The Burden of Infertility in Nigeria; the way forward.

Abstract

Having a population of more than 150 million and with over 370 ethnics groups, Nigeria is considered the most populated country in the African continent. However in Nigeria, there seems to be an increase in the burden of Infertility as reported from demographic surveys, epidemiological surveys and through clinical observations. A survey by the Department of Health Services for the period 1994-2000 put the prevalence rate of primary infertility at 22.7% in 15-49-year old women and 7.1% in 25-49-year-olds thus constituting the major burden on clinical service delivery in the country. The World Health Organization estimates that up to 60 percent of infertility cases in Nigeria are attributive to genital tract infections and advance maternal age. The way forward in ameliorating the increasing burden of infertility depends on proper management of the infertile couple through clinical counseling, and taking advantage of current available technological trends for infertility control such as Artificial Insemination and In Vitro Fertilization.