Introduction: Infertility is a global health concern affecting 10-15% of couples worldwide, causing significant psychological, social, and economic distress. Couples facing infertility make complex decisions regarding fertility care, influenced by personal perceptions and available interventions. This study aimed to examine fertility treatment choices and their associated psychosocial implications for infertile couples in Ibadan, Nigeria.
Methods: This study employed a qualitative (exploratory) design, utilizing in-person interviews and open-ended questionnaires. Participants included previously infertile patients (selected via convenience sampling) and fertility specialists, herbalists, and clerics (selected through subjective or evaluative sampling). The study explored the multifaceted quest for solutions among infertile couples and the perceptions of their caregivers.
Results: A Total of 50 participants were included (40 previously infertile patients and 10 fertility care providers). The study uncovered diverse patient preferences. A significant proportion (42.5%) exclusively opted for hospital treatment, while others integrated it with spiritual (15%) or herbal (17.5%) remedies. Influencing factors included emotional states, socio-cultural pressures, medical considerations, and individual values. The psychosocial impact was considerable, though often alleviated by religious coping mechanisms and social support. Obstacles to treatment included inadequate government support, financial constraints, and age.
Conclusion: This study illuminates the complex psychosocial factors influencing fertility care decision-making among couples in Ibadan, Nigeria. It demonstrates that medical, spiritual, and traditional healing approaches are not mutually exclusive but are intricately interconnected in response to the significant emotional, cultural, and existential challenges associated with infertility. The research illustrates that care choices are significantly influenced by intrapsychic conflicts, unconscious defences, and the interaction between personal agency and societal expectations, thereby extending Freudian psychoanalytic concepts within a Yoruba context. The findings highlight the necessity for comprehensive and culturally sensitive fertility care that incorporates psychosocial support, respects diverse belief systems, and considers the gendered aspects of reproductive distress. This study offers empirical insights into a significantly under-researched population and provides a new perspective on the intersections of psychic life, cultural meaning, and reproductive health in contexts where parenthood is closely linked to identity, legacy, and social belonging.