A growing concern over male infertility has been raised by Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, and Chief Executive Officer of Nordica Fertility Centre. Speaking at the centre’s 13th anniversary celebration in Abuja, Dr. Ajayi highlighted a significant decline in sperm count among Nigerian men, citing lifestyle factors and ignorance as major contributors.
According to a decade-long study conducted between 2003 and 2013, there was a 30 per cent decline in sperm count among Nigerian men. More recent assessments have shown that about 12 per cent of men presenting at the clinic have no sperm at all, a condition known as azoospermia. Furthermore, nearly 50 per cent of men have low sperm count, underscoring the gravity of the issue.
Dr. Ajayi attributed the rising cases of male infertility to lifestyle choices, substance use, and exposure to harmful environmental factors such as heavy metals from mining activities. He also expressed concern over the lack of awareness about fertility health among young men, emphasizing the need for early education on reproductive wellbeing. Many young men, he noted, take muscle-enhancing or performance-boosting drugs without realizing the potential harm to their fertility.
The expert also lamented the low interest in preventive health among Nigerians, noting that issues like fertility and reproductive health receive little attention. In contrast, the only aspect of health that garners significant interest is weight loss. Dr. Ajayi stressed the importance of health education, particularly among young men, to address the growing concern of male infertility.
In a related development, Dr. Jesse Atongo, a fertility expert, highlighted the significance of genetic quality of eggs and sperm in the success of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). He noted that age significantly affects fertility outcomes, with the quality of a woman’s eggs beginning to decline from age 35 and dropping sharply after 40. Dr. Atongo recommended egg preservation before 35 and emphasized the role of regular sexual activity in maintaining sperm quality.
Nordica Fertility Centre, with branches in Lagos, Abuja, and Asaba, has recorded over 5,000 births since its inception. The centre plans to expand its operations to include a new world-class hospital in Lagos and other states, combining healthcare with hospitality. As Dr. Ajayi noted, “Healthcare in Nigeria is still at its infancy, and I believe Nigerians themselves must drive the change.” The centre’s efforts to address the growing concern of male infertility and provide quality fertility services are a step in the right direction.