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.
