By Love Wilhelmina Abanonave
EYA Medical consultant, Dr. Esther Agbozo Yesutor, has called on society to stop stigmatizing women for their inability to conceive, emphasizing that it is a problem that affects the couple and in some cases is caused by the man.
According to her, infertility is a sensitive topic that refers to the inability of a couple to achieve conception after a year of regular unprotected sex and the absence of contraceptives which either the man or woman could be on. She noted that while it is often perceived as a woman’s problem, infertility can be caused by factors affecting both men and women.
Dr. Yesutor explained on the GTV breakfast show that there are two types of infertility: primary and secondary emphasizing that primary infertility normally has to do with couples who have never been able to achieve pregnancy, while secondary affects couples who have had a child before but are having difficulties conceiving again.
The medical consultant, driving home her point of some men being the causes of infertility, outlined various factors including issues with sperm production, any form of trauma, infections, smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity and stress. She also outlined some female factors which included ovulation issues, fibroids, and stress.
Dr. Yesutor emphasized the importance of investigating the causes of infertility before breaking the news that a couple is infertile to them. She noted that sperm analysis is typically the first step in determining the underlying cause of infertility to be sure the man has enough sperm to reproduce.
The medical consultant also highlighted alternative options for couples struggling with infertility, including In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and adoption.
Dr. Yesutor’s call to action comes as a reminder that infertility is a shared responsibility between couples and that society should reduce the stigma and blame often placed on women.
