Women's health with Dr Rasheedah

This is the final post in the infertility series. Thank you so much for joining the conversation ladies, the feedback has been amazing and I'm glad that you've found the series and other posts useful. This week we will be discussing tubal factor infertility-basically this is infertility caused by damaged fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes are a pair of tubes leading from the ovaries to the womb, they enable the passage of released eggs to the womb, it is in this tube that the egg is usually fertilized by the sperm. Tubal factor infertility is estimated to affect about 20- 25% of couples seeking fertility treatment worldwide. In Sub-Saharan Africa, tubal factor remains unofficially one of the leading cause of infertility due to pelvic inflammatory disease- a complication of sexually transmitted infections. Infertility or sub fertility can occur when the Fallopian tubes are blocked(one or both), scarred or damaged in other ways. Tubal damage prevents the ovaries from...

This is a continuation of the Infertility series and this week we will be discussing Endometriosis. The recent increase in awareness surrounding endometriosis and it's challenges has been a welcome change to the norm. A lot of celebrities have come out to share their battles with endometriosis and infertility and I applaud their courage.   What is Endometriosis? Endometriosis is a gynaecological disorder that occurs when endometrial tissue (normal tissue that lines the womb)grows outside the womb most commonly the ovaries but in reality can be found anywhere! It is estimated that Endometriosis affects nearly 176 million women worldwide regardless of their ethnic and social background. Many remain undiagnosed and are therefore not treated. In developed countries, it occurs in up to 20% of women of reproductive age and is a common cause of pelvic pain and infertility. In sub-Saharan Africa, data on endometriosis among African indigenous women are sc...

This is the second post in the infertility series and as the title suggests, I will be discussing ovulation problems causing infertility. Ovulation disorders are the most common cause of female infertility,it is estimated to account for nearly 25% of cases. Ovulation is the monthly release of egg from the ovaries, if conditions are favourable, this egg will become fertilized by sperm resulting in potential conception. In no particular order I've split factors into different headings to make it easier to follow. Weight, drugs and alcohol Excess weight can affect fertility as it causes influences hormonal regulation which can cause infertility but this can also be influenced by being underweight so maintaining a healthy BMI or as close enough as possible is important for fertility. If you're unsure what is healthy for you then visit  here.   Some drugs( prescribed or illicit) can also have a negative effect on fertility. Some women who might have had chemotherapy...

This post is first in a series of posts about Infertility. This topic is quite delicate and close to my heart so hopefully I can steer the discussion on a productive path. We all have personal stories or know someone on their journey to conception and this road sometimes isn’t quite as smooth for some of us. If you’re a Nigerian woman reading this, chances are that you’ve heard stories, seen  Nollywood movies or even real life scenarios where women have been persecuted for failing to conceive. Public service announcement---Men can be Infertile too!!!! I digress- forgive me Here are the facts: Infertililty  is defined as the failure of conception in a couple having regular, unprotected sexual intercourse for one year, provided that normal intercourse is occurring .(Reccommended-not less than twice weekly) ·          Approximately 80% of couples will be pregnant after 12 cycles/periods. ·     ...