In Ghana, the trend toward delayed childbirth is becoming increasingly common due to various factors, including career ambitions, educational pursuits, and lifestyle choices.

As a result, more individuals and couples are turning to advanced fertility treatments to navigate reproductive challenges. With the rising popularity of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), embryologists emphasise the importance of proactive fertility preservation through banking eggs and sperm.

In a recent interview with graphic.com.gh, an embryologist and fertility advisor, Diane Amedo, urged the youth to consider freezing their eggs and sperm to ensure the possibility of having children when they are ready to start a family. She explained that preserving eggs and sperm while a person is in their prime is a more effective option than certain fertility procedures.

“If you are a young person focused on your career or not in a stable relationship but would love to have children in the future, you can do a fertility baseline assessment to know your state and then, based on experts’ advice, plan what to do.

“From experience, we have realized most people do not know this and wait until later in their 40s when they face fertility challenges before seeking help from experts. During consultations, you realize they had decent salaries and could have chosen this option if they knew about it,” she explained.

She also noted that men face decreasing testosterone levels over time, which can adversely affect sperm quality.

“For men, they don’t need stimulation drugs or much preparation to produce their semen. So it’s a simple process usually. Young men working in the mines might be exposed to certain environmental factors that can affect the quality of their sperm. A person going on deployment who has the means could also consider this option; you never know if you will suffer an injury that can affect your fertility,” she added.

The success of fertility preservation largely hinges on the age at which the eggs or sperm are frozen and the quantity stored.

Diane Amedo notes that freezing around 15 to 20 eggs significantly improves the chances of achieving a successful pregnancy later.

“On average, you might need about 15 to 20 eggs to have a chance of a successful pregnancy. Just because you have frozen an egg does not guarantee pregnancy. If you freeze at a younger age when the eggs are healthier, you have a better chance of a successful pregnancy," she noted.

Assisted reproductive technology (ART), a medical approach to treating infertility, has gained popularity in Ghana. With the growing emphasis on delayed parenthood, banking eggs and sperm has emerged as a vital option for individuals seeking to secure their fertility and future family aspirations.

By raising awareness and providing accessible information, the youth can be empowered to make informed decisions, ultimately helping them achieve their dreams of parenthood. However, as of now, there are no regulations in place to oversee assisted reproductive technology in the country.

JKB/ ADG


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