A rapid scoping review of fear of infertility in Africa

Abstract

Background Fear of infertility (FOI) is often reported in studies about reproductive health but this literature not yet mapped. The aim of this rapid scoping review of qualitative studies was to describe the nature of FOI in Africa. Methods Eligibility criteria were qualitative data from Africa reporting views of women and men of any age. MEDLINE and CINAHL databases were searched for English language citations to February 2019 using keywords related to fear, infertility and Africa. Two independent reviewers screened texts for inclusion. Results Of 248 citations identified, 38 qualitative and six review papers were included. FOI was reported in diverse groups (e.g., men, women, fertile, infertile, married, unmarried, teachers, religious leaders). Two types of fears were identified: (1) fear of triggering infertility due to specific reproductive choices and (2) fear of the dire future consequences of infertility. Choices were perceived to affect fertility via internal accumulation and blockage (e.g., of menstrual blood), structural damage (e.g., burnt eggs), internal movement of contraceptive material, deliberate toxicity preventing population growth and behavioral effects impeding sexual activity. Diverse feared consequences of infertility were reported (e.g., polygamy, economic hardships). Fears were reported to affect reproductive behaviour (e.g., stopping contraception), help-seeking and social behaviour. Conclusion FOI is a phenomenon that should be studied in its own right. Fears could originate from genuine threats, incorrect knowledge, distortions of truths, or dissemination of false information. Rigorous studies are needed to better understand FOI and integrate it in health education, client counselling and family planning service provision.

Does the Belief That Contraceptive Use Causes Infertility Actually Affect Use? Findings from a Social Network Study in Kenya

“…None of the four interactions tests around age and having children were significant. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine if this belief is quantitatively associated with actual contraceptive use despite calls to design interventions to address this misperception (Sedlander et al 2018;Diamond-Smith 2012;Boivin et al 2020;Marston and Francis 2019;Harper et al 2017).…”

“…In Boivin et al. ( 2020 )’s systematic review of fear infertility in Africa, authors found that the majority of studies reported that hormonal methods (e.g., injectables and oral contraceptives) would cause infertility. Only one study cited the perception that condom use could cause infertility.…”

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Male Infertility and the Subsequent Risk of Cancer

“…Additionally, it has been reported that the fear of infertility and its consequences may influence help-seeking behaviors in men, which may trigger diseases in later life ( 30 ). The experience of infertility may negatively impact on personal health behaviors ( 31 ) and in some contexts, it may hinder taking further actions to prevent health-related problems or seek appropriate treatments ( 29 ).…”

Infertility, Perceived Certainty of Pregnancy, and Contraceptive Use in Malawi

“…Although fear of infertility, or other perceived side effects from contraception, are not addressed in this study, there is a growing body of literature around fear of side effects (including infertility) as a reason for contraceptive nonuse. We acknowledge that there may be a bidirectional relationship between contraceptive use and fear/belief that contraception may cause infertility (Figure 1) (Sedlander et al 2018;Huber-Krum and Norris 2020;Boivin et al 2020).…”