Infertility in Africa: A great manifestation of gender discrimination

Abstract

Infertility, barrenness or involuntary childlessness is a health problem that affects many couples culturally, socially and also psychologically. It is the inability to reproduce by natural means (Dyer, Abrahams, Hoffman& van der Spuy, 2002:1657-62) Infertility could be primary meaning the couple have never carried a pregnancy after at least one year of having sex without using any birth control method or inability to carry a pregnancy until birth. Secondary infertility which means couples have been able to get pregnant at least once but now are unable (Tabong & Adongo, 2013:Online). It is estimated that 10-20% of couples in the world suffer from infertility. The problem is more common in the low and middle income countries where 1 every 4 couples suffers from infertility (WHO, 2012: Online). The major cause of infertility in Africa is infection related which accounts for 85% compared to 33% worldwide (Ombelet, 2011:257-266). Other causes include low sperm count or sperm disorders and dysfunctional ovaries and hormonal imbalance. Although infertility is contributed 50% by men and 50% by women, the African woman bears the blame whenever a couple are infertile(Kumar& Singh,2015:191:196). The challenges stated below are the observations of the authors who are from different communities in Kenya and findings from studies on infertility in Africa.