Infertility: Misconception on IVF treatment worries experts

By Adeleye Kunle

For Mrs. Unwana Okon, a native of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, it was an avoidable psychological trauma if she had listened to the advice of her co-wife about seven years ago exactly on December, 24, 2015 to seek Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) preferably, in Vitro Fertilisation, popularly called IVF.

Immediately the idea was mooted according to Unwana, her mother in-law interjected saying that such an act was ungodly and babies gotten through that process have cognitive challenges in life.

Unwana, a 34-year-old mother of one told our correspondent that she got married at the age of 24 as a virgin without an inkling of what will befall her after marriage. Two years down the line, there was no sign of pregnancy which made her visit hospitals and churches without getting help.

She said in the midst of her worry and confusions, her mother in-law always told her that she was still young and that at God’s appointed time, she would conceive and that she would vehemently oppose the suggestion for IVF, saying that it is ‘satanic’ and a way of challenging God.

Unwana said she has tried to remain a good daughter in-law over the years without a solution coming in sight until late 2021 when she and her husband resolved to take the option of IVF which resulted to the birth of their son, Miracle, regretting that they would have taken that decision earlier than the year 2021