President of the Fertility Society of Ghana and a renowned gynecologist, Dr. Edem Hiadzi, has urged women who feel unprepared to have children during their prime reproductive years to consider egg freezing.
Speaking at a workshop organized by the Merck Foundation in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady and the Ghana Journalists Association, Dr. Hiadzi emphasized the importance of this measure in preventing future infertility issues and planning family needs.
Egg freezing involves the removal and cryogenic storage of eggs from a woman’s ovaries, allowing them to be used later when the woman is ready to start a family.
Dr. Hiadzi highlighted that this technology offers women the flexibility to delay childbearing without the pressure of biological constraints.
“This method can significantly increase the chances of successful conception later in life, especially as fertility naturally declines with age,” he explained.
The workshop aimed to empower journalists to report accurately and sensitively on infertility, fostering a more informed and compassionate public discourse.
Dr. Hiadzi discussed the egg freezing process, noting that eggs harvested and stored at a younger age are most viable, thus improving the likelihood of successful pregnancies in the future. He assured that the procedure is safe and becoming more accessible, urging women to consult with healthcare providers to understand the best timing based on their individual circumstances.
Addressing a broader scope of infertility issues, Dr. Hiadzi emphasized that infertility affects both men and women.
“The journey must be shared by both men and women,” he stated.
He pointed out that male infertility can result from various factors, including hormonal imbalances, genetic defects, lifestyle choices, and environmental exposures.
Dr. Hiadzi also provided advice for men to mitigate infertility risks, recommending the avoidance of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, which are known to contribute to male infertility.
He cautioned against high-temperature exposure, which can temporarily affect sperm production and motility.
“Avoid riding motorbikes, hot tubs, and steam baths—instead, use showers and wear loose pants,” he advised.
For women, Dr. Hiadzi stressed the importance of a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight to enhance fertility.
“Being underweight or overweight can affect your hormone production or result in disturbances in your monthly periods, which can cause infertility,” he noted.
The workshop highlighted the critical role of accurate and sensitive reporting in changing public perceptions of infertility. Through initiatives like these, Dr. Hiadzi and his colleagues aim to provide comprehensive education on fertility preservation and to promote a supportive environment for those facing fertility challenges.
