A new era of fertility care is emerging—rooted in science, empathy and shared support.
The 15th International Conference of the Association for Fertility and Reproductive Health (AFRH), held in Lagos, seemed markedly different from the usual formal gatherings.
Men and women burdened with infertility struggles gathered in a convivial setting that validated their experiences and answered their most pressing questions. Speakers took turns to explain the science of infertility while debunking myths relating to in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
One standout session, called Open House, connected participants with fertility specialists on a one-on-one engagement, thereby breaking apart the limits to factual information.
Misinformation has, perhaps, been a major obstacle in the health sector, especially around reprodcutive health. By deepening knowledge about fertility care, the Open House session empowered couples to make informed decisions.
Across Nigeria, many other initiatives are now taking root. In several teaching hospitals, doctors embark on periodic campaigns in host community forums to debunk popular misconceptions about reproductive health.
As assisted reproductive technology gains traction, Nigeria is strengthening safeguards to protect couples from exploitation. Where many IVF centres across the country fall short of professional standards, AFRH and allied medical bodies have begun rolling out guidelines to ensure safer practices around fertility care.
This improved regulation aligns with a wider shift across Africa, where governments are gradually treating fertility care as a public health priority rather than a preserve for the elite.
Nigeria is exploring governmental frameworks such as South Africa’s national accreditation system (SANAS), which monitors clinics. These efforts help to establish a more ethical fertility landscape that shields vulnerable patients from predatory practices.
A holistic approach to fertility care
Individualised care is also becoming widespread. Across many Nigerian clinics, comprehensive diagnoses—stretching over months—help to boost fertility care.
This method, though slower, ensures that couples receive treatments that fit their unique needs. Implicit to this are counselling services helping patients manage the emotional toll of repeated procedures.
An increasing number of hospitals are now matching psychologists with fertility specialists, acknowledging the connection between mental health and reproductive health.
Lifestyle interventions also form part of the growing toolkit of solutions. Increasingly, experts emphasise nutrition, exercise, and the avoidance of harmful habits such as excessive consumption of alcohol, energy drinks, and processed foods.
In some urban centres, wellness initiatives such as FertilityCare Centres of Africa (FCCAf) are being integrated into fertility care, with dieticians and fitness coaches guiding couples to improve their chances naturally.
Globally, countries like India have blended traditional wellness practices such as yoga and mindfulness with assisted reproductive technology. This trend is slowly catching on in Nigerian clinics.
These interventions essentially remind patients that small lifestyle changes can lead to profound impacts, reducing reliance on invasive procedures alone.
A new era
Perhaps the most inspiring shift has been the rise of community. Support groups for couples experiencing infertility, once almost non-existent in Nigeria, are now emerging in cities like Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.
These groups provide not only emotional solidarity but also practical advice, helping families share their journeys and find encouragement in one another’s progress.
Although far from perfect, these initiatives signal progress in Nigeria’s fertility care, one that brings hope for couples seeking the joys of parenthood.
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