“Fertility challenges are not just a woman’s issue—up to half of all infertility cases involve men. Here’s what every Nigerian couple should know about male fertility, causes, and next steps.”
In Nigeria, when a couple struggles to conceive, the focus often falls on the woman. But science tells a different story: male factors contribute to nearly half of infertility cases worldwide.
At HopeNests, we believe both partners are the heroes of their fertility journey. Understanding male fertility is not about blame—it’s about uncovering solutions together.
1. Male Fertility Myths in Nigeria
Before diving into medical facts, it’s important to address common misconceptions:
- “A man who can perform sexually must be fertile.” → False. Sexual performance doesn’t guarantee sperm health.
- “Infertility is always the woman’s fault.” → False. Male infertility is just as common.
- “Traditional remedies always solve fertility problems.” → False. While lifestyle changes can help, medical evaluation is often essential.
2. Common Causes of Male Infertility
Several factors can affect sperm production, quality, and delivery:
- Low sperm count (oligospermia)
- Poor sperm motility (asthenozoospermia)
- Abnormal sperm shape (teratozoospermia)
- Blocked reproductive ducts
- Hormonal imbalances
- Genetic conditions
3. Lifestyle & Environmental Factors in Nigeria
Nigeria’s unique environment brings additional risks:
- Heat exposure from long hours driving or industrial work (affects sperm production)
- Alcohol and smoking—both reduce sperm quality
- Untreated STIs—a major cause of blocked reproductive tracts
- Pesticides and environmental toxins—impact sperm health
- Stress and poor sleep—disrupt hormonal balance
4. Warning Signs of Male Fertility Issues
Unlike women, men often show no obvious symptoms. However, signs may include:
- Low sex drive
- Erectile difficulties
- Testicular pain or swelling
- Reduced body/facial hair (hormonal imbalance)
- Difficulty conceiving despite regular unprotected sex for 12+ months
5. Diagnosis: How Male Fertility Is Tested
The most common first step is a semen analysis, which evaluates:
- Sperm count
- Motility (movement)
- Morphology (shape)
- Volume and concentration
Additional tests may include hormonal blood work, ultrasounds, or genetic screening.
6. Treatment & Solutions
Depending on the cause, treatments may involve:
- Lifestyle changes: quitting smoking, balanced diet, reducing stress
- Medication: hormonal treatments or antibiotics for infections
- Surgery: correcting varicoceles (enlarged veins) or blockages
- Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART):
- IUI (intrauterine insemination)
- IVF (in vitro fertilization)
- ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) — especially effective in severe male infertility cases
7. Why Both Partners Should Be Tested Early
Focusing only on the woman delays answers and treatment. A joint fertility evaluation saves time, money, and emotional stress.
Key Takeaways
- Male infertility contributes to 40–50% of infertility cases—it’s not just a woman’s issue.
- Lifestyle factors like alcohol, smoking, untreated STIs, and stress are major risks in Nigeria.
- A semen analysis is the first and most important step in testing.
- Solutions exist—from lifestyle changes to advanced treatments like ICSI.
At HopeNests, we guide couples to understand both male and female fertility—because every journey to parenthood is a team effort.
