Nigerian Men’s Sperm Count Are Declining — Medical Expert Warns

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

The President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, Professor Oladapo Ashiru, has warned that sperm concentration among Nigerian men is declining, raising concerns about male fertility and reproductive health.

Speaking at an event organised by the Circle Mom Fertility Foundation on Saturday, Ashiru identified environmental toxins, unhealthy lifestyles and sexually transmitted infections as factors that could contribute to infertility.

“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,” he said.

Ashiru stressed that infertility affects both men and women and should not be blamed solely on women.

“This problem affects both male and female. It’s not just the wife alone, but husband and wife,” he said.

He identified smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, poor nutrition and exposure to pesticides, industrial chemicals, petrochemicals and diesel emissions as factors that could affect fertility. He also warned that harmful substances found in plastics and cosmetics could pose reproductive health risks.

The professor further identified sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhoea, syphilis and chlamydia, as possible causes of reproductive complications. He urged couples planning to have children to seek medical advice and address potential fertility risks early.

Other speakers called for comprehensive legislation to regulate assisted reproductive technology in Nigeria, including IVF, surrogacy, sperm and egg donation, and embryo management. They stressed the need to protect patients, donors, surrogate mothers and children born through assisted reproduction.

The experts also called for greater public awareness, affordable fertility services and stronger legal safeguards for couples experiencing infertility.

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