Accra: Women begin to experience a decline in fertility from the age of 18, losing approximately 1,000 eggs each month, according to Dr. Padi Ayertey, Secretary of the Fertility Society of Ghana (FERSOG). Dr. Ayertey, who serves as the Medical Director of Elimmas Health, shared these insights with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) during the annual general meeting and scientific conference of FERSOG, highlighting the impact of delayed childbirth on increasing infertility rates among women.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Ayertey emphasized that the peak of a woman's fertility occurs between 18 and 28 years. He noted that fertility begins to decline from the age of 18, and by the time a woman reaches 35, the majority of her eggs are depleted. The delay in childbearing poses significant challenges to fertility experts in Ghana, as many individuals are unaware of the need to start having children earlier in life.
Dr. Ayertey further stated that the diminishing number of eggs over time contributes to increased infertility, as people are opting to have children later in life. He advised that while achieving academic and career goals can be delayed, childbearing should not be postponed if individuals intend to have children.
Professor Titus Beyuo, former General Secretary of the Ghana Medical Association and Member of Parliament for Lambussie, addressed the conference, acknowledging the growing burden of infertility in Ghana. He attributed the rise in infertility rates to factors such as delayed childbearing, sexually transmitted diseases, obesity, poor lifestyle choices, and environmental toxins. Prof. Beyuo stressed the importance of awareness and education on infertility causes and solutions, urging FERSOG to leverage the media for public education.
In addition, Prof. Beyuo called for the inclusion of sexual and reproductive health education to dispel misconceptions about infertility, noting that some university students still perceive it as a curse. He also emphasized the need to address sexually transmitted infections, unsafe abortion practices, and lifestyle changes to combat obesity and stress, all of which contribute to the infertility issue.
