Knowledge, Causes And Effects Of 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 2006).

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..2008).

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 2005). 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 2007).

The lack of fundamental knowledge and awareness about the biological reproduction process is low worldwide but has reportedly higher incidence rates in under-developed countries.(Ademola, 1982). Fertility rates can increase if couples are made aware of basic facts such as ovulation time when they should be undergoing unprotected intercourse, the effect of age on fertility, and finally when to seek infertility treatment.[Patrizio, 2015]. Other infertility-related risk factors which adversely affect reproductive potential are sexually transmitted infections, PCOS, and lifestyle factors such as obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption, which are modifiable or preventable risk factors, and hence, if couples are made aware of refraining from such behaviors, it would increase their fertility potential.

Causes of infertility in women mostly precipitated on complications and obstructions in the reproductive tract as well as inability to ovulate. These complications and obstructions sometimes results from reproductive tract infections, such as Chlamydia and gonorrhoea infections often produce fertility problems4 . In some women the use of Intra-Uterine-Contraceptive-Devices (IUCD) has produced infections and Pelvic-Inflammatory-Diseases (PIDs); all these increase the chances of infertility among couples. Other possible causes of structural abnormalities include; scar tissue from previous pelvic region surgery, fibroid tumors, polyps, and endometriosis.A variety of microsurgical techniques may correct some of these complications.(Ademola, 1982).  

Furthermore, Kamel & Remah, (2010) asserted that infertility can cause a lot of psychological issues including stress, anxiety, depression, diminished self-esteem,declined sexual satisfaction, and reduced quality of life . The resulted psychosocial issues affect the female gender adversely more than her spouse [Patrizio, 2015], especially in societies where there are prejudices against women [Balen, and Bos, 2009]. As such, an infertile woman may show a relatively high level of frustration and anger which affect her relationship with family, friends and even her spouse. Likewise, infertile women are likely to develop mental illnesses, marital dissatisfaction, and impaired quality of life compared to the individuals of fertile group [Farrokh and Eslamlou, 2014].

1.2 Statement Of The Problem

Infertility among women of childbearing age is a multifaceted issue with significant implications for physical health, emotional well-being, and social dynamics. Despite its prevalence and far-reaching consequences, there remains a lack of comprehensive understanding and awareness surrounding the knowledge, causes, and effects of infertility in this demographic. [Farrokh and Eslamlou, 2014].

Many women of childbearing age lack sufficient knowledge about their reproductive health and fertility factors. Limited awareness of reproductive anatomy, menstrual cycle patterns, and fertility window can delay recognition of potential fertility issues and hinder timely intervention. The causes of infertility are diverse and often interrelated, encompassing hormonal imbalances, structural abnormalities, lifestyle factors, and age-related decline in fertility. However, there is a lack of clarity regarding the relative prevalence and impact of these factors within specific populations of women, making it challenging to develop targeted prevention strategies and treatment protocols. (Ademola, 1982). Infertility can evoke profound emotional distress and social stigma for women, impacting their self-esteem, relationships, and sense of identity. However, societal attitudes and cultural norms surrounding infertility may perpetuate feelings of shame, isolation, and inadequacy, further exacerbating the psychological burden experienced by affected individuals. Access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare services, including fertility evaluation, diagnostic testing, and assisted reproductive technologies, remains limited in many regions. Structural barriers such as cost, geographic location, and healthcare infrastructure disparities may prevent women from accessing timely and appropriate care, exacerbating disparities in fertility outcomes. 

Infertility can have profound implications for women's mental health and overall quality of life, leading to increased risk of depression, anxiety, and diminished well-being. However, there is a lack of research examining the long-term psychological effects of infertility and the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions in mitigating these impacts. Addressing these challenges requires a multidisciplinary approach that encompasses education, research, healthcare policy reform, and community support initiatives. By enhancing awareness, promoting equitable access to care, and fostering compassionate support networks, we can empower women of childbearing age to navigate their fertility journey with resilience, dignity, and hope.  (Ghaheri, 2015).

1.3 Objectives Of The Study

The overall aim of this study is to critically assess knowledge, causes and effects of infertility among women of child bearing age. Hence, the study will be channeled to the following specific objectives;

1. Assess the women's knowledge on the prevalence of infertility among women of child bearing age in Nigeria.

2. Assess women's knowledge on the causes of infertility among women of child bearing age in Nigeria

3. Assess women's knowledge on the effects of infertility among women of child bearing age in Nigeria.

1.4 Research Question

This study will be guided by the following questions;

i. What is the prevalence of infertility among women of child bearing age in Nigeria?

ii. What are the causes of infertility among women of child bearing age in Nigeria?

iii. What are the effects of infertility among women of child bearing age in Nigeria?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

Ho: Women does not have adequate knowledge towards infertility in Nigeria.

Ha: Women does have adequate knowledge towards infertility in Nigeria.

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.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The scope of the study borders on knowledge, causes and effects of infertility among women of child bearing age. Hence, the study will be delimited to married women in Alimosho Lagos 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.

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.

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