Young women not ready to have kids urged to freeze eggs
By Christabel Oboshie ANNAN, Accra
President of the Fertility Society of Ghana and Gynecologist, Dr. Edem Hiadzi has urged women who feel unprepared to have children during their prime reproductive years to consider egg freezing.
According to him, this measure can help prevent infertility issues in the future, adding that it is important for planning future family needs.
Egg freezing involves the removal of eggs from a woman’s ovaries to be frozen for storage.
Dr. Hiadzi emphasized that egg freezing allows women to preserve their fertility, giving them the flexibility to start families when they are ready, without the pressure of biological constraints.
He gave this advice at a workshop organized by Merck Foundation, in partnership with the Office of the First Lady and the Ghana Journalists Association, for journalists.
The workshop aimed to empower journalists to report accurately and sensitively on infertility, promoting a more informed and compassionate public discourse.
Dr. Hiadzi explained that the egg freezing process involves harvesting and cryogenically storing a woman’s eggs at a younger age when they are most viable.
“This method can significantly increase the chances of successful conception later in life, especially as fertility naturally declines with age,” he said.
He also addressed common concerns about the procedure, assuring that it is safe and increasingly accessible.
Dr. Hiadzi encouraged women to consult with their healthcare providers to discuss the potential benefits and to understand the best time for egg freezing based on their individual circumstances.
He also stated that infertility is an issue that affects both men and women, adding that, “The journey must be shared by both men and women.”
He noted that male infertility can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances, genetic defects, lifestyle choices, and environmental exposures.
Dr. Hiadzi stressed the importance of addressing these issues without stigma, as both men and women can be equally affected by infertility.
He advised men to avoid smoking and limit their alcohol intake, as they are factors that may contribute to male infertility. Additionally, he urged men to avoid high temperatures, as this can also affect sperm production and motility.
“Although this effect is usually temporary, avoid riding motorbikes, hot tubs, and steam baths—instead, use showers and wear loose pants,” he explained.
On the other hand, he also advised women to eat a balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight as a strategy to help increase their chances of becoming pregnant.
“Being underweight or overweight can affect your hormone production or result in disturbances in your monthly periods, which can cause infertility,” he said.
