Online Reporter
Flora Fadzai Sibanda, [email protected]
WHILE many women take getting pregnant for granted, infertility remains a significant challenge for a considerable number of couples in Zimbabwe and beyond, with estimates suggesting that one in every four women struggles to conceive due to medical reasons.
This can be a daunting and emotional journey — one that Mrs Denise Jenje, an entrepreneur in the clothing industry, knows all too well.
Diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) at just 25, shortly before getting married, Mrs Jenje was devastated.
PCOS is a common hormonal condition affecting women of reproductive age. It often begins during adolescence, though symptoms may vary over time. The condition can cause hormonal imbalances, irregular menstrual cycles, elevated androgen levels and cysts in the ovaries.
Irregular periods, often accompanied by a lack of ovulation, can make it difficult to conceive. While PCOS cannot be cured, its symptoms can be managed through lifestyle changes, medication and fertility treatments.
“I decided to consult a doctor after trying to conceive without success for some time. That’s when I was diagnosed with PCOS. But in a way, it was a relief — I finally knew what the problem was. It gave me a sense of control. I read extensively about the condition and, in my case, I was told I had high oestrogen levels, which were affecting the quality of my eggs,” said Mrs Jenje.
She was prescribed vitamins to help improve her egg quality. After five years of battling infertility, Mrs Jenje eventually conceived and gave birth to her baby.
“I’m glad I went to see a doctor. There were so many theories circulating about why I couldn’t conceive. Some people said I’d been bewitched, others claimed I had wronged someone and needed to apologise in order to fall pregnant. I lost count of the number of concoctions I was told to try,” she said.
Her experience inspired her to raise awareness about infertility by sharing her journey on social media.
She explained that her vlogs are not only about raising awareness, but also about offering support to other women going through similar struggles.
“The platform is meant to share honest glimpses into womanhood — from motherhood to lifestyle and most importantly, my fertility journey. I hope it helps other women, who are walking the same path I did,” she said.
In an interview with Chronicle, gynaecologist Dr Jephat Moyo, founder of the Bulawayo Assisted Reproductive Technology (Bart) Centre, said PCOS affects around 10 percent of women of reproductive age.
“It’s the leading cause of anovulation (lack of ovulation), which alone accounts for about 30 percent of female infertility cases. It’s not preventable, but it can be managed with a healthy lifestyle,” he said.
Women with PCOS may also experience symptoms such as abnormal hair growth, including facial hair or excessive body hair.
Dr Moyo noted that the exact cause of PCOS remains unknown, though hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance are believed to play a role.
“Treatment begins with lifestyle changes. Women can reverse many effects by losing just five to ten percent of their body weight. Other treatments include ovulation induction, which is also affordable,” he said.
He added that infertility affects between 10 and 15 percent of couples in Zimbabwe, with female factors accounting for 40 percent and male factors for 30 percent of cases.
@flora_sibanda
Bongani Ndlovu