Renowned fertility experts advise couples who want to have children to avoid eating farmed fish and other large fish, as heavy metal contamination carries the risk of infertility.
The experts noted that adopting a healthier lifestyle and minimizing exposure to toxins could help increase fertility and improve overall reproductive outcomes.
In an exclusive interview with PUNCH Healthwise, the reproductive experts warned against excessive sugar consumption, artificial sweeteners and genetically modified foods.
They emphasized the importance of a balanced diet, regular exercise and stress reduction in improving fertility.
However, leading reproductive experts strongly advise couples who wish to have children to consult a doctor and, if necessary, consider fertility treatment.
In 2023, the World Health Organization reported that approximately 17.5 percent of the adult population worldwide, or one in six, suffers from infertility.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also warned that infertility rates are rising worldwide.
The CDC defined infertility as the inability to become pregnant after one year of unprotected sex.
Furthermore, according to the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey conducted in 2018, about 25 percent of married women in Nigeria suffer from primary infertility while 16 percent suffer from secondary infertility.
The report found that these figures highlight the significant extent of infertility problems in Nigeria.
Speaking to our correspondent on the rising number of infertility cases, Professor Oladapo Ashiru, a specialist in reproductive endocrinology, explained that large fish, including farmed fish, can contain high concentrations of heavy metals such as mercury, lead and arsenic, which could affect reproductive health.
Ashiru, who is also President of the Academy of Medicine Specialties of Nigeria, explained that these metals disrupt hormone production and balance, thereby affecting both male and female fertility.
The chief medical officer of the MART Group of Health Services also pointed out that other environmental toxins, including those from petrochemicals, cosmetics and electronic devices, are contributing to declining birth rates worldwide.
The reproductive endocrinologist emphasized the role of endocrine-disrupting chemicals contained in various products, including petrochemicals from the oil and gas industry.
He said these chemicals could interfere with the hormones needed for ovulation and sperm production, worsening fertility problems.
In addition to environmental concerns, the don stressed that lifestyle also plays a role. He added that excessive consumption of sugary foods and drinks, especially smoothies with high sugar content, is also linked to fertility problems.
Another important factor, he believes, is that fertility naturally declines with age if you wait to have a child. Women who wait until their 40s to become pregnant have a much lower chance of becoming pregnant than women in their 20s and 30s.
He added: “Another reason is the excessive sugar content of fruits. Because people think fruits are healthy for them, they buy watermelons and pineapples and blend them into smoothies. Some people drink up to six glasses of such smoothies a day. What they don’t know – and this is the bad news – is that a glass of smoothie has been shown to contain 10 to 12 sugar cubes. And when you ask these people how many sugar cubes they put in their tea, they say they don’t use any or maybe only one sugar cube. So these are some of the main factors.”
However, he recommended a diet rich in lean protein and fresh vegetables, regular exercise and detoxification to improve reproductive health.
The professor strongly advised women who want to have children to reduce their exposure to pollutants and eat a healthier diet.
He argued that such measures could help mitigate the negative impacts of modern environmental factors and lifestyles on reproductive health.
“If you want to have a child, if you want to start a family, you have to detoxify yourself. You have to cleanse yourself.
You have to change your lifestyle. You have to start exercising now,” he explained.
For his part, the President of the Society for Fertility and Reproductive Health, Professor Preye Fiebai, stressed the importance of lifestyle and dietary changes to address fertility problems.
According to the professor, switching to a healthy lifestyle can significantly impact reproductive health and improve the chances of conception.
The fertility expert advocated a balanced approach to fertility control and emphasized that both being overweight and underweight can lead to fertility problems.
He explained: “Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for optimal reproductive health. A balanced diet rich in multivitamins and essential nutrients is also crucial.”
The AFRH President also stressed the need for regular physical activity, adding that physical activity helps control weight, improves blood circulation and reduces stress, all of which have a positive impact on reproductive health.
Professor Fiebai advises young women to be cautious when having unprotected sex.
He suggested that young people should wait to engage in sexual activity until they are prepared for the possible consequences.
However, he pointed out that regular medical examinations and adherence to good hygiene practices are essential for preventing reproductive health problems.
The professor also stressed that blockages of the fallopian tubes and damage to the genitals are of considerable concern.
“These problems are not limited to women; men can also have similar reproductive health problems. Therefore, both partners should pay attention to their reproductive health.
“And those who are trying to conceive now and are unable to conceive within the recommended one-year period should see a specialist who will examine them and take the necessary measures to help achieve that fertility. If after a period of time you still cannot conceive, you will most likely be referred to a fertility specialist who will use more advanced forms of treatment,” he explained.
However, the professor pointed out that educating young people about healthy lifestyles and reproductive health could help reduce the likelihood of future fertility problems.
He emphasized: “By raising awareness and providing resources, society can better support individuals in maintaining their reproductive health.”
