More Nigerian men are going infertile – Experts warn
By Odunewu Segun
There is no doubt that infertility has become a common challenge in many homes, especially among young couples in Nigeria today. This problem has been giving many families and couples sleepless nights. It has also led to the separation of many families.
Fertility experts have even warned that if nothing was done urgently to reverse the trend, more Nigerian men will not be able to impregnate their spouses.
Managing Director, Nordica Fertility Centre, Lagos, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi and Prof. Stanley Okolo, a Nigerian Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at North Middlesex University Hospital, London blamed the rising male factor infertility in Nigeria on the largely environment and lifestyle.
The gynaecologist identified low sperm count as the commonest cause of infertility in men. According to him, men with low sperm count cannot impregnate their wives, no matter the rounds of intimate intercourse they have.
Explaining the causes of low sperm count, he said, “Infections can cause it. A lot of people are born that way. Some people inherit low sperm count. Sometimes, it is a tough thing for them to understand.
“They will tell you that their fathers have many children. But we know that in genetics, some genes are recessive, while some are dormant. So it is possible for your father to have a recessive gene for low sperm count, which now manifests in you.”
Other factors, according to Ajayi, are occupation, drugs, such as antibiotics; obesity and smoking.
“It has been documented that long truck drivers suffer low sperm count. It has also been documented that those who work in fuel stations suffer it. Commercial motorcyclists, whose testicles are exposed to high temperature for a long period can also suffer low sperm count,” he added.
Another consultant, and gynaecologist cum fertility expert, Dr Victor Ajayi of Nordica Fertility Centre, Asokoro-Abuja, identified late marriage as another cause.
“You will find out that some people don’t start their family life early. We all know that the peak age of a woman is usually at the age of 25 years. That is when a woman will be very fertile. Some will remain single till about the age of 29 and by the time they attain 30 years, their fertility level begins to diminish.
At the age 35 to 40 years, their fertility rate drops significantly. This is so because the quantity of egg a woman can make diminishes as she ages. So, the older the woman is, the unlikely chances for her to get pregnant,” he said.
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