News / National
Zimbabwe launches study into 'unexplained infertility' cases
2 hrs ago |
145 Views
Zimbabwean medical experts have launched a new study aimed at investigating possible genetic causes behind infertility cases that remain medically unexplained, a condition that affects up to 20 percent of couples globally.
The research is being led at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, where specialists say the project will run over the next two years and may help fill critical gaps in understanding reproductive health challenges in the country.
Speaking on the initiative, Dr Mugove General Madziyire said emerging evidence suggests that beyond known medical causes such as low sperm count, uterine abnormalities, fibroids, and infections, a significant proportion of infertility cases have no identifiable explanation.
"What we do know is that up to 20 percent of couples have what we call unexplained infertility," he said, adding that researchers are now exploring possible genetic links through local and international collaboration.
Fertility data indicates that about 15 percent of couples struggle to conceive, with infertility affecting men and women in roughly equal proportions. Experts say this reinforces the need for joint medical evaluation of both partners during diagnosis.
Dr Madziyire also noted that some rare cases appear to involve "compatibility" factors, where couples are unable to conceive together but may do so with other partners, though he stressed these instances are uncommon and not fully understood scientifically.
He urged couples to avoid risky behaviour, including attempting to "test fertility" outside stable relationships, warning that exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can significantly worsen reproductive outcomes.
Medical research shows that untreated infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea can cause inflammation and scarring in the reproductive tract. In women, this may lead to blocked fallopian tubes, while in men it can reduce sperm quality or block sperm ducts.
Public health data shows that sub-Saharan Africa continues to carry a high burden of STIs, with Zimbabwe recording a 15 percent rise in cases between 2021 and 2022, including over 36,000 reported genital ulcer cases.
Globally, infertility linked to STIs remains a growing concern, with millions of women affected and projections indicating that improvements in diagnosis and treatment could gradually reduce prevalence in the coming decade.
In response, Zimbabwe has been expanding fertility services across the country, with new or developing units at major referral institutions including Chitungwiza Central Hospital, Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, United Bulawayo Hospitals, and Mpilo Central Hospital.
Health authorities say the expansion is intended to improve access to fertility care, reduce delays in diagnosis, and ease the financial burden on couples seeking treatment, while strengthening national reproductive health outcomes.
The research is being led at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, where specialists say the project will run over the next two years and may help fill critical gaps in understanding reproductive health challenges in the country.
Speaking on the initiative, Dr Mugove General Madziyire said emerging evidence suggests that beyond known medical causes such as low sperm count, uterine abnormalities, fibroids, and infections, a significant proportion of infertility cases have no identifiable explanation.
"What we do know is that up to 20 percent of couples have what we call unexplained infertility," he said, adding that researchers are now exploring possible genetic links through local and international collaboration.
Fertility data indicates that about 15 percent of couples struggle to conceive, with infertility affecting men and women in roughly equal proportions. Experts say this reinforces the need for joint medical evaluation of both partners during diagnosis.
Dr Madziyire also noted that some rare cases appear to involve "compatibility" factors, where couples are unable to conceive together but may do so with other partners, though he stressed these instances are uncommon and not fully understood scientifically.
He urged couples to avoid risky behaviour, including attempting to "test fertility" outside stable relationships, warning that exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can significantly worsen reproductive outcomes.
Medical research shows that untreated infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea can cause inflammation and scarring in the reproductive tract. In women, this may lead to blocked fallopian tubes, while in men it can reduce sperm quality or block sperm ducts.
Public health data shows that sub-Saharan Africa continues to carry a high burden of STIs, with Zimbabwe recording a 15 percent rise in cases between 2021 and 2022, including over 36,000 reported genital ulcer cases.
Globally, infertility linked to STIs remains a growing concern, with millions of women affected and projections indicating that improvements in diagnosis and treatment could gradually reduce prevalence in the coming decade.
In response, Zimbabwe has been expanding fertility services across the country, with new or developing units at major referral institutions including Chitungwiza Central Hospital, Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, United Bulawayo Hospitals, and Mpilo Central Hospital.
Health authorities say the expansion is intended to improve access to fertility care, reduce delays in diagnosis, and ease the financial burden on couples seeking treatment, while strengthening national reproductive health outcomes.
Source - Health Times
Join the discussion
Loading comments…
