Dr Qudus Lawal, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, has warned that many cases of infertility are preventable, specifically pointing to untreated infections and unsafe abortions as major drivers.
The medical professional noted that these two factors often lead to irreversible damage to the female reproductive system, resulting in long-term complications for women seeking to conceive.
The warning comes amid growing concerns regarding reproductive health outcomes and the impact of medical negligence and unregulated procedures on women’s health in the country.
Dr Lawal raised these concerns while discussing how untreated infections and unsafe abortions cause preventable cases of infertility.
According to the gynaecologist, infections—particularly sexually transmitted infections (STIs)—can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) if they are not properly diagnosed and treated. When these infections are allowed to progress, they can migrate to the upper reproductive tract, causing scarring and blockages in the fallopian tubes, which significantly hinders natural conception.
Furthermore, the doctor highlighted the severe consequences of unsafe abortions. Due to various social, religious, and legal pressures, many women resort to clandestine procedures performed by untrained individuals or using unsterile equipment. Such practices often lead to uterine perforation, sepsis, or incomplete evacuations, all of which can cause permanent damage to the reproductive organs.
The impact of reproductive health neglect
The medical expert emphasised that the window for effective intervention is often missed because patients do not seek timely medical attention for symptoms of infection. He noted that many women only consult specialists after they have already faced significant reproductive challenges.
The issue of unsafe abortions remains a complex challenge within the Nigerian healthcare landscape. Health advocates have frequently pointed to the lack of access to comprehensive reproductive education and safe clinical services as a primary reason why women opt for high-risk, unregulated procedures.
Dr Lawal urged women to prioritise their reproductive health by seeking professional medical help at the first sign of infection symptoms and avoiding any medical procedures conducted outside of regulated clinical settings. The medical community continues to call for improved access to reproductive healthcare services to mitigate these preventable health crises.
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