If you’ve ever been part of a conversation about fertility, you might have noticed something unfair; the blame almost always falls on women. For generations, society has quietly assumed that when a couple struggles to conceive, the woman must be the cause. But here’s the truth: what is male fertility, male fertility symptoms, and male fertility treatment are equally important topics to discuss. Dr. Yakub from Well-Life Hospital Abuja wants everyone to understand that male infertility is just as common and equally important to address.
Why Male Infertility is Increasing
Dr. Yakub highlights an important trend: male infertility is on the rise. Multiple factors contribute to this growing issue, including:
- Lifestyle changes
- Exposure to environmental toxins
- Rising stress levels
- Unhealthy diets
- Infections
The World Health Organization (WHO) has even reported a steady decline in global sperm counts over recent decades, raising concerns among health experts.
In Nigeria and many other countries, cultural attitudes make this problem harder to confront. Many men hesitate to get fertility testing because of shame or misinformation, which delays diagnosis and treatment; causing emotional strain on relationships.
Understanding Male Infertility
Male infertility means a man has trouble fathering a child naturally due to issues with sperm production, function, or delivery.
Common Causes of Male Infertility
- Low sperm count: Fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen
- Poor sperm motility: Sperm that can’t swim effectively to reach the egg
- Abnormal sperm morphology: Misshapen sperm less likely to fertilize
- Hormonal imbalances: Low testosterone or other hormone disruptions
- Genetic factors: Conditions like Klinefelter syndrome or Y chromosome defects
- Physical blockages: Obstructions in the reproductive tract preventing sperm release
Key Risk Factors Men Should Avoid
While some causes are beyond control, many lifestyle habits directly affect male fertility. Dr. Yakub notes these critical risk factors:
- Smoking and heavy alcohol use
- Obesity, which disrupts hormones and sperm production
- Untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Excessive heat exposure (hot tubs, tight underwear, laptops on the lap)
- Contact with pesticides, chemicals, or other environmental toxins
Signs and Symptoms of Male Infertility
Male infertility often shows no obvious symptoms. Most couples only discover a problem after trying to conceive for 12 months without success (or 6 months if the woman is over 35).
Possible signs may include:
- Reduced libido
- Erectile difficulties
- Decreased facial or body hair
Because symptoms can be subtle or absent, Dr. Yakub urges couples to get fertility testing together.
How Male Infertility is Diagnosed
Diagnosis begins with a medical history and physical exam, followed by specific tests such as:
- Semen analysis: Checks sperm count, movement, and shape
- Hormone tests: Measures testosterone and related hormone levels
- Genetic screening: Identifies inherited fertility problems
- Imaging scans: Ultrasounds or X-rays to detect blockages or abnormalities
Effective Treatments for Male Infertility
The good news is that many men with fertility challenges can still become fathers. Treatment depends on the cause and may include:
- Lifestyle changes: Quitting smoking, reducing alcohol, healthy diet, exercise
- Medications: Treat infections or correct hormone imbalances
- Surgery: Repair varicoceles or remove blockages
- Assisted reproductive technologies (ART): IUI, IVF, or IVF with ICSI
- Sperm retrieval: For men with no sperm in ejaculate, direct extraction from testes may be possible
Ending the Stigma Around Male Infertility
Male infertility is a medical condition, not a measure of masculinity. Early recognition and treatment improve outcomes significantly.
Dr. Yakub’s message is clear: stop blaming women and start addressing male fertility openly.
Natural Ways to Boost Male Fertility
Simple daily habits can help support reproductive health:
- Eat antioxidant-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, nuts)
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Manage stress with mindfulness or hobbies
- Get 7–8 hours of quality sleep
- Avoid tight clothing and limit heat exposure around the groin
Final Thoughts: A Shared Path to Parenthood
Infertility affects both partners equally, and the best results happen when couples face it together. Male fertility is just as important as female fertility, and with the right diagnosis and treatment, many men successfully become fathers.
Let’s move the conversation from blame to solutions; because the ultimate goal is building the family you’ve always dreamed of.
