One in Four Men Has Good Semen Quality, Says Fertility Expert

A Consultant Gynaecologist and CEO of Nordica Fertility Centre, Victor Ajayi, has said that only one in four men has good semen quality. He pointed to research showing that male fertility has been declining over the years.

Mr Ajayi spoke during a webinar on Saturday. The webinar was titled “The Forgotten Men: Conversation on Infertility.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the fertility expert shared a 2012 study. This study found that only about 25 per cent of men had semen quality good enough for natural conception.

He mentioned that periodic studies by the World Health Organisation (WHO) have shown a global drop in male reproductive potential. Sperm counts have fallen by more than 50 per cent in the last 50 years.

Mr Ajayi explained that only a few men now produce the minimum sperm concentration needed for natural conception. This is much lower than the sperm counts recorded many years ago.

He warned that if this trend keeps going, it could have serious effects on human reproduction.

He linked the decline to obesity, unhealthy lifestyles, sperm DNA fragmentation, heat exposure to the testes, psychological issues, and other medical problems.

Mr Ajayi also challenged the belief that infertility is mainly a woman’s issue. He said that infertility is often seen as a female problem, which leaves women with stigma and emotional burdens.

He pointed out that male infertility is often ignored, even though men contribute significantly to infertility cases.

“It is time to bring men into the conversation about reproductive health, not as bystanders, but as equal participants whose fertility matters,” he said.

He added that many factors affecting sperm quality can be prevented. These can be improved through consistent lifestyle changes.

He called for more public awareness, early intervention, and proper counselling to tackle male infertility. He also stressed the need for shared responsibility in reproductive health.

Also speaking at the event, Pilot Gbolahan, a Clinical Psychologist at Nordica Fertility Centre, said men often hide their emotional problems.

Mr Gbolahan noted that many men seem emotionally distant. They may suffer from depression caused by infertility and often avoid therapy.

“Infertility is a medical condition, not a measure of masculinity or strength.

“Male factors account for 50 per cent of infertility cases. Yet, many men delay seeking fertility evaluation.

“Breaking the silence is the first step towards finding a solution,” he said.

The psychologist mentioned that early assessment could make a big difference. He suggested routine psychological services in fertility clinics and healthcare settings across Nigeria.

Jesse Atongo, a Consultant Gynecologist at Nordica Fertility Centre, added that many men confuse sexual function with reproductive ability.

Mr Atongo explained that infertility can be diagnosed through medical history, physical examination, and semen analysis.

The gynaecologist noted that male infertility treatment is tailored based on the cause, severity of sperm issues, and the couple’s overall fertility profile.

He said that infertility can be managed through medications, surgery, and assisted reproduction. He advised men to avoid illicit substances, excessive heat, and alcohol. He also urged them to keep a healthy weight and practice safe sex.