Infertility is recognised by the medical community as a disease of the male or female reproductive system.
Infertility: Understanding it
Infertility refers to the biological inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term — including cases of repeated miscarriages — and is defined as the failure to achieve pregnancy after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse (or after six months for women over 35, due to the natural decline in fertility with age).
This condition affects about 1 in 6 couples globally (17.5%). In Mozambique, although national data is limited, the rates are presumed to be similar or even higher due to untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which can lead to reproductive complications.
One of the greatest challenges in Mozambique is the social stigma that often places the burden of infertility solely on women. This can lead to significant psychological distress and encourages many couples to seek traditional healers rather than medical guidance. Access to specialised care is also limited, mainly available in urban centres, and advanced reproductive treatments remain financially out of reach for most.
What Causes Infertility?
Infertility can affect either partner. In women, common causes include ovulatory disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), blocked fallopian tubes due to infections, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and hormonal imbalances. In men, the issue may lie in low sperm count or motility, abnormal sperm shape, varicocele, hypogonadism, or obstructions in the reproductive tract. In approximately 10–15% of cases, no clear cause is identified — even after thorough testing.
Tracking Fertility
Understanding the menstrual cycle and identifying fertile days is key for couples trying to conceive. Ovulation typically occurs between days 12 and 16 of a 28-day cycle. For irregular cycles, fertility calculators can help predict ovulation more accurately. Signs of ovulation include clearer, more elastic cervical mucus, a slight rise in body temperature, and mild pelvic pain.
Diagnosis
In Mozambique, infertility diagnosis involves evaluating both partners. The process includes a detailed clinical history — exploring the duration of infertility, frequency of sexual activity, STI history, and menstrual regularity. Physical examinations can detect conditions such as varicocele in men or uterine issues in women. Basic tests include semen analysis, hormone panels, and imaging such as hysterosalpingography to assess fallopian tube function. Advanced tests like laparoscopy or genetic screenings are rarely accessible locally and often require travel abroad.
At Joaquim Chaves Saúde and our Medical Clinic in Maputo, we are committed to supporting couples through their fertility journey with personalised, gender-sensitive care. Our approach respects each individual’s dignity and offers the medical expertise needed to help make the dream of parenthood a reality.
