Fertility Preservation in Sub-Sahara Africa: Myth or Reality

Due to current developments in cancer therapy, there has been an increase in the number of cancer survivors. Nevertheless, cancer patients or those with other intractable diseases may be confronted with fertility challenges. Though the option of fertility preservation (FP) techniques are on the increase, yet it is not certain if this is a myth or a reality in sub-Sahara Africa. Methods: The objective of this study was to assess the opinions, knowledge and attitude of gynecologists from different parts of Nigeria on fertility preservation among women in child-bearing age with cancer. A Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was conducted among gynecologists who were asked about their opinions on the possibility of FP in the country and about factors that could support or degrade it. Findings: Gynecologists agreed that awareness and cost are important as people have to know the availability of such facility before accessing it. Sociocultural aspects of FP were deliberated upon positively. There is always suspicion about how “the doctors can take out my eggs, freeze them for a long time and these eggs still survive.” Certain participant held the view “a lot of people have issued with mixing up gametes” while another wanted the subsidy of FP by the government. Interpretation: The positive opinions of the gynecologists towards fertility preservation far out-weight negative opinions. Public awareness, cost and sociocultural characteristics were deliberated upon by participants in the FGD. Greater emphasis should be placed on counselling opportunities, the provision of adequate information and supporting material. A better understanding of these issues will hopefully enhance patients’ decision-making about FP options and assist the development of strategies to improve quality of care.