According to Professor Amaka Ocheke, a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology from the University of Jos, research conducted among postmenopausal women has revealed that cigarette smoking is a factor contributing to the onset of menopause at the age of 45. She also noted that the notion of infertility being solely associated with one gender is incorrect. Professor Ocheke emphasized that both males and females play a role in causing infertility within couples.
She highlighted that while infertility affects 10-15% of couples in general, the prevalence is higher in Nigeria at 20-30%. She broke down the causes of infertility, explaining that 30% can be attributed to female-related issues, another 30% to male-related problems, and an additional 30% to a combination of male and female factors. In 10% of cases, no identifiable cause can be determined.
Furthermore, Professor Ocheke pointed out that among various ethnic groups in Nigeria, the Yoruba community has the highest occurrence of twin pregnancies, which are the most common form of multiple pregnancies, particularly among individuals of African descent. In Nigeria, she stated that approximately 10-20% of pregnancies result in miscarriages, defined as spontaneous abortions occurring before the 28th week of gestation.
Professor Ocheke shared these insights during her 106th inaugural lecture titled ‘The Odyssey of the Nigerian Uterus: Bumps, Potholes and Accidents,’ which was obtained by The PUNCH in Abuja on a Tuesday. She currently instructs in the Faculty of Health Sciences at UNIJOS, teaching Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
source: the PUNCH
