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There has been rising cases of fertility problems in Nigeria that leave many couples with pains as they cannot have children as at when due or not have at all. Experts believe that the rate of infertility is on the increase in recent times.
Both men and women have high record of infertility and this is attributed to many factors.
Male Infertility on the Rise in Nigeria
In Nigeria, male infertility is a significant concern with causes ranging from infections and hormonal imbalances to lifestyle factors and environmental exposures. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), hormonal abnormalities, and genito-urinary tract infections are major contributors. Additionally, lifestyle choices like smoking, alcohol abuse, and poor diet, along with environmental factors like exposure to toxins, can negatively impact sperm quality and production.
Specific causes of male infertility in Nigeria include:
- Infections:
STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea, as well as other genitourinary infections, can cause inflammation and damage to the reproductive organs, impacting sperm production and quality.
- Hormonal Imbalances:
Disruptions in hormone levels, such as testosterone and other reproductive hormones, can affect sperm production and maturation.
- Lifestyle Factors:
Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, obesity, and poor diet are linked to reduced sperm count, motility, and morphology.
- Environmental Factors:
Exposure to toxins like pesticides, heavy metals, and certain chemicals can negatively affect sperm health. Overheating of the testicles (e.g., from saunas or hot tubs) can also be detrimental.
- Genetic Factors:
Inherited genetic conditions can predispose men to infertility.
- Varicocele:
This is the swelling of veins in the scrotum, which can affect sperm quality and is a common cause of male infertility.
- Retrograde Ejaculation:
Semen flows backward into the bladder instead of being expelled during ejaculation, potentially due to conditions like diabetes or spinal cord injuries.
- Sperm Abnormalities:
Problems with sperm shape, size, and motility can affect their ability to fertilize an egg.
- Age:
While not always a direct cause, sperm quality tends to decline with age.
Women Infertility
In Nigeria, common causes of female infertility include ovulatory disorders, tubal damage, abnormal uterine factors, and endometriosis. These conditions can prevent or hinder the fertilization and implantation of an egg, or the maintenance of a pregnancy. Other factors like lifestyle choices (alcohol, smoking), obesity, and STIs also play a role.
Specific causes:
Ovulatory Disorders
Conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), hormonal imbalances, and premature ovarian insufficiency can disrupt the normal ovulation process.
Tubal Factors:
Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, often due to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) from STIs, can prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
Abnormal Uterine Factors:
Uterine fibroids, polyps, and other structural abnormalities can interfere with implantation or pregnancy maintenance.
Endometriosis:
This condition can cause inflammation and scarring, affecting the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus.
- Lifestyle and Environmental Factors:
Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and exposure to environmental toxins can negatively impact fertility.
- Age:
A woman’s fertility naturally declines with age, particularly after 35.
- Infections:
Untreated STIs can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and tubal damage.
- Other Medical Conditions:
Conditions like thyroid problems, hyperprolactinemia, and certain cancers can also affect fertility.
Solution to Male Infertility
Male infertility solutions range from lifestyle adjustments to surgical interventions and assisted reproductive technologies. Treatments depend on the underlying cause and may include medications, hormone therapy, surgery to correct structural issues or blockages, and assisted reproductive technologies like IVF or ICSL. Sperm retrieval procedures are also an option when sperm cannot be obtained through ejaculation.
Solution to Female Infertility
In Nigeria, solutions to female infertility primarily involve a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle adjustments. Medical options include ovulation induction, hormone therapy, surgical interventions, and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF and IUI. Lifestyle changes, such as addressing obesity, managing stress, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can also play a crucial role
