Ghanaian actor Mr. Adjetey Anang recently shared his personal struggle with infertility, a challenge he and his spouse endured for seven years. Anang’s candid revelation underscores the emotional toll and societal pressures associated with infertility in Ghana.
Anang described the experience as a deeply trying period marked by fluctuating hope and mounting pressure. “There were moments of optimism, but also times of self-doubt,” he noted. “Attending social events like baby naming ceremonies was particularly difficult as we faced constant, often unsolicited, advice and prayers from others.”
Despite the hardships, Anang and his wife persevered, eventually welcoming a baby boy. His story highlights the broader issue of infertility stigma and the societal burden placed on those struggling to conceive.
Understanding Infertility
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. Dr. Edem Hiadzi, an obstetrician-gynaecologist and fertility expert, explains that while 5% of infertility cases remain unexplained, 40% are attributable to issues with either the woman or the man, and 15% involve both partners.
Infertility can be categorized as primary or secondary. Primary infertility refers to individuals who have never conceived, whereas secondary infertility affects those who have previously been pregnant but are now unable to conceive. Contributing factors include poor nutrition, untreated sexually transmitted infections, unsafe abortions, and other health complications.
Dr. Hiadzi emphasizes that untreated infections like HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea are significant contributors to primary infertility in women. Additionally, complications from prolonged labor can result in secondary infertility due to pelvic infections that block the fallopian tubes.
Infertility in Men
Cultural proverbs often place the burden of infertility on women, reflecting the deep-rooted societal expectations surrounding childbirth. Dr. Frank Ewusie Brown, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Presby Hospital in Donkorkrom, challenges this misconception, highlighting that male infertility is frequently overlooked.
Dr. Brown explains that male fertility involves more than just achieving an erection. Issues such as the absence of sperm production or poor sperm quality can prevent conception. “A man may be able to ejaculate but still be infertile if his sperm is nonviable or immobile,” he says.
Stigmatization and Its Impact
The stigma surrounding infertility in Ghanaian society manifests in various ways. Cultural norms view procreation as the ultimate purpose of marriage, and religious interpretations often exacerbate these pressures. Scriptures like Psalm 127:3-4 emphasize the value of children, which can lead to public prayers and exposure of childless couples’ struggles.
Dr. Ebenezer Tetteh Kpalam, a Clinical Psychologist and Pastor, warns that this stigma can lead to significant psychological distress, including depression and anxiety. The excessive focus on childbirth-related celebrations and the associated comments contribute to the emotional strain faced by couples struggling with infertility.
Dr. Kpalam also notes that religious guilt can further impact women, who may feel punished by divine forces for perceived sins. The frequent comparison to others who have achieved pregnancy through prayer can intensify feelings of inadequacy and trauma.
Navigating Infertility
Experts recommend that couples seek early and joint treatment for infertility, which can improve the chances of finding a solution. Alternative options such as artificial insemination, adoption, and surrogacy offer pathways to parenthood. Additionally, egg freezing presents a viable option for women who are not ready to conceive immediately.
Conclusion
Childbirth is a significant aspect of human life, but the stigma faced by those struggling with infertility only exacerbates their difficulties. Society must move towards greater empathy and support, recognizing that couples facing infertility often go to great lengths to achieve their dreams of parenthood.
Family and friends should offer love and support rather than judgment, while couples can find fulfillment through adoption and other means. Being a parent extends beyond biological reproduction, encompassing a range of ways to contribute to and enrich society.
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