Nigeria: High cost of fertility treatment pushes more women toward risky social media therapies

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

Nigeria’s struggling economy has hit the health sector hard — and for many, the effects are devastating.

Today, quality medical care is increasingly out of reach for average families, leaving the poor with even fewer options. For women facing fertility challenges, the situation is particularly severe.

Fertility treatments now cost anywhere from ₦50,000 to ₦1 million, while advanced procedures like IVF can exceed ₦3 million. Even basic diagnostic tests — hormonal profiles, HSG scans, transvaginal ultrasounds — have seen steep price hikes.

Unable to afford these costs, many women are turning to a growing number of self-styled “consultants” on social media. These online figures often diagnose symptoms and recommend treatments without proper testing, relying largely on traditional or unverified remedies.

Stories from the Struggle

Mrs. Shakirat Abdulkareem, a widow and fish seller, shared how she turned to herbal remedies for fibroid treatment after the cost of surgery became unbearable. “I saw a video online about using herbs for fibroids. I tried it — and it worked for me,” she said.

Miss Rose Momoh, a hairdresser, faced a similar dilemma. After experiencing breast milk discharge, she was advised to get a hormonal profile test costing ₦50,000. “Where would I get such money?” she asked. Instead, she searched for home remedies on social media.

Men and families seeking solutions for infertility are also affected. Businessman Benjamin Agbo recalled his sister’s 13-year struggle to conceive. Unable to afford IVF, she now uses a drug recommended online. “I don’t blame her,” Agbo said, “but I told her if it doesn’t work, she might as well go herbal.”

Risks of Unverified Advice

Economy & Lifestyle’s review of popular social media health pages revealed that many posts target fertility issues such as hormonal imbalance, fibroids, low sperm count, “womb cleansing,” and pregnancy. Prescriptions range from herbs and spices to over-the-counter drugs.

However, herbal practitioner Mrs. Anike Animasahun warns that self-medication based on online advice is dangerous. “What works for one person may not work for another,” she explained. “I always require tests before treatment because underlying conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes can complicate things.”

She noted that while some online consultants are knowledgeable, many are simply creating content for profit. “Because many people can’t afford proper care, they risk their lives on these remedies,” she said.

With the rising cost of healthcare showing no signs of easing, more Nigerians may continue seeking solutions outside traditional medical systems — for better or worse.