Factors Responsible For Infertility Among Women Of Child Bearing Age

1.1 Background of the Study

Childbearing and raising of children are extremely important events in every human’s life and are strongly associated with the ultimate goals of completeness, happiness and family integration. It is widely accepted that human existence reaches completeness through a child and fulfils the individual’s need for reproduction. Human fertility, compared with other species of animal kingdom, is unfortunately low. (Benagiano, Bastianelli,and Farris 2016)

According to recent studies by the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 8- 10% of couples are facing some kind of infertility problem. Globally, this means that 50-80 million people are facing the problem of getting an integrated family. In the USA, approximately 5 million people have infertility problems, while in Europe the incidence is estimated around 14%. (Gnoth,Godehardt, FrnkHerrmannP, & Friol 2015)

The incidence of infertility is associated with geographic differences. For example, in some west-African communities infertility rate is around 50%, while in some western European countries is 12%. Likewise, differences are observed both in developed countries, where rates range from 3.5% to 16.7%, as well as in less developed countries, where rates of infertility range from 6.9% to 9.3%. It has also been observed that the causes are related to geographical differences. Especially in Western countries, the most common risk factor of infertility is age, while in Africa is sexually transmitted diseases.(Boivin, Bunting,Collins & Nygren 2017).

Infertility is defined as the inability of getting pregnant after trying for at least 6 months or one year, for women over 35 years old, without use of birth control means and while having normal sexual intercourse. Assisted reproduction includes all the methods used for fertilization, which is not achieved through sexual intercourse.(Ombelet,et al..2018).

In the past, people had little control over their fertility and couples that could not get a child had no other choice but to accept the fact. In contrast, although today infertility is a relatively common problem that touches deeply the soul of couples involved in this, medical science has increased the chances of giving solutions to the problem with the Assisted Reproduction. The first successful fertilization of human eggs in the laboratory was in 1978. The fact of the first child-birth by this process was a real milestone because it gave hope to the infertile couples as it offered a possible solution to the problem. Furthermore, in the USA, the first successful childbirth in 1981 through Assisted Reproduction led to rapidly increasing application of this method and the creation of specialized centers. (CDC,2014). Hence the purpose of this study was to investigate the causes of infertility in women of reproductive age.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

There is increasing recognition in the social science literature that infertility is a devastating problem for women, particularly in the high-fertility context of sub-Saharan Africa. Numerous medical conditions can contribute to infertility. In fact, most cases of infertility are due to other medical conditions. These disorders can damage the fallopian tubes, interfere with ovulation, or cause hormonal complications. Some of the main medical conditions associated with infertility are Polycystic ovaries syndrome (PCOS) is usually a hereditary problem and accounts for up to 90% of cases of an ovulation (Barbier, 2021). PCOS is associated with insulin resistance and it has directly correlated with obesity (Dahlgren et al., 2022). Hormonal anomalies that affect ovulation include hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and hyperprolactinemia (Legro, 2017).

Fertility declines with age. Female fertility is at its peak between the ages of 18 and 24 years (Agboola, 2014), while, it begins to decline after age 27 and drops at a somewhat greater rate after age 35. Ovarian dysfunction could be caused by weight loss and excessive weight gain with body mass index (BMI) greater than 27 kg/m 2 (Imami et al., 2018)). Excess weight has also been found to have effect on treatment efficacy and outcomes of assisted reproductive technique (Freundl et al., 2018).

Although there are no dietary or nutritional cures for infertility, a healthy lifestyle is important for avoid infertility. Some ovulatory problems may be reversible by changing behavioral patterns. Maintain a healthy weight is important because who are either over or underweight are at risk for fertility failure, including a lower chance for achieving success with fertility procedures. Moderate and regular exercise is essential for good health.

1.3 Objectives Of The Study

The overall aim of this study is to critically investigate the factors responsible for infertility among women of child bearing age in Asaba, Delta state. Hence, the study will be channeled to the following specific objectives;

1. Ascertain the prevalence of infertility among women of child bearing age in Asaba, Delta state.

2. Investigate the risk factors of infertility among women of child bearing age in Asaba, Delta state.

3. Investigate the effect of infertility among women of child bearing age in Asaba, Delta state.

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1.4 Research Questions

This study will be guided by the following questions;

i. What is the prevalence of infertility among women of child bearing age in Asaba, Delta state?

ii. What are the risk factors of infertility among women of child bearing age in Asaba, Delta state?

iii. What is the effect of infertility among women of child bearing age in Asaba, Delta state?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

Ho: The prevalence of infertility among women of child bearing age in Asaba, Delta state is low.

Ha: The prevalence of infertility among women of child bearing age in Asaba, Delta state is high.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study will serve as a material for enlightenment for mostly married couples, and the society at large. To a very great extent, this study will educate families on the need and how to manage family and societal pressures which are associated with the issue of infertility especially among women. The study will further caution the society on the implications of intruding into family matters as delicate as infertility, and the need to offer relevant support to victims of infertility not to add fire to the smoke. This study will add to the existing body of knowledge on medical sociology. It will create room for further research on the challenges associated with infertility among married women.

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1.7 Scope of the Study

The scope of the study borders on the factors responsible for infertility among women of child bearing age in Asaba, Delta state. Geographically the study will be carried out in Umuezei, and Umuagu in Asaba, Delta State.

1.8 Limitation of the Study

Like in every human endeavour, the researcher encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection, which is why the researcher resorted to a limited choice of sample size. More so, the researcher simultaneously engaged in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

Moreover, the case study method utilized in the study posed some challenges to the investigator including the possibility of biases and poor judgment of issues. However, the investigator relied on respect for the general principles of procedures, justice, fairness, objectivity in observation and recording, and weighing of evidence to overcome the challenges.

1.9 Definition Of Terms

Infertility: The inability to conceive after a period of 12 months of uncontrollable and unprotected sexual intercourse.

Couples: This refers to a man and woman united and legally bounded in marriage.

1.10 Organization Of The Study

This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows. Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (overview, of the study), historical background, statement of problem, objectives of the study, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study, definition of terms and historical background of the study. Chapter two highlights the theoretical framework on which the study is based, thus the review of related literature. Chapter three deals on the research design and methodology adopted in the study. Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding.  Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study.