In African society, whenever couple experience infertility problem, fingers are pointed at the woman. she becomes the “barren”. Here is my story:
My phone rang at exactly 5:00 am. it was mama calling. I became agitated and hoped everything was alright at home. I suddenly remembered our 7th marriage anniversary, smiled, and picked up the call.
After exchanging pleasantries, I expected her to wish us well on our anniversary alas! mama snapped “I can’t sleep. I want to see my grandchildren before I enter my grave. My body shivered with goose pimples all over.
My mouth felt heavy but I managed a few words out of it “we are trying mama… The doctor said I have PCOS(polycystic ovarian syndrome). I’m on diet and medication…”
“Keep quiet and leave the doctor out of this. Have you gotten any positive results ever from your so-called doctor? What about the concoction I sent to you? Did you take it? And the ointment for your belly massage? Did you apply it?”
My lips were frozen. I haven’t seen her so irritated and angry in a long time. I felt it down to my bones.
Mama continued “I have told you evil eyes are real and devils are at work. Now you are aiding them to perpetuate their evil plans. I won’t allow you to destroy my lineage. See me at your house in the evening”. She hung up the phone. I stood in a spot for a couple of minutes. I didn’t know what to do. I know mama would do precisely what she said. It would take her about 14 hours from the village to the city where we live. She wouldn’t mind undergoing the stress.
I hurried and prepared to see the doctor.
As I stepped into the gynaecology department, the doctor sighted me with a cheerful smile. With the expression on my face, he could tell everything wasn’t well.
I explained how I was feeling. He asked about my menstrual cycle and other hormonal-related symptoms. I told him it’s still irregular. He suggested I do a blood test to include PT(pregnancy test). I was reluctant at first; because I usually end up feeling embarrassed and depressed but he insisted. I did a blood test and returned with the result without thinking much about it.
I gave him the test result without looking in his direction. He said
” Congratulations, you are three weeks gone! “
I heard but didn’t understand. It felt like a knife pierced my heart. My palms were covered with sweat as a million thoughts ran through my mind in seconds. He said again “congratulations you are pregnant”. I screamed! No, I roared. I couldn’t believe my ears. I pinched my thighs to confirm I was alive and not just a dream. It was hard to believe that after 7 good years, there was hope to bear fruits.
(To be continued).
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Is infertility a woman’s problem?
Overview
Infertility is a medical condition whereby a woman is unable to get pregnant after about 12 months of exposure to sexual intercourse.
Often, whenever there’s an issue with infertility, we see it as a woman’s personal problem to conceive. However, infertility is a health problem that can affect both genders. It can happen as a result of the medical condition of a man or woman or a combination of both partners. The good news is, it’s a condition that can be managed or improved with medical assistance
Types of infertility
- Primary; Here a woman is never pregnant after 12 months of trying to conceive or have a baby
- secondary: Here a woman has given birth to at least a child or two but cannot conceive afterwards.
Causes of delayed pregnancy
- Health conditions: like hypertension, and diabetes. Sickle cells anaemia etc,
- Hormonal imbalance; such as irregular menstrual cycle, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), etc.
- Low sperm count/testosterone
- Exposure to environmental factors such as smoking, drinking alcohol
- Sexual Transmitted Disease(STD)
- Stress
Note;
There are no apparent signs of infertility except that. the woman cannot get pregnant after trying to conceive for 12 months.
Do you have a problem or question about infertility? Click here to talk to our fertility specialist.
