Infertility has been classified as one of the global health issues which deserve uttermost attention to solve and couples have been called to keep an open mind and embrace alternatives to solve the issue.
A fertility herbal expert, Dr. Ekinyi Ochete, while speaking to newsmen over the weekend in Abuja, at the 2022 World Infertility Awareness Month, debunked myths about infertility while presenting options to those who may want to conceive.
It is reported that World Infertility Awareness Month is celebrated every June, to increase awareness regarding numerous infertility issues faced by couples across the globe; including problems related to male and female fertility.
Ochete advised Nigerians to embrace alternative medicines and treatments to solve problems of infertility.
“Yes, some causes of infertility can be overcome. All you need is a good doctor, a supportive family and an open mind.
“There is some evidence of benefit from acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and naturopathy in improving fertility outcomes for women with specific clinical infertility diagnoses.
“Acupuncture, yoga and art therapy may reduce infertility-related distress,” she said.
She said that infertility was a term used for couples who cannot conceive, as well as women who were unable to stay pregnant and often suffer miscarriages.
“While infertility can be tough on those experiencing it in Nigeria, a solution cannot be provided until awareness regarding the cause is created.
“Infertility is so common that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has recognised it as a public health issue for couples across the world,” she said.
Speaking on some of the common problems that cause infertility in women, the expert cited ‘polycystic ovary syndrome’’ which, according to her, is found in a high percentage of women.
“The syndrome has several stages and is often curable through medication and treatment.
“Other issues faced by women include a diminished ovarian reserve, where the eggs in a woman reduce with each menstrual cycle.
“There is also endometriosis, a condition where the growth of the tissue inside the uterus is moved outside. It is due to these problems that you have a lot of women undergo IVF treatments every year. Since fertility issues are not a rarity, it is recommended for women in Nigeria to embrace indigenous and original approaches in treatment,” she said.
She said infertility was now largely due to lifestyle and choices, especially unhealthy food, excessive consumption of alcohol, lack of rest, among others.
She enjoined the government to set up a regulatory body to standardise herbal products and ensure adherence to quality for Nigerian men and women to benefit.
Ochete further said the treatment of infertility in males and females vary in their associated risks, intensity and invasiveness which depend on the duration, cause, age and personal preferences.
“The physical, financial, and time commitment are the required factors for infertility treatment, which can range from medication therapy to induced ovulation, invasive manipulation of eggs and sperm outside of the body,” she said.
She, however, added that infertility awareness was a critical part of normalising conversation about fertility problems, adding that it was the first step in erasing stigma.
