Health

An Abuja-based Naturopath and fertility expert, Dr Kingsley Onuzuleke, on Friday, advised intending couples to ascertain their fertility status before marriage.

Onuzuleke gave the advice in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

He defined naturopathy or naturopathic medicine as a form of alternative medicine that employs an array of pseudoscientific practices branded as “natural”, “non-invasive”, and as promoting “self-healing”.

The ideology and methods of naturopathy are based on vitalism and folk medicine, rather than evidence-based medicine

He said that the need for intending couples to know their fertility status had become important as cases of infertility among couples was on the rise in the country.

Onuzuleke added that correcting such challenges before marriage would help to address any malfunction that could lead to delay in conception, as well as conflict in marriage.

He said “there is an ongoing campaign to create awareness for intending couples to know their fertility status just the way they test for their blood group, genotype and HIV status before marriage.

“We are also appealing to religious leaders to take-up the responsibility so that such fertility test becomes a prerequisite before wedding.

“Both intending couples need to know if they are fertile or not, because Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), infections, viral infections and chromosome deficiencies from either of the partners can also cause infertility.

“Early diagnosis of such infections can be treated, for a more peaceful and stronger relationship among couples.’’

He listed some fertility tests for men to include analysis to determine if sperms are normal and healthy, functional and highly motile, and test for hormonal imbalance and ejaculation issues.

The women, he said, could undergo test for STDs, which could affect the reproductive organs, as well as ovulation and hormonal checks.

Onuzuleke stressed that age could also play a role in female infertility, saying that delay in marriage could decrease the likelihood of conception.

He added that “age is a growing cause of infertility: we encourage women not to delay marriage because from 35 years, the quality of eggs produced would begin to depreciate, then conception becomes more difficult.

“Couples already married should seek urgent medical assistance after one year of unprotected sexual intercourse.

“Infertility has led to broken homes and families, let’s take care of our health and seek medical advice with proper treatment on time to avoid costly treatment, stress and disrupted families.’’