Male infertility fuels growing reproductive health crisis amid persistent stigma

Health experts have raised concerns over the growing burden of male infertility, warning that cultural stigma and misinformation continue to prevent thousands of Nigerian men from seeking timely medical evaluation, despite evidence showing that male factors account for nearly half of all infertility cases.

Infertility affects an estimated one in six couples globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Medical research indicates that male infertility is solely responsible for about 20 per cent of cases and contributes to another 30 per cent, making it a significant factor in approximately half of all couples struggling to conceive.

In Nigeria and across Sub-Saharan Africa, specialists say the problem is even more pronounced. Clinical studies suggest that male factor infertility is responsible for between 35 and 50 per cent of infertility cases among couples, yet women continue to bear the greater share of social blame and emotional distress.

Researchers have also reported a worrying decline in male reproductive health over the past decade. A long-term study conducted in Nigeria and South Africa found a significant reduction in normal sperm morphology and progressive sperm motility, two critical indicators of male fertility. Medical experts attribute the trend to increasing exposure to environmental pollutants, untreated reproductive tract infections, chronic stress, poor lifestyle habits, and other health-related factors.

Despite these findings, healthcare professionals say cultural beliefs continue to discourage many men from undergoing fertility assessments.

In many Nigerian communities, fertility remains closely tied to perceptions of masculinity, leading many men to reject the possibility of infertility. In parts of southwestern Nigeria, the popular saying, “Ko si agan okunrin”—meaning “there is no infertile man”—reflects the deep-rooted belief that reproductive challenges are exclusively a woman’s responsibility.

Experts warn that such misconceptions often result in delayed diagnosis and treatment, placing unnecessary emotional, psychological and social pressure on women.

Reproductive health specialists have therefore urged couples experiencing difficulty conceiving to seek medical evaluation together rather than assuming the problem lies with one partner.

According to fertility experts, diagnosing male infertility is relatively straightforward and typically begins with a simple, non-invasive semen analysis, unlike some female fertility investigations that may require more extensive medical procedures.

Medical professionals also note that several causes of male infertility—including untreated sexually transmitted infections, hormonal imbalances and varicoceles, an enlargement of veins within the scrotum—can be successfully treated if detected early.

They stressed that advances in reproductive medicine have significantly improved treatment options, ranging from lifestyle modifications and medication to assisted reproductive technologies such as In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).

Health advocates are calling for increased public awareness campaigns to challenge harmful stereotypes surrounding male infertility and encourage more men to seek early medical assessment.

They argue that reducing stigma and promoting joint fertility evaluations will improve access to treatment, reduce emotional trauma for affected couples, and increase the chances of successful conception.