ONE in six couples are diagnosed with infertility.
That is according to the Infertility Awareness Association of South Africa (IFAASA), who encourages couples to seek help to ensure a proper diagnosis and informed decision, and for the population to educate themselves about infertility and to remember that pregnancy is a privilege that not every couple is afforded.
For couples struggling with infertility, education and early diagnosis is vital.
It is important to see a specialist for a complete fertility work-up and diagnosis.
Once a diagnosis is made through a Fertility Specialist the couple is then empowered with information to make the best decisions, for themselves, going forward.
Reproductive Health Month in South Africa is recognised annually in February but the focus has mostly been on sexually transmitted diseases, with little or no recognition given to infertility, despite the clear definition given to the awareness month: ‘Reproductive health implies that people are able to have a responsible, satisfying and safe sex life and that they have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if, when and how often to do so.’
Implicit in this are the rights of men and women to be informed of and to have access to safe, effective, affordable and acceptable methods of fertility regulation of their choice, and the right of access to appropriate health care services that will enable women to go safely through pregnancy and childbirth and provide couples with the best chance of having a healthy infant.
Warning signs of infertility
It is important that only patients that exhibit at least one of these warning signs of infertility seek help
Females
•Patients under 35 who have been trying to conceive for more than 12 months
•Patients 35 years and older who have been trying to conceive for more than 6 months
•Irregular cycles or if a diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)has been made
•Pain during menstruation and /or intercourse or if a diagnosis of endometriosis has been made
•Previous surgery in the pelvis
•A history of PID (Pelvic infection) or sexually transmitted disease
•Body mass index (BMI) of more than 30
•Patients who have had or are planning to have cancer treatment
•Patients 35 and older who are not in a relationship may consider egg freezing
Males
•Previous sexually transmitted disease
•Previous testicular surgery or trauma
•Men who experiences chronic pain in genital area
•The use of anabolic steroids or gym supplements
•A history of mumps during teenage years
•Excessive smoking, alcohol use and/or illicit drug abuse
•Body mass index of more than 30
•Men with erectile dysfunction
•Patients who have received or planning to receive cancer therapy
