Nigeria is facing a silent epidemic of male infertility that fertility specialists attribute to modern lifestyle choices, environmental pollution, and concerning lack of awareness among the youth.
Alarming Statistics Revealed
The stark reality of Nigeria's male fertility crisis was brought to light by Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, Chief Executive Officer of Nordica Fertility Centre, during the 13th anniversary celebration of the centre's Abuja branch. Emerging data indicates a dramatic deterioration in male reproductive health across the nation.
A comprehensive ten-year study conducted between 2003 and 2013 documented a shocking 30 per cent reduction in sperm count among Nigerian men. More recent evaluations at Nordica paint an even more disturbing picture: approximately 12 per cent of men now present with azoospermia - the complete absence of sperm in semen.
"Male infertility is a big issue in Nigeria," Dr. Ajayi emphasized. "Twelve per cent of men we see have no sperm at all, and almost 50 per cent have low sperm count. Yet awareness is extremely low."
Lifestyle Factors Driving the Crisis
Medical experts identify several key contributors to this worrying trend:
- Rising consumption of performance-enhancing drugs
- Increased use of muscle-building supplements
- Recreational substance abuse
- Exposure to environmental pollutants and heavy metals
Dr. Ajayi specifically highlighted the dangers of testosterone boosters and bodybuilding drugs, which have gained popularity among younger demographics. "Young men need to understand that the shortcuts they take today can affect their chances of fatherhood tomorrow," he cautioned.
Many Nigerian men remain unaware that these habits directly compromise their reproductive health, creating a future generation facing potential fertility challenges.
Expanding Fertility Services and Solutions
In response to the growing demand for fertility services, Nordica Fertility Centre is expanding its operations across Nigeria. The centre, which has facilitated more than 5,000 births since its establishment, plans to establish a new world-class hospital in Lagos and extend services to more states.
"Healthcare in Nigeria is still in its infancy," Dr. Ajayi noted. "We've cracked the code of fertility, and the next step is scaling and training others. Nigerians must drive the change we want to see."
Another fertility specialist, Dr. Jesse Atongo, advised women delaying marriage or childbearing to consider egg freezing as a reliable reproductive insurance option. He explained that egg quality begins declining gradually from age 35 and drops sharply after 40, significantly reducing chances of successful conception.
"The genetic quality of eggs and sperm is the biggest determinant of IVF success," Dr. Atongo stated. "That's why we recommend egg preservation before 35. With proper storage, frozen eggs remain viable for years."
Modern technologies like Pre-implantation Genetic Testing (PGT) are also improving outcomes by screening embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer, potentially increasing IVF success rates to as high as 70 per cent while reducing miscarriage risks.
