Women
A Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist, Dr Adesumbo Odeseye, has emphasised that responsibility for infertility should not be borne by women alone, noting that medical evidence showed men and women contributed almost equally to fertility challenges.
Odeseye, who is the Medical Director of Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation (KAAF) Specialist Hospital at the University of Lagos made this known during a webinar.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the webinar organised by The Covenant Nation, Isolo Medical Unit, had the title “Female Infertility: Myths Vs Facts.”
She said that societal and cultural beliefs often placed blame on women whenever couples experienced difficulties getting children, in spite of scientific evidence showing a more balanced distribution of causes.
According to her, male infertility factor accounts for about 30 per cent while the female factor also accounts for about 30 per cent with other factors accounting for 20 per cent of the cause of infertility.
She added that about 10 per cent of infertility cases remain unexplained, even after thorough medical evaluation of both partners.
Odeseye noted that conception involved several organs and biological processes, including the brain, ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus, rather than the womb alone.
“Infertility should be view as a couple’s challenge rather than an issue affecting one partner alone.
“It is not fair for the woman to be looked at as the automatic cause of infertility. I have seen many cases where the man is the contributing factor,” she said.
On secondary infertility, a condition in which a couple struggled to achieve another pregnancy after previously conceiving, Odeseye said many couples wrongly assume that having a child previously guaranteed future fertility.
She noted that age remained a major factor affecting fertility, particularly among women.
Explaining, Odeseye said, “Women are born with all the eggs they will use throughout their reproductive lives.
“However, ovarian function gradually declines with age, with noticeable reductions from age 35.”
According to the expert, fertility declines more rapidly after age 40 as both egg quantity and quality reduces .
“Previous successful pregnancies do not provide complete assurance of future conception.
“Health conditions, age and other biological changes may alter fertility status over time for both men and women.,” she said.
She advised couples experiencing difficulties conceiving to seek proper medical evaluation rather than relying on assumptions based on age or previous pregnancies.
Responding to concerns about family planning, the medical director said modern contraceptive methods generally did not cause infertility or permanently damage a woman’s reproductive system.
According to her fertility, usually returns soon after discontinuation of most modern contraceptive methods.
The expert said long-acting reversible contraceptives, implants, intrauterine devices and condoms do not delay fertility after use.
The gynaecologist, however, noted that some contraceptive injections may temporarily delay the return of fertility but do not cause permanent infertility.
“Do not let fear of infertility stop you from using family planning and then end up with an unwanted pregnancy,” she advised.(NAN)
A.I
Aug. 4, 2026
Tags: Dr Adesumbo Odeseye Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation