Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, a Consultant Obstetrician, Gynaecologist, and Chief Executive Officer of Nordica Fertility Centre, has expressed deep concern over a significant increase in male infertility across Nigeria. Speaking at the 13th anniversary celebration of Nordica Fertility Centre Abuja, Dr. Ajayi attributed this “galloping rise” primarily to lifestyle choices and a pervasive lack of knowledge regarding reproductive health.

His remarks were supported by findings from extensive studies conducted by Nordica. A decade-long assessment between 2003 and 2013 revealed a 30 percent decline in sperm count among Nigerian men. More recently, the center has observed that approximately 12 percent of men presenting at the clinic exhibit azoospermia, meaning they have no sperm at all, while nearly 50 percent suffer from low sperm count. Dr. Ajayi pinpointed several major contributors to this trend, including detrimental lifestyle choices, substance use, and exposure to harmful environmental factors, such as heavy metals from mining activities.

A critical issue highlighted by Dr. Ajayi is the severe lack of awareness about fertility health among young men. He noted that many young individuals unknowingly take muscle-enhancing or performance-boosting drugs that can irreparably damage their fertility. He stressed that ignorance is at the core of this problem, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced health education. Furthermore, Dr. Ajayi lamented Nigerians’ general disinterest in preventive health, observing that while weight loss garners significant attention, crucial areas like fertility and reproductive health are largely overlooked.

Despite these challenges, Nordica Fertility Centre has made substantial contributions to reproductive health in Nigeria, having recorded over 5,000 births since its inception across its branches in Lagos, Abuja, and Asaba. Dr. Ajayi announced ambitious plans for future expansion, which include the establishment of a new world-class hospital in Lagos and additional facilities in other states, aiming to seamlessly integrate healthcare services with hospitality. He expressed a strong belief that Nigerians themselves must spearhead the necessary changes in the nation's healthcare sector, asserting, “We’ve cracked the code of fertility; the next step is to scale and train others.”

Further insights into fertility were provided by Dr. Jesse Atongo, another fertility expert present at the event. Dr. Atongo explained that the success of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is heavily dependent on the genetic quality of both eggs and sperm. He particularly emphasized the profound impact of age on fertility outcomes for women.

According to Dr. Atongo, the quality of a woman’s eggs begins to diminish from the age of 35 and experiences a sharp decline after 40. Consequently, he strongly recommends egg preservation before the age of 35. He urged women who are not immediately prepared for marriage or childbearing to consider egg freezing, reassuring them that properly preserved eggs can remain viable for many years. He also touched upon male fertility, highlighting the importance of regular sexual activity in maintaining sperm quality and warning that factors such as prolonged abstinence, stress, alcohol consumption, and smoking can significantly damage sperm DNA.

Dr. Atongo also discussed advanced reproductive technologies, specifically mentioning Pre-implantation Genetic Testing (PGT). He explained that PGT can substantially improve IVF success rates, potentially reaching as high as 70 percent, by meticulously identifying and selecting genetically healthy embryos for implantation, thereby increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy and healthy offspring.