MEDICAL EXPERTS RECOMMEND EARLY MEDICAL INTERVENTION, AWARENESS TO TACKLE FERTILITY CHALLENGES AMONG COUPLES
BY FAKEYE ADERONKE
Medical experts have called for increased awareness, early medical intervention, and a balanced approach to addressing infertility, stressing that both male and female factors contribute equally to fertility challenges among couples.
The call was made on Tuesday during the 20th Annual Scientific Conference of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos (UNILAG), with the theme “Women’s Reproductive Health: Navigating the Labyrinth with Silent Heroes.”
Speaking at the event, Prof. Christian Makwe, a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, described women seeking fertility treatment as “silent heroes” who often endure immense physical and emotional challenges in their quest for conception.
Makwe explained that infertility could arise from both male and female factors, highlighting several treatment options available to couples. These, he said, include ovulation induction, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), surrogacy, and adoption.
He noted that the success of ART largely depends on patient or couple characteristics, as well as the expertise and resources of the attending clinician or fertility centre.
In his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Prof. Olufemi Fasanmade, said the conference theme underscores the importance of restoring hope to couples struggling with infertility.
According to him, the discussions and presentations at the event made it clear that infertility is not solely a woman’s problem, as male-related factors also play a significant role.
“Many couples can overcome infertility if they seek medical help early,” Fasanmade stated, urging couples to present themselves for proper evaluation and treatment rather than resorting to traditional or unverified remedies.
Also speaking, Dr. Rufus Ojewola, Chairman of the Scientific Sub-Committee, emphasized that the conference aimed to promote better understanding of women’s reproductive health and fertility care.
Ojewola reiterated that infertility should not be viewed as a woman’s issue alone, noting that studies have shown male factors account for about 50 per cent of infertility cases, with the remaining half attributed to female factors.
He called for continuous public education, improved access to reproductive health services, and greater societal empathy for couples dealing with fertility challenges.
The conference brought together medical practitioners, researchers, and fertility experts who exchanged ideas on improving reproductive health outcomes and advancing fertility care in Nigeria.
