A Nigerian obstetrician and gynaecologist has warned that untreated reproductive tract infections and complications arising from unsafe abortions can lead to infertility, stressing that some cases could be avoided through early diagnosis and appropriate medical care.
Dr Qudus Lawal, a consultant at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Edo State, raised the concern during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday.
He said greater public awareness, access to medical treatment and affordable fertility services were necessary to reduce the burden of infertility among Nigerian couples.
Doctor Explains Primary and Secondary Infertility
Lawal described infertility as a reproductive health condition that can affect people who have never achieved a pregnancy as well as those who have previously conceived.
He explained that primary infertility refers to difficulty achieving a first pregnancy, while secondary infertility occurs when a person or couple experiences difficulty conceiving again after an earlier pregnancy.
The specialist said secondary infertility was a significant concern in Nigeria, particularly where infections and complications from previous reproductive health conditions had not been properly treated.
He estimated that about one in four married couples in the country experienced fertility challenges.
However, that figure was presented as the doctor’s estimate and was not accompanied by a nationally representative survey in the interview.
Untreated Sexually Transmitted Infections Can Damage Fallopian Tubes
According to Lawal, sexually transmitted infections are among the important preventable contributors to infertility.
He explained that infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease when they spread to the upper reproductive tract.
Pelvic inflammatory disease may damage or scar the fallopian tubes, making it more difficult for an egg and sperm to meet.
In severe cases, the damage can contribute to infertility or increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
The gynaecologist emphasised the importance of recognising symptoms, seeking medical attention and completing prescribed treatment.
He also warned that some infections can progress without obvious symptoms, making appropriate screening important for people at risk.
Infections Can Also Affect Male Fertility
Lawal said reproductive tract infections can contribute to fertility problems in men.
He identified epididymitis, an inflammation of the tube that carries and stores sperm, as one condition that may cause complications when not properly managed.
Some cases of epididymitis are associated with sexually transmitted infections, while others have different causes.
The specialist also mentioned varicoceles, smoking, exposure to harmful substances and certain childhood infections as possible contributors to male infertility.
He urged greater awareness that fertility problems can involve either partner and should not automatically be attributed to women.
Unsafe Abortion Complications May Affect Future Pregnancies
The doctor also drew attention to reproductive health complications associated with unsafe abortions.
He explained that severe infections or injury to the uterus during unsafe procedures could affect a woman’s ability to conceive later.
One possible complication is intrauterine scarring, sometimes called Asherman’s syndrome, which can develop after injury to the uterine lining.
Such scarring may interfere with menstruation, embryo implantation or future pregnancies.
However, infertility is not an inevitable consequence of abortion. The risk is particularly associated with complications such as infection and uterine injury, rather than with every abortion procedure.
Lawal also noted that infections following childbirth could damage reproductive organs if not identified and treated promptly.
PCOS, Endometriosis and Fibroids Also Affect Fertility
Beyond infections, the specialist identified hormonal and structural reproductive conditions as other possible causes of infertility.
These include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis and uterine fibroids.
PCOS can interfere with regular ovulation, while endometriosis may contribute to inflammation, pelvic scarring and difficulty conceiving.
Fibroids may affect fertility in some cases, depending on their size and location within the uterus.
Lawal said timely medical assessment could help identify these conditions and determine suitable treatment.
He noted that PCOS can often be managed, while early diagnosis of endometriosis may help patients access appropriate care before complications worsen.
Gynaecologist Calls for Affordable Fertility Treatment
The specialist urged the government to improve access to fertility care, particularly through public hospitals.
He advocated the establishment or expansion of fertility treatment facilities in government-owned health institutions.
Lawal also called for infertility services to be included in health insurance arrangements to reduce the financial burden on couples seeking treatment.
He said the cost of investigations, specialist consultations and assisted reproductive procedures could make fertility care difficult to access for many Nigerians.
Early Treatment and Public Education Are Essential
Lawal urged health authorities to intensify public education on reproductive health and infertility prevention.
He recommended prompt treatment of infections, avoidance of smoking and harmful environmental exposures, and access to safe, qualified reproductive healthcare.
The doctor also encouraged reproductive health education for young people so they could better understand the long-term consequences of untreated infections and unsafe medical practices.
His central message was that although not every cause of infertility can be prevented, identifying and treating avoidable risk factors early could help protect reproductive health.
He called for a healthcare approach that combines prevention, timely diagnosis, affordable treatment and support for people experiencing difficulty conceiving.
