Infertility problems among African men, including Kenyans and Nigerians, are on the rise due to low sperm count as per reports. Studies revealed that proliferation of pesticides like malathion, endosulphan, DDT and others are top triggers of this low sperm count problem among males. While decline in sperm count is a global phenomenon and a leading cause of infertility, it is however found to be the highest in Africa. Changes in lifestyle among men across the world are thought to be largely responsible for the low sperm count. Fertility data from Africa shows that there is a decline of almost 72 percent in sperm count among men since 1965. Kenya is among one of those several African countries which has until recently been using DDT for controlling malaria. As per World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, sperm count which is less than 15 million sperms per milliliter of sperm is considered to be lower than normal. A national survey conducted in Kenya has found that almost 16 percent of all Kenyans of reproductive age across both genders happen to be infertile.
Most Common Types of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Procedures
Types of infertility treatments prescribed for couples normally depend upon the cause of problem and the duration for which they have been infertile. Personal preferences of the patient along with age of both partners are also taken into account. Moreover, there are some causes of infertility which can be corrected there are others which cannot be corrected. However, most couples can possibly achieve pregnancy through ART procedures in case they are unable to attain spontaneous pregnancy. But then, infertility treatments usually involve significant physical, psychological, financial and elaborate time commitments. Some of the most common ART infertility treatments sought by couples from all around the world include In Vitro Fertilization, Intrauterine Insemination and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection.● In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) – In Vitro Fertilization ART procedure involves combining the sperm and eggs within a laboratory. Following this, the embryos are assessed for quality and only then either one or more embryos are implanted within the uterus through cervix. In Vitro Fertilization is a high-tech treatment for infertility and accounts for almost 99 percent of ART procedures performed.
● Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) – Intrauterine Insemination is another ART procedure which involves placement of sperms within the female uterus in order to facilitate fertilization. Goal of intrauterine insemination however is to increase the number of sperms which are able to reach the fallopian tubes. This will subsequently increase chance of fertilization. Basically, intrauterine insemination provides an advantage to sperms by giving them a head start. Moreover, intrauterine insemination is a less invasive and less expensive infertility treatment option in comparison with other ART procedures.
● Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) – Most often used when there is poor sperm quality and quantity, intracytoplasmic sperm injection involves directly injecting a single healthy sperm into mature eggs. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is also sought when prior IVF cycles have failed to yield results. While in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection are quite similar in nature, the only difference is the method of achieving fertilization.
