BY LINDELWA MYENI
MBABANE – The Ministry of Health has called for a shared approach to infertility, urging couples to seek medical help together and avoid placing the blame solely on women when they struggle to conceive.
Speaking on reproductive health, Ministry of Health official Mgcineni Ndlangamandla said infertility can affect both men and women, with different health and lifestyle factors contributing to difficulties in conceiving.
Ndlangamandla said one of the major causes of infertility among women is blocked fallopian tubes, which can result from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
He explained that although an STI can be treated, the infection may already have caused damage to the reproductive system, potentially affecting a woman’s ability to conceive even after treatment.
For men, Ndlangamandla identified lifestyle choices as a major factor that can affect fertility. He cautioned against habits that may reduce sperm production or quality, including smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
He also warned men about exposure to toxins such as herbicides and pesticides, urging those who work with such chemicals to ensure that they do not come into direct contact with their skin.
Ndlangamandla further cautioned men against wearing excessively tight underwear, particularly while sleeping, explaining that sperm production requires suitable conditions.
He said smoking cigarettes can contribute to a decrease in sperm production, while cannabis use can also negatively affect male fertility.
The health official encouraged men to make healthier dietary choices, highlighting foods such as tomatoes, cucumbers and dark chocolate containing at least 70 per cent cocoa as part of a healthy diet.
Ndlangamandla said couples should also know when it is time to seek medical assistance. Women below the age of 35 who have been trying to conceive for 12 months without success should seek assessment, while women aged 35 and above should seek help after six months of unsuccessful attempts.
He urged couples who have passed these periods without conceiving to visit a health facility for check-ups to establish the underlying cause instead of continuing to struggle without medical guidance.
Ndlangamandla said treatment options are available depending on the cause of infertility and whether the condition can be managed locally.
Where specialised treatment is not available in Eswatini, patients may be referred to South Africa, with the Ministry communicating with the fertility department in Nelspruit.
He stressed that identifying the underlying cause is an important first step before determining the appropriate treatment or referral.
The Ministry’s message is that infertility should be approached as a shared reproductive health concern, with both partners encouraged to undergo assessment, make informed lifestyle choices and seek help early.
#InfertilityAwareness #ReproductiveHealth #MensHealth #WomensHealth #HealthMatter
