Technology Alternatives to Challenging Infertility Issues in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Infertility has been a major reproductive issue worldwide causing instability in marriages. In the event of this, the society often views the woman as the cause of infertility and childlessness. Studies have proved that both males and females experience infertility issues. However, artificial reproductive technologies (ARTs) such as In vitro Fertilization and surrogacy have been used by couples in developed countries to produce offspring. This paper is thus a review on a public health issue which poses a grievous social problem in our society and brings about instability in relationships. This paper examines infertility and the use of technology alternatives in resolving the issue. Results from extensive review of literature shows that over 70 million couples have infertility issues worldwide amounting for 15% of reproductive aged couples globally. The prevalence in Nigeria is 30% as males contribute 40%, women 40% whilst the rest 20% are from a combination of other factors. Several measures are put in place to solve the problem of infertility including medical, surgical, artificial insemination or assisted reproductive technology (ART), which is one of the most successful, having a score of about 15 – 25% per cycle.  There is limited knowledge and fund to utilize assisted reproductive technologies especially in Nigeria, which has limited its use. It is therefore, recommended that the Ministry of Health carries out public enlightenment to educate the masses on ART to boost their fertility and subsidy should be put on the prices of ART services so as to make them affordable by infertile couples and aid childbearing.