections.

He further advised that women going through infertility challenges should eat a balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight as being underweight or overweight can affect their hormone production or result in disturbances in their monthly periods, which can cause infertility.”Women trying to get pregnant may want to limit caffeine.”

Speaking, Dr. Janita Neermul Bhujun, Medical and Health Officer, Brown Sequard Mental Health Care Centre Mauritius Merck Foundation highlighted the challenges couples face during infertility.

She urged journalists to learn to write inspiring stories on infertility stigma and other social issues like GBV, Child marriage, FGM etc.

She traced the reasons why women are stigmatised to poor knowledge of fertility, infertility issues, and financial problems.

Janita Neemul Bhujun said understanding the causes, taking preventive steps, and seeking professional guidance, couples can navigate their infertility journey together.