Health experts have attributed the growing cases of infertility among young Nigerian couples to poor lifestyle habits, delayed marriage, and untreated infections.

According to fertility specialists, infertility, once believed to affect mostly older couples, is now becoming increasingly common among people in their 20s and early 30s.

The experts noted that unhealthy lifestyles such as excessive alcohol intake, smoking, obesity, and continuous exposure to environmental toxins have significantly affected the reproductive health of both men and women.

A recent World Health Organisation report revealed that about 17.5 percent of the global adult population—roughly one in every six people—struggles with infertility. The organisation, therefore, urged governments to give more policy attention to reproductive health challenges.

Similarly, the Association for Fertility and Reproductive Health (AFRH) estimates that around 12 million Nigerians are infertile, representing nearly 10 percent of the country’s total population.

The immediate past president of AFRH, Prof. Preye Fiebai, explained that the rising trend is linked to hormonal imbalances, untreated sexually transmitted infections, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and lifestyle changes. He also noted that male infertility is becoming increasingly common due to low sperm count and other related conditions.

“Young couples are facing infertility challenges, and the numbers keep rising. The problem may come from the man, the woman, or both. When proper medical evaluation is done, the causes can usually be identified,” Fiebai said.

He further explained that many men now experience a high prevalence of sperm-related issues.
“Some men ejaculate normally, but the semen contains no sperm cells at all, a condition known as azoospermia. In others, sperm count or motility may be low, or sperm cells may have abnormal shapes—all of which reduce fertility,” he added.

Speaking on women’s reproductive health, Fiebai identified untreated infections, poor hygiene, complications from unsafe abortions, and obesity as major contributors to infertility.
“Infections from untreated sexually transmitted diseases often damage the fallopian tubes, while excess body weight reduces the chances of conception,” he explained.

He also highlighted that the increasing age of marriage among both men and women is another contributing factor.
“Today, many people marry later in life, often after age 35. Fertility naturally declines with age, especially in women, as the number and quality of eggs decrease over time,” he said.

While acknowledging that some infertility cases remain unexplained even after thorough testing, the expert emphasised the need for healthy living and proper medical consultation.
“Maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding risky sexual behaviour can enhance fertility. Couples should seek help from qualified medical professionals rather than self-medicating or consulting untrained drug sellers,” he advised.

Also speaking, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, Managing Director of Nordica Fertility Centre, Lagos, stressed the importance of early fertility screening and timely medical intervention.
He explained that some couples wrongly assume they are medically fine because they have not undergone comprehensive tests.

“There is what we call unexplained infertility, but in many cases, that conclusion arises because the necessary investigations weren’t completed,” Ajayi said.

He identified four essential tests required in infertility evaluation: semen analysis for the man; pelvic scan; Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) — an X-ray test that checks if the fallopian tubes are open; and hormonal blood tests to assess ovulation.
“When these four tests are properly done, about 85 percent of infertility causes can be detected. The remaining 15 percent falls under unexplained infertility, which still has available treatment options,” he added.

Ajayi urged couples to seek professional medical help if conception does not occur after a year of trying, instead of resorting to self-medication or unverified remedies.