Help change mindset of public on infertility — Prof. Marsh
Professor Erica Marsh of the University of Michigan, USA, has urged Ghanaian health professionals to help change the mindset of the public about infertility. She said the erroneous impression that infertility was a female problem had gained roots in Ghana and other African societies, creating problems in many marriages.
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Prof. Marsh, who made the call at a continuous professional development workshop for doctors, medical students and other health personnel of the Family Health Hospital and Medical School in Accra, said, "Infertility is not only women’s problem but men’s as well."
The workshop, which focused on "Reproductive Endocrinology and Psychosocial Updates in Infertility", was organised by the Family Health Medical School of the Family Health University College.
According to Prof. Marsh, the lack of education had led society to always blame women, saying that "sometimes it is from women and sometimes it is from men."
She said the decision to have children depended on both partners, adding that couples with difficulties needed to seek medical help.
Medical check-up
The Founder of Family Health University College, Prof. E. Y. Kwawukume, noted that anytime there was an issue of infertility between couples, only the women attended medical check-up while the men seemed unconcerned, with the excuse of being healthy.
Prof. Charles C. Mate-Kole of the University of Ghana observed that some cultural and religious issues were also affecting couples with infertility problems.
Prof. Timothy Johnson, also from the University of Michigan, said: “The best solution to the issue of infertility is for couples to seek medical attention.”
