An obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr Qudus Lawal, says untreated infections and unsafe abortions cause preventable infertility.
Lawal, a Consultant at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo, made the assertion in Lagos on Thursday.
He said that about one in four married couples in Nigeria experienced fertility issues.
He said that infertility was classified into primary and secondary, with primary infertility occurring when couples had never achieved conception.
According to him, secondary infertility occurs when women who previously had pregnancies experience difficulties achieving subsequent pregnancies.
He said that most infertility cases in Nigeria were secondary infertility, adding that many were preventable through timely treatment.
“A leading cause of this is sexually transmitted infections. Sexually transmitted infections lead to complications of blocked tubes when they are not well treated,” he said.
Lawal said that pelvic inflammatory disease, often caused by chlamydia and gonorrhoea, could result in blocked fallopian tubes when left untreated.
He said that epididymitis in men could damage reproductive organs, while unsafe abortions and poor obstetric practices could also contribute to infertility.
According to him, complications from unsafe abortions could cause uterine scarring, known as Asherman’s syndrome, or infections that damage the fallopian tubes.
He added that infections following childbirth could also cause infertility, while childhood infections, exposure to toxins, smoking and varicoceles could affect male fertility.
The gynaecologist identified hormonal and structural disorders, including polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis and uterine fibroids, as other possible causes of infertility.
He said that early detection and treatment of endometriosis could limit complications, while polycystic ovarian syndrome could be effectively managed.
Lawal called for fertility treatment facilities in public hospitals and the inclusion of fertility care in health insurance schemes to reduce treatment costs.
“Infertility is preventable when you identify the causes and treat them early. There is need to increase awareness about the factors that can lead to infertility,” he said.
He urged the government to promote awareness of infertility prevention, including treating infections promptly, avoiding smoking, alcohol, exposure to toxins and unsafe abortion practices, and educating students about these issues.
