Lagos, Nigeria — Medical experts have called for early medical consultation and balanced awareness in addressing infertility among couples, emphasizing that both male and female factors contribute equally to the challenge.
The experts, drawn from the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, spoke during the faculty’s 20th Annual Scientific Conference and Gathering held in Lagos. The event’s theme, “Women’s Reproductive Health: Navigating the Labyrinth with Silent Heroes,” spotlighted the struggles of couples battling infertility and the need for holistic medical solutions.
Delivering his presentation, Professor Christian Makwe, a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, described women seeking fertility care as “silent heroes.” He noted that infertility could arise from both male and female causes, identifying treatment options such as ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), assisted reproductive technology (ART), surrogacy, and adoption.
Makwe stressed that the success of ART depends on multiple factors, including patient characteristics, clinician expertise, and the quality of medical facilities.
Speaking earlier, Professor Olufemi Fasanmade, Dean of the Faculty, said the conference theme reflected the institution’s commitment to “bringing smiles to the faces of couples facing fertility issues.” He emphasized that infertility is not solely a women’s issue, urging couples to seek timely medical help, as “early intervention often improves treatment outcomes.”
Similarly, Dr. Rufus Ojewola, Chairman of the Faculty’s Scientific Sub-Committee, reiterated that infertility affects both genders equally. “It is important to correct the misconception that infertility is only a woman’s problem,” he said. “Research shows that 50 percent of infertility cases stem from male factors, while the other half are female-related.”
The conference underscored the need for greater awareness, empathy, and access to modern fertility treatments in tackling the growing reproductive health challenge in Nigeria.
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