Sodiq Ojuroungbe
Reproductive and fertility specialists have expressed concerns over the rising cases of abuse of fertility drugs in Nigeria, warning that the alarming rate of misuse could lead to a surge in ovarian cancer and other serious health complications such as ovarian damage.
The health experts lamented that the widespread abuse of fertility drugs, particularly in unmonitored settings, was putting women’s reproductive health at severe risk.
Speaking exclusively with PUNCH HealthWise, the physicians raised concern about the growing trend of women taking fertility medications without proper medical evaluation and prescription.
They explained that the excessive use of ovulation induction drugs was becoming increasingly prevalent in Nigeria.
According to them, women often seek these drugs from unregulated sources or use them outside of a clinical setting, which exposes them to life-threatening conditions.
The President of the Association for Fertility and Reproductive Health, Prof. Preye Fiebai, stressed that the growing abuse of fertility drugs posed severe risks to women’s health, with increasing reports of dangerous complications linked to the unregulated use of these medications.
The fertility expert lamented that women are seeking fertility treatments in unregulated, often unqualified settings, putting themselves at serious risk.
According to him, many women resort to using fertility drugs like Clomid, Letrozole, and gonadotropins in an unmonitored fashion, often in a bid to hasten pregnancy without medical supervision.
He stated that this could lead to dangerous complications, including Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, which in some cases can prove fatal.
The don explained that OHSS is a condition linked to the abuse of fertility drugs, presents symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and in extreme cases, could lead to life-threatening issues such as blood clots or fluid accumulation in the chest and abdomen.
The fertility expert further said the misuse of fertility drugs could cause significant hormonal imbalances, leading to irregular periods, mood swings, and weight gain.
He also warned that one of the common side effects of fertility drug abuse is multiple pregnancies, which increases the risk of preterm labour, gestational diabetes, and hypertension, all of which pose serious health risks to both the mother and the babies.
Speaking of the long-term effects of abuse of fertility drugs, the professor said chronic use of fertility drugs can lead to permanent ovarian damage, significantly reducing a woman’s chances of conceiving in the future.
He added that the prolonged use of these drugs has been linked to an increased risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers.
Fiebai noted that emotional and psychological stress is also amplified in women who misuse fertility drugs, exacerbating the emotional toll of infertility treatment.
He said, “The short-term consequences of fertility drug abuse can be severe. One of the most serious complications is Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, which can cause abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and in severe cases, life-threatening complications like blood clots or fluid accumulation in the chest or abdomen. This complication can result in death.
“Additionally, hormonal imbalances caused by fertility drug abuse can lead to irregular periods, mood swings, or weight gain. Furthermore, multiple pregnancies increase the risks of preterm labour, gestational diabetes, and hypertension.”
“The long-term consequences of fertility drug abuse are equally concerning. Chronic misuse can harm ovarian function, leading to ovarian damage. Moreover, prolonged use of fertility drugs may increase the risk of ovarian or endometrial cancer.
“Infertility treatment-related stress can also be amplified by drug misuse, leading to emotional and psychological effects that can have a lasting impact on a woman’s mental health and well-being.”
When asked if every woman needs fertility drugs, the expert stressed that fertility drugs are only necessary for specific groups of people.
“Ideal candidates for fertility drugs include women with ovulatory disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome or hypothalamic amenorrhea. Women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies like IVF also require fertility drugs.
“In addition, men with low sperm count or motility may be prescribed fertility drugs to stimulate spermatogenesis.
“Certain medical conditions also warrant the use of fertility drugs. These include hormonal imbalances, anovulation or irregular ovulation, endometriosis in specific contexts, and unexplained infertility as part of a broader treatment plan,” he noted.
On people who should not use fertility drugs, the physician warned that women with severe uterine abnormalities, such as congenital defects that prevent pregnancy, should not use fertility drugs.
He added that those with untreated thyroid or adrenal disorders, active cancer sensitive to hormones, or uncontrolled chronic illnesses like diabetes or hypertension should also avoid fertility drugs.
“Women at high risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome or ovarian torsion, particularly those with very high baseline ovarian reserve, should exercise caution. Furthermore, individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions to fertility drugs should not use them,” he stated.
Fiebai emphasised the importance of proper administration of fertility drugs, stressing that only qualified medical professionals should handle them.
According to him, fertility drugs should only be administered by qualified fertility specialists or reproductive endocrinologists. Additionally, licensed gynaecologists who have received training in fertility treatments are also authorised to administer these medications.
He maintained that all administrations of fertility drugs should be done in facilities equipped to monitor side effects.
He added that these facilities should have the capability to conduct frequent ultrasounds and hormone level monitoring to ensure the safe and effective use of fertility drugs.
Also speaking, a consultant gynaecologist at the University of Lagos Teaching Hospital, Dr. Adeyemi Otunuya, said the abuse of fertility drugs was not just a health issue but also a psychological one.
The reproductive expert said the stress of drug misuse can amplify the emotional toll of infertility treatment.
“Women already struggle with the emotional burden of infertility. When they resort to using fertility drugs outside of a medical setting, it adds a layer of anxiety and stress that can further affect their mental well-being,” he said.
Otunuya stressed the dangers posed by quacks, warning that they are not only contributing to the abuse of fertility drugs but also putting women’s lives at risk.
“Quacks often misdiagnose infertility and administer fertility drugs without proper medical oversight, leading to severe health complications. They also engage in unethical practices, such as performing false IVF procedures or mixing gametes without consent, which is a gross violation of patient rights,” he lamented.
The gynaecologist emphasised the need for the Nigerian government to crack down on these illegal practices.
He explained, “The proliferation of quacks is a direct consequence of the lack of regulation in the fertility treatment sector. This is not just an issue of medical negligence; it is a public health crisis.
“Fertility drugs should only be dispensed under the supervision of a qualified medical professional.
“The lack of public awareness about the risks of fertility drug abuse and the presence of unlicensed practitioners further worsens the problem. Many patients are unaware of the dangers of using unregulated fertility treatments.
“There is an urgent need for public education campaigns to raise awareness about these risks and encourage people to seek care from licensed practitioners.”
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