Oladapo Ashiru warns of declining sperm count in Nigerian men

Declining sperm concentration among Nigerian men has emerged as a central public health concern, threatening male fertility across the region and increasing the vulnerability of couples seeking to start families. Professor Oladapo Ashiru, president of the Academy of Medical Sciences, issued the warning on Saturday, pointing to a combination of environmental toxins, lifestyle choices, and infections as primary drivers of the trend.

Speaking at an event organized by the Circle Mom Fertility Foundation, Ashiru stated that male populations in Africa and specifically Nigeria face heightened reproductive risks due to dropping sperm counts. He emphasized that reproductive challenges involve both partners equally.

We know that we have found out that in Africa, especially Nigeria, the sperm is decreasing. So, the male population is at risk due to decreased sperm concentration.

Professor Oladapo Ashiru

Ashiru noted that infertility is not a problem solely associated with women. This problem affects both male and female. It’s not just the wife alone, but husband and wife, he said.

Environmental Toxins and Lifestyle Factors Driving the Trend

Medical experts at the gathering detailed numerous external and behavioral factors that compromise reproductive capacity. Ashiru identified smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and poor nutrition as key contributors.

Environmental exposures also play a significant role in diminishing fertility outcomes. The experts highlighted pesticides, industrial chemicals, petrochemicals, diesel emissions, and potentially harmful substances found in plastics and cosmetics as specific hazards. In addition, sexually transmitted infections including gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia were cited as frequent causes of reproductive complications that require early medical intervention.

Circle Mom Fertility Foundation Offers Ten Free IVF Treatments

To address the financial hurdles of assisted reproductive technology, Circle Mom Fertility Foundation founder Dr. Charles Ojeabuo announced 10 free in-vitro fertilization treatments for financially disadvantaged couples. The initiative responds to high costs associated with fertility investigations, medications, and procedures in Nigeria, where treatment remains out of reach for many.

Today we are giving 10 free IVF treatments for couples who are financially disadvantaged, Ojeabuo said, adding that the program aims to prevent people from having to choose between financial limitations and parenthood. The event also featured testimony from families who benefited from the foundation’s previous counseling and subsidized care.

Experts Call for New Legal Frameworks to Regulate Assisted Conception

Legal and medical specialists at the meeting urged lawmakers to establish comprehensive legislation governing assisted reproductive technology. Former House of Representatives member Dr. Joseph Haruna Kigbu warned that gaps in the existing legal framework could expose patients and vulnerable women to exploitation.

The speakers stressed the need to protect patients, donors, surrogate mothers and children born through assisted reproduction, calling for stronger legal safeguards, improved public awareness, greater philanthropic support and more affordable fertility services.