Young Nigerians're becoming more infertile — Experts

*Say 60% of cases now linked to male factor

HEALTH experts have identified reckless lifestyle, delayed childbearing, and untreated infections as major factors causing infertility among young Nigerian couples.

The experts warned that more young people are becoming affected and that male infertility now accounts for as much as 60 percent of the cases nationwide.

Speaking in Lagos at the launch of two books: ”What You Should Know to Escape Infertility” and “Why Men Shoot Blank Shots”, the Chief Executive Officer of Nordica Fertility Centre, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, said the situation calls for urgent attention and early education among young people.

Delivering a lecture titled “The Rising Infertility among Young People,” Ajayi stated that infertility is no longer a burden borne mainly by women, as male infertility has risen sharply in recent years both in Nigeria and globally.

“The male factor seems to be getting higher. The incidence is rising, and this is not peculiar to Nigeria; it’s a global problem,” he said. 

“Men are getting more infertile. About 60 percent of infertility cases are caused by men, and it could get worse if we don’t address the underlying factors.”

Ajayi explained that several causes of infertility among young people — such as sexually transmitted infections, unhealthy lifestyles, and environmental exposures — are preventable and reversible if detected early.

He warned that societal trends, such as delayed childbearing and the decline in teenage pregnancies compared to past decades, were also contributing to the challenge.

“There are so many things happening in our society now. We need to start focusing on young people before they damage the reproductive capacity God has given them often without knowing it,” he said.

Ajayi described ageing as a natural but irreversible factor in infertility. “No matter how you look or what you do, fertility declines with age. It’s a natural process,” he explained.

He advised individuals who wish to delay marriage or childbearing to consider fertility preservation through egg or sperm freezing, a scientifically proven, though expensive, method of reducing future infertility risks.

Addressing misconceptions around fibroids, Ajayi clarified that they are a relatively rare cause of infertility, responsible for only about two to four percent of cases.

“Fibroids only cause infertility when they occupy the space where the baby should grow or block the fallopian tubes. In most cases, fibroids are more associated with recurrent miscarriages than with total infertility, “ he explained.

Earlier in her address, the author of the books, Ms. Uche Akolisa, said the publications were inspired by the urgent need to increase fertility awareness among young adults.

“Fertility, sexual, and reproductive health are serious issues that deserve more attention, especially with the rising rate of infertility.

“Young people must be aware of their fertility status to make informed choices before marriage.”

Akolisa said her first book, “Infertility: What You Must Know Before You Say ‘I Do,’” explores factors affecting fertility such as untreated sexually transmitted infections, chronic health conditions like diabetes and obesity, and occupational hazards that can impair reproductive health.

Her second book, “Why Men Shoot Blank Shots,” focuses on male infertility, addressing issues like low sperm count, ejaculation disorders, and congenital conditions that compromise fertility.

“Young people need to understand that the ABC of sexual and reproductive health abstinence, being faithful, and using condoms  isn’t just about preventing HIV or STIs. These principles can also help preserve fertility,” she added.

She said the books were designed to provoke meaningful conversations among intending couples.

“I want to see these books spark discussions about the right questions to ask before marriage, rather than wasting time on irrelevancies,” Akolisa said.

“The way to stay out of infertility trouble is to seek medical help early and deal with issues instead of trading blame. With today’s assisted reproductive technologies, there’s hardly any reason anyone who truly wants to conceive should be unable to,” she concluded.

Speaking, the Medical Director of LivingSpring Hospital, Ejigbo, Dr. Joseph Akinde, stressed that while diet plays a role in fertility, there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

“The issue of diet and fertility is complex. People should focus on balanced, healthy eating patterns that work for them,” he said.

Culled from Vanguard