‘Men need not fear Fertility Test’

Racheal Hesse Matey, a Midwifery Officer at Greater Accra Regional Hospital, encourages men to get fertility tests. This advice comes when couples struggle to conceive.

At her annual health event, she spoke about infertility and related issues. She noted that in some African cultures, masculinity is linked to fertility. Men often fear that testing will harm their reputation.

“Infertility is not just a woman’s issue,” Ms. Matey said. “A man plays a crucial role in conception.” Problems can arise from either partner.

She highlighted that women often bear the blame for infertility. They may seek treatments while men avoid testing their sperm viability. In many cases, men may have fertility issues themselves.

Ms. Matey aims to reduce stigma around male fertility testing. She wants men to engage more in reproductive health discussions.

She explained two types of infertility: primary and secondary. Primary infertility means a couple has never conceived. Secondary infertility occurs after having one or more children but facing difficulties conceiving again.

“Having children does not guarantee future fertility,” she warned. Each pregnancy is unique, and challenges can arise later.

Dr. Gifty Quarshie Ngissah also spoke at the event. She dismissed the myth that penis size affects semen viability. Sperm quality depends on count, motility, morphology, and volume—not penis size.

She raised concerns about unapproved fertility drugs being sold in Ghana. Many women take these drugs while trying to conceive, which can harm their health.