Quantitative Data
Majority (80%) of the participants were between ages 20–35 years. All the participants were Christians. Data collected on the ethnicity of the participants revealed that majority (80%) were Yoruba. Ninety three percent of the participants were married. Data collected on years of marriage showed that a good number (33.3%) of the participants had been married for 6–10 year and (8 of 15) has been married for 1–5 years. Majority (66.7%) of the participants had never had children i.e. primary infertility. Almost all the participants were female (13 of 15). (Tables 1 & 2)
Table 1
Socio-Demographic Profile of Participants
ID
|
AGE RANGE
|
SEX
|
MARITAL STATUS
|
RELIGION
|
ETHNIC GROUP
|
YEARS OF MARRIAGE
|
PARITY
|
EMPLOYMENT
|
1
|
27–35
|
FEMALE
|
MARRIED
|
CHRISTIAN
|
UROBO
|
2
|
NONE
|
EMPLOYED
|
2
|
27–35
|
FEMALE
|
MARRIED
|
CHRISTIAN
|
YORUBA
|
8
|
NONE
|
UNEMPLOYED
|
3
|
36–48
|
MALE
|
MARRIED
|
CHRISTIAN
|
UROBO
|
2
|
NONE
|
EMPLOYED
|
4
|
36–48
|
FEMALE
|
MARRIED
|
CHRISTIAN
|
YORUBA
|
5
|
NONE
|
EMPLOYED
|
5
|
36–48
|
FEMALE
|
MARRIED
|
CHRISTIAN
|
YORUBA
|
8
|
1
|
EMPLOYED
|
6
|
27–35
|
FEMALE
|
SEPARATED
|
CHRISTIAN
|
YORUBA
|
-
|
1
|
EMPLOYED
|
7
|
27–35
|
FEMALE
|
MARRIED
|
CHRISTIAN
|
YORUBA
|
7
|
1
|
UNEMPLOYED
|
8
|
27–35
|
FEMALE
|
MARRIED
|
CHRISTIAN
|
YORUBA
|
2
|
NONE
|
EMPLOYED
|
9
|
27–35
|
FEMALE
|
MARRIED
|
CHRISTIAN
|
YORUBA
|
6
|
NONE
|
EMPLOYED
|
10
|
36–48
|
FEMALE
|
MARRIED
|
CHRISTIAN
|
YORUBA
|
10
|
1
|
EMPLOYED
|
11
|
36–48
|
FEMALE
|
MARRIED
|
CHRISTIAN
|
YORUBA
|
2
|
NONE
|
EMPLOYED
|
12
|
36–48
|
FEMALE
|
MARRIED
|
CHRISTIAN
|
IGBO
|
4
|
NONE
|
UNEMPLOYED
|
13
|
27–35
|
FEMALE
|
MARRIED
|
CHRISTIAN
|
YORUBA
|
1
|
NONE
|
SELF EMPLOYED
|
14
|
36–48
|
MALE
|
MARRIED
|
MUSLIM
|
YORUBA
|
2
|
NONE
|
SELF EMPLOYED
|
15
|
36–48
|
FEMALE
|
MARRIED
|
CHRISTIAN
|
YORUBA
|
12
|
1
|
EMPLOYED
|
Table 2
Summary of Socio-Demographic Profile of Participants
SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC DATA
|
FREQUENCY
(n = 15)
|
PERCENTAGES
(%)
|
Age in years
|
27–35
|
12
|
80.0
|
36 and above
|
3
|
20.0
|
Religion
|
Christianity
|
15
|
100.0
|
Islam
|
-
|
-
|
Others
|
-
|
-
|
Ethnicity
|
Yoruba
|
12
|
80.0
|
Hausa
|
-
|
-
|
Igbo
|
1
|
6.7
|
Others
|
2
|
13.%3
|
Marital Status
|
Married
|
14
|
93.3
|
Separated
|
1
|
6.7
|
Divorced
|
-
|
-
|
Widow
|
-
|
-
|
Employment Status
|
Employed
|
13
|
86.7
|
Unemployed
|
2
|
13.3
|
Years of Marriage
|
1–5
|
8
|
53.3
|
6–10
|
5
|
33.3
|
11 and above
|
1
|
6.7
|
Number of Children
|
Nil
|
10
|
66.7
|
1–2
|
5
|
33.3
|
3 and above
|
-
|
-
|
Sex
|
MALE
|
2
|
13.3
|
FEMALE
|
13
|
86.7
|
Theme 1: Experiences of couple faced with the problem of infertility
a) Experience of expectant mothers regarding infertility
When participants were asked about their experiences as regards infertility, all (15 of 15) of the participants said that they had bad experiences and went through a lot of pain. Some of their responses were:
‘My experience? It’s very bad, my experience is very bad because I have gone through series of tests, I have gone to theatre, done everything they asked me to do, nothing happened, I’m still here. (Female; married; secondary infertility)
Another respondent stated:
Nothing much, it’s that I’m a bit curious, I want to know what exactly is happening, so as to know what steps to take as at when due so I don’t want the delay to linger so that’s my concern that’s why I’m here. Of course, psychologically, when I see my mates or people that I’m older than or that we got married at the same time and they are carrying their babies, I will cry to my God, that I’m reminding him to do my own too.” . (Female; married; primary infertility).
Another respondent answered “It was a bad experience o. like everything is frustrating self” (Male; married; primary infertility).
Another participant narrated:
Ah it’s a, it’s a bad experience, let me just put it that one because the joy of a woman when you are in your husband’s house let everybody come and say congratulations and when, it’s not really coming forth, it bothers the women more than the men, though in some homes the men are more concerned because what they want is their kids, they want their kids and all that, but the women what bothers them most time is if the person is unable to conceive for the main time, the husband might impregnant another person outside, the they, the, they might even ask her to leave the house and maybe she is the type that maybe the house they have is both of them that built it together, the same account and all that that she might almost kill herself”. (Female; separated; secondary infertility)
b) How the experiences have affected their wellbeing
When participants were asked how the experiences had affected them, almost all (14 of 15) of the respondents explained they were affected in different spheres of life. Some of their responses were;
Very well, both spiritually, emotionally and even eh, in the family, you know when you are expecting something and it’s not coming forth, there will be hearsay, here and there so that’s it” ‘It affected much most of things I used to do I will see myself withdrawing back because people will be mocking and be walking about, they will be looking at you, they will be saying it’s like your stomach is getting bigger, the next time they will say ah ah it’s not pregnant. So it really affected me” (Female; married; primary infertility).
Another respondent narrated:
my wellbeing? Mmmm I can say its God because its affecting my wellbeing o, you know that the reason why the issue of childlessness is terrible one, you know there is nobody you can see that have no one issue or the other but when someone has an issue, the problem is covered. Do you understand? Because it may be the one that is happening under another person maybe more terrible than that you are going through but because Iya alagbaja, the problem is covered, everything will now be maintaining in the inner part of their life. Do you understand? But as for me now, if I go out, except those, those places that they don’t know me at all, maybe I am just going there for something and leave, but in my own environment, in my place of work before my husband asked me to withdraw, you know this issue, that’s why, the issue that I am looking for the fruit of womb that is why it’s always affecting our wellbeing like talking, people maybe talking concerning that your problem, they are stylishly making jest of you, you know, hearing that you know you must be depressed. If I wear clothe, if you dress, if you just feel like, okay now I am coming from another town to this place now, will I just wear rag? But if someone, if anyone sees me like this now, they will say, I don’t know what is making her happy, they will remember the date you did wedding, they remember, since when you have been in your husband’s house, so all those things, they may not mention your name but will indirectly be talking to you making you sad. It always affects wellbeing my sister I can’t deceive you” (female; married; primary infertility).
Another participant answered:
“No, it has not affected my wellbeing” (female; married; primary infertility).
c) Effects of infertility on social interactions and discussions with people
When participants were asked whether they feel free discussing the issue (infertility) with people, majority (12 of 15) of the participants agreed they feel free discussing the problem with people they trust, few of the participants (2 of 15) discussed with Doctors; and One (1 of 15) feels she cannot confide in any one.
Some of their responses were;
There is no problem, they say ah ah problem shared is half solved, there is no problem I share it because when you share your problems, many people bring ideas, so when they bring ideas, like me I first embark on this herb of a thing, it didn’t work out so I almost died in the process, it when I did, it’s even a friend of mine, I was in a hospital,, I have been treating myself in there,l, I want to do the operation there, it was now a friend that did his wife’s own here that Dr. A is just the perfect man, he is this, he is that, in fact, that if I come here, I will be glad, very very happy to even do it that I won’t feel the pain and I will even be happy I’m bringing money out, that was why I came here” (female; single; secondary infertility)
Another respondent answered:
It’s only my husband, myself and Doctors. Tell friends the problem? Can they solve the problem? Can they solve it? Even the Doctors, they have the limit of can can do, so why should I discuss it? It is only if I see the same people passing through the same experience with me, I call the person and encourage the person that there is nothing impossible with God” (female; married; secondary infertility).
d) Effects of infertility on the marriage
When participants were asked whether the problem has affected their marriage, majority (13 of 15) of the participants stated the infertility problem has not affected their marriage. Few of the participants (2 of 15) however said it has affected their marriage. Some of their responses were;
I give God glory, it has not for once if I may not tell lies you know, men are different, you know I told you I have been on this thing for eight years, there are some people, there are some men that can never, except for six months they will be going here and there, she has not, she has not conceived let me find another alternative but so as for me o to God be the glory that for eight years it has not for once affected my marriage” (female; married; primary infertility).
“it hasn’t in any way” (female; married; secondary infertility).
Another participant stated: “I told you he left me, he left me and I’m still alone” (female; single; secondary infertility).
Another participant narrated:
No, not at all, not at all but he had a girlfriend outside, he has a woman outside because to him I didn’t want to give him a child. I’m the one delaying myself that I don’t want to give him a child” (female; married; secondary infertility).
e) Effect of infertility on job and family issues especially in-laws and friends
When participants were asked whether the infertility issue has affected the job and family especially in-laws and friends, majority (13 of 15) were of the opinion that the infertility issue has never affected their jobs and families especially in-laws and friends. Few stated it has affected their relationship with people. Some of their responses were;
No. I’m so free to the family, to my in-laws, even to those who are mocking, I will just tell them don’t worry my God is there, He will do it. He was the one that gave us this girl He will do it again. The only thing if there is anything I am supposed to do for them I will do it’. (Female; married; primary infertility).
Another respondent answered: “It doesn’t affect it much not in any way, my relationship with in-laws is good” (Female; married; primary infertility).
Another respondent stated:
Yes. I’m no more working now, my husband asked me to stop working because the work I used to work I used to bend so they said bending can also affect it. I have good relationship with my in-laws” (Female; married; primary infertility).
Another participant narrated:
Yes yes, hmm, you know by seeing people, okay now I have been married for eight years now without nothing, those that are married after me, maybe 2 or 3 years. Before I was working in a school, in a private school, maybe just, some people will be saying eh, maybe you correct the child .Do you understand? But when she won’t have a child? Why won’t she beat my child? Do you understand? Why won’t she beat my kini kor girl, when she doesn’t have a child of her own. Do you understand? They will just be looking for your mistake, so as to be able to use it to mock you Ah. Do you understand it?” Participant broke into tears and I had to reassure and console her (Female; married; primary infertility).
f) Opinion on the role of the man’s family so far
When participants were asked about the role of the man’s family so far, majority (12 of 15) of the participants were of the opinion that the families have played positive roles so far and have proved supportive. Some of their responses were; “Some have given me “agbo” and some have taken me to their church for their pastor to pray for me” (female; married; primary infertility).
Another participant stated “They are trying their best through spiritual ah, through prayers they are trying their best they could do” (female; married; primary infertility). Another respondent answered: “They are very nice, they are trying their best” (female; married; primary infertility).
g) Experience of enough support from the husband
When participants were asked whether they were getting enough support from the husband, majority (14 of 15) of the participants claimed their husbands were supportive. Some of their responses were; “Yes, he gives me enough support, we came together” (female; married; primary infertility).
Another respondent stated: “Yes. A very loving man” (female; married; secondary infertility).
Another participant narrated:
He had a girlfriend outside; he has a woman outside because to him I didn’t want to give him a child. I’m the one delaying myself that I don’t want to give him a child” (female; married; secondary infertility).
h) Relationship between infertility and distrust in the marriage
When participants were asked whether the infertility issue had caused distrust in the marriage, almost all (14 of 15) were of the opinion that the infertility issue had never caused any distrust in their marriage. Some of their responses were; “No it hasn’t. He understands me” (female; married; primary infertility).
Another respondent stated: "Never, never” (female; married; primary infertility).
Health seeking behaviors of couples towards infertility
a) Opinion on measures taken to solve the problem so far
When participants were asked the measures taken to solve the problem so far, all (15 of 15) of the participants stated they had visited many places for treatment including hospitals and churches. Some of their responses were;
I have been to many hospitals and also prayer so it is more eh. One of my friend’s husband that said we should come and see a specialist so we would know what to do” (female; married; primary infertility).
Another respondent answered: “I have done series of tests. Shebi I told you series of tests, I have taken drugs, test and tests” (Female; married; secondary infertility)
Another participant answered: “I have had surgery on my tummy last year, then I have done series of tests for review today” (Female; married; primary infertility).
b) Opinion on what compelled participants to taking such action
When participants were asked what compelled them to taking such action, all (15 of 15) of the participants revealed that they took those steps in order to solve the existing problems and have kids of their own. Some of their responses were;
A year and after, we did not see anything, I have been eh, I have done scan, I have done many things, so when one is looking for something, you have to seek for medical advice is child health something” (Female; married; primary infertility).
Another respondent answered: “Ah as you know when someone is expecting something and it’s not coming forth so you give everything trials. So that’s all” (Female; married; primary infertility)
Another respondent stated: “Because I want to have kids and I don’t want to lose my man” (Female; single; secondary infertility).
c) Opinion on where the participants went first upon noticing the problem
When participants were asked where they went first upon noticing the problem, all (15 of 15) of the participants revealed they visited the hospital first. Some of their responses were;
A respondent answered: “It’s hospital” (female; married; primary infertility)
Another respondent answered: “Ikorodu General Hospital” (female; married; primary infertility). Another respondent answered: “Hospital” (Female; married; primary infertility).
Opinion on the expectations of the participants during their first visit to the fertility clinic
When participants were asked their expectations during their first visit to the fertility clinic, all (10 of 10) of the respondents revealed they were optimistic to get pregnant after their visit to the hospitals. Some of their responses were; “I expected that after treatment I will just take in, but after treatment I did not see anything” (female; married; primary infertility). Another respondent answered: “Conception” (female; married, primary infertility). Another respondent answered: “To get pregnant” (Female; married; secondary infertility).
e) Opinion on where the participants are receiving help/treatment apart from the fertility clinic
When asked on where the participants are receiving help/treatment apart from the fertility clinic, majority (14 of 15) of the respondents claimed they are not receiving any treatment from any other place apart from the fertility health clinic. Some of their responses were; “No. Private hospital didn’t work so I came here” (Female; married; primary infertility). Another participant answered: “At all. No” (Female; married; primary infertility)
f) Opinion on whether the participants are on medications, IVF or other treatment options
When the participants were asked whether they are on medications, IVF or other treatment options, majority (12 of 15) of the participants agreed they were on medications. Some of their responses were;
I did ultrasound and they placed me on medications but I don’t know the names. Some doctors eh, they withdraw the drugs but my mind is telling me is those hormonals eh injection, maybe progesterone and this folic acid and chromids. That is the drugs that can boost my hormone” (female; married; primary infertility).
Another participant stated: “I’m on chromid” (Female; married; secondary infertility)
g) Opinion on whether participants combine treatments with other form of treatment from other sources and which treatment and why
When asked on whether participants combine treatments with other form of treatment from other sources and which treatment and why, all (15 of 15) the respondents revealed they do not combine treatments in the hospital with other treatments. Some of the responses were;
A participant answered: “No. Not at all” (Female; married; secondary infertility)
h) Opinion on whether the treatment options are working
When participants were asked whether the treatment options are working, majority (12 of 15) of the respondents were of the opinion that the treatment options were not working. Some of their responses are;
“No. No because the reason why I said no is that eh, you know when you are doing something, when you are taking something, when you are taking one treatment and its not getting you your desire it means its not working” (female; married; primary infertility)
Another participant answered: “No. I have not seen any results so the answer is no” (Female; married; secondary infertility).
i) Opinion on the challenges the participants are facing during the treatment process
When asked the challenges the participants are facing during the treatment process, a good number (8 of 15) of the participants were of the opinion that they faced some challenges. Some of their responses were; “I still feel pain in my lower abdomen due to the surgery. I think eh healing is taking place” (Female; married; primary infertility).
Another participant answered: “It’s only at times when we come here, we wait, wait and wait” (Female; married; secondary infertility).
Another participant stated: “Ah, Stress and pain but I just pray it works cos they say all things work out for good” (Female; separated; primary infertility).
j) Opinion on possible complications participants are facing in relation to present treatment
When asked on the possible complications participants are facing in relation to present treatment, majority (12 of 15) of the participants claimed they do not have any complications towards the present treatment. Some of their responses were;
“Complications? Through the treatment? No” (Female; married; primary infertility). Another participant answered: “At all, no complain” (Female; married; primary infertility).
k) Opinion on whether the treatment options are socially and emotionally acceptable
When asked whether the treatment options are socially and emotionally acceptable, majority (13 of 15) of the participants revealed that taking the drugs was never a problem for them. Some of their responses were; “Yes. It’s okay so far I’m fine healthwise” (Female; married; primary infertility).
Another participant stated: “I do not have a choice they are the ones that knows the best, I’m not a doctor so I just followed what they asked me to do, it’s okay” (Female; separated; secondary infertility).
Another respondent answered: “Yes, it’s okay taking drugs once in a day, it’s not a big deal” (Female; married; primary infertility).
l) Opinion on whether family members would be financially able to take care of the treatment option
When asked whether family members would be financially able to take care of the treatment option, majority (14 of 15) of the participants claimed their family members can provide the financial assistance needed for the treatment options. Some of the responses were; “Yes. I can” (Male; married; primary infertility).
Another participant answered: “That I can have it in the financial aspect? Yes, yes” (female; married; primary infertility).
Another participant answered:
“Of course they will” (Female; married; secondary infertility).
m) Opinion on how infertility will best be handled
When asked how infertility will best be handled, all (15 of 15) the respondents suggested going to the hospital as early as possible prior to notice or observed delay. Some of their responses were; ‘Take treatment and just leave everything in God’s hands” (Female; married; primary infertility). Another participant stated: “hmm. I think the best thing, best way to handle such a case is to come to hospital for solution” (Female; married; primary infertility).
Another participant narrated:
Early detection, if you notice anything in your body, go to the hospital is the first thing rather than running helter skelter, going to the hospital to detect the exact cause then treat accordingly, not leaving aside anything about it ,I believe there is nothing God cannot do, even as the doctors are treating, they cannot do, even as the doctors are treating, they are not God, it’s only God that heals, they only care and believe they curb infertility. early detection and going to the right place at the right time for proper treatment because I noticed that as old but the individual involved either man or woman gets older, the more difficult for it to be treated, so go to the hospital early is the way” (Female; married; primary infertility).