• Male Factors: Low sperm count, poor sperm quality affecting the movement and shape of the sperm, and infections (e.g., sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhoea and chlamydia).
• Female Factors: Blocked fallopian tubes, ovulation disorders, and conditions like fibroids or endometriosis. Infections, especially from untreated sexually transmitted diseases leading to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), are a common cause of blocked tubes It is important to note that blocked tube(s) is the most common cause of infertility in African women.
• Other Factors: Increasing maternal age,, poor nutrition, genetic factors, and exposure to toxins can also contribute to infertility.

Infertility in sub-Saharan Africa often leads to social stigma, emotional distress, and marital disharmony/strain leading to eventual divorce in some cases as a high value is placed on childbearing in Africa. Women, in particular, may face significant social pressure and blame.

Treatment options vary based on the cause. Common treatments include medication for ovulation problems, surgery for blocked tubes or fibroids, and lifestyle changes to improve general health. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like in vitro fertilization (IVF) are available for both male and female factor infertility but may be costly and not easily accessible in all regions.

Early diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections that can lead to PID in female and also block semen tubes in male , maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and regular medical check-ups can help reduce the risk of infertility.

Couples facing infertility should seek advice from healthcare providers to explore appropriate treatment and support options. It’s crucial to recognize infertility as a societal issue, with both men and women contributing equally to its causes, rather than viewing it solely as a female problem.