Fertility expert Dr. Victor Ajayi has sounded the alarm over the alarming decline in semen quality among Nigerian men, stating that only about 25 per cent have optimal semen quality.

Dr. Ajayi, a Consultant Gynaecologist and Chief Executive Officer of Nordica Fertility Centre, made the revelation during a webinar on Saturday titled 'The Forgotten Men: Conversation on Infertility.'

According to the fertility specialist, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has shown a global decline in male reproductive potential, with sperm counts falling by more than 50 per cent over the past five decades.

Dr. Ajayi attributed the decline in male fertility to various factors including obesity, unhealthy lifestyles, sperm DNA fragmentation, prolonged exposure of the testes to heat, and psychological factors.

"It is time to bring men into the conversation about reproductive health, not as bystanders, but as equal participants whose fertility matters," Dr. Ajayi said.

The fertility expert called for increased public awareness, early intervention, and proper counselling to address male infertility and encourage shared responsibility in reproductive health.

Dr. Gbolahan, a Clinical Psychologist at Nordica Fertility Centre, also spoke during the webinar, noting that many men rarely display their emotional problems and avoid therapy due to the stigma surrounding infertility.

"Infertility is a medical condition not a reflection of masculinity or strength," Dr. Gbolahan said.

Mr. Jesse Atongo, a Consultant Gynecologist at Nordica Fertility Centre, stated that male infertility treatment is individualised based on the identified etiology, severity of sperm impairment, and the couple's overall fertility profile.

According to him, infertility can be managed through medications, surgery, and assisted reproduction. He encouraged men to avoid illicit substances, excessive heat, alcohol, and maintain a healthy weight and safe sex.

The Silent Suffering of Nigerian Men

The fertility expert's revelation raises questions about the cultural and societal factors contributing to the neglect of male infertility in Nigeria.

The issue of male infertility has been largely overlooked, with men often bearing the stigma and emotional burden of infertility.

According to Dr. Ajayi, many of the factors affecting sperm quality are preventable and can be addressed through sustained lifestyle changes.

The fertility specialist's call for increased awareness and shared responsibility in reproductive health is a timely reminder of the need for a more inclusive approach to addressing infertility in Nigeria.

Key Facts

  • Only about 25 per cent of Nigerian men have semen quality considered optimal for natural conception.
  • The World Health Organisation (WHO) has shown a global decline in male reproductive potential, with sperm counts falling by more than 50 per cent over the past five decades.
  • Obesity, unhealthy lifestyles, sperm DNA fragmentation, prolonged exposure of the testes to heat, and psychological factors are contributing to the decline in male fertility.
  • Dr. Victor Ajayi, a Consultant Gynaecologist and Chief Executive Officer of Nordica Fertility Centre, is urging increased public awareness and early intervention to address male infertility.
  • Dr. Gbolahan, a Clinical Psychologist at Nordica Fertility Centre, notes that many men rarely display their emotional problems and avoid therapy due to the stigma surrounding infertility.