Have sex regularly to avoid infertility, expert says

Gynaecologist says there are methods of managing secondary infertility.

A couple should have sexual intercourse at least three or four days in a week, to help prevent secondary infertility and increase the female partner’s chances of getting pregnant, a gynaecologist at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Nathaniel, said.

Mr. Nathaniel, who spoke in an interview in Gwagwalada, Abuja, said “Secondary infertility is the inability to become pregnant or to carry a pregnancy to term, following the birth of one or more biological children,” he said.

The medical expert pointed out other factors that could lead to infertility such as low sperm count or zero sperm count in men could be a contributory factor.

The gynaecologist said that abnormality in the movement of the sperm, and sexually transmitted diseases not properly treated, could also contribute to infertility.

“For the female, it could be divided into sub groups: tubal factor (tubal blockage), which is one of the commonest causes of secondary infertility among couples.

“And ovarian factor (hormonal problem), such as ovarian disease, uterus problem, especially the cavity, the lining of the womb, among others contributed to secondary infertility in women.’’

According to him, the belief that infertility is a woman’s problem is not true, as infertility problems can be shared equally between the couple.

“Management of secondary infertility depends on its cause, but adequate sexual exposure, as well as drugs used to induce ovulation, among others, might be helpful in the treatment.’’

“For men, who have zero sperm count, they can go through a procedure called intracyto plasmic injection, that is the process of injecting sperm directly into the man. While the basic investigation for women is usually an abdominal scan to see whether there is any abnormality in their body system, also the tube will be tested to know its effectiveness.’’

The gynaecologist advised that things that could damage the tube should be avoided, especially carrying out abortions using unqualified persons.

He also encouraged couples to attend fertility clinics together to ensure better investigation and effective treatment.

Mr. Nathaniel further advised that infections should be treated early enough to avoid the blockage of reproductive organs.