Peter Obane, a gynaecologist at Calvary Estate Hospital, Benin, says female infertility in women may lead to other complications if not treated.
Peter said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Benin.
“Infertility is trying to get pregnant (with frequent intercourse) for at least a year with no success.
“Female infertility, male infertility or a combination of the two affects millions of couples in the Nigeria,’’ he said.
He said that an estimated 10 to 18 per cent of couples in Nigeria have trouble getting pregnant or having a successful delivery.
“A menstrual cycle that’s too long (35 days or more), too short (less than 21 days), irregular or absent can mean that you’re not ovulating.
“To get pregnant, your ovaries must produce and release an egg, a process known as ovulation.
“Without ovulation it is difficult for a woman to get pregnant.
“Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes keep sperm from getting to the egg or block the passage of the fertilized egg into the uterus,” he said.
The gynaecologist said the symptoms of infertility include irregular menstruation, blocked fallopian tubes and absent ovulation.
Others are painful periods, pelvic inflammatory disease, repeated miscarriages, prior cancer treatment or endometriosis.
Peter said the cause of infertility include Ovulation disorders, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Hypothalamic dysfunction, Excess physical or emotional stress and Premature ovarian failure.
He listed factors such as age, smoking, sexual history, weight and unprotected intercourse as higher risk of infertility.
Peter advised anyone with such symptoms to see a gynaecologist for treatment.