Middle East countries are facing infertility problems due to family or social stress to conceive immediately after marriage. Here is the detail.

Team@CMHF

“Fertility problems are on the rise in Kuwait, with around 10 and 15 percent of couples already experiencing various problems,” said Dr Nahed Hammadieh, Director of the IVF and Reproductive Medicine and Surgery Centre at New Mowasat Hospital. This is due to stress resulting from, , considerable concentration and priority  placed on the continuation, expansion and preservation of traditional family values and structures Dr Hammadieh added that obesity plays a key role in fertility problems in Kuwait because of the effect it can have on ovulation and the prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) makes things considerably more complicated. The rise of obesity, he added, worsens fertility problems as women with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher are considerably more likely to experience delays in natural conception. Dr Hammadieh added that many couples in Kuwait try and pursue fertility treatment very early into their marriages if they fail to conceive quickly which, he warned, can ignite a vicious cycle of weight gain & non-ovulating cycles… Dr Hammadieh noted that additional stresses and pressure to conceive, whether cultural, personal or familial, can be very detrimental, “Stress can cause overeating, which will worsen PCOS and make it even harder for couples to conceive According to Omu’s report, it’s not uncommon for women to experience the distress and friction Layla described, “Infertile wives are said to experience greater emotional disturbances than their husbands because, during the process of female socialization, pregnancy and childbirth are considered as the most important function of the wife.” The report, further revealed, “The other factor that might have been of concern to some of the women is the fear of losing their spouses to another woman who may be able to prove their fertility by getting pregnant.”

However, placing higher levels of pressure on women can often be inaccurate, “Difficulty in conceiving can be related to male factor problems Regardless of which partner is dealing with fertility problems, Dr Hammadieh insisted that all must make an effort to stay fit and healthy, “If parents notice their children gaining weight and overeating, they should address it sensibly to avoid it becoming a more severe problem later, given the consequences of obesity. A balanced diet, exercise and good sleeping patterns are vital for overall health, including reproductive health.”

Ref: http://news.kuwaittimes.net/2012/03/11/stress-obesity-causing-rapid-increase-in-fertility-problems-women-report-higher-degree-of-anxiety-over-infertility/