Male fertility is quietly declining worldwide, with sperm counts and quality dropping at alarming rates. While infertility discussions often focus on women, men are increasingly affected, challenging traditional notions of fatherhood.
Professor Hagai Levine of Hebrew University highlights that sperm count reflects overall health, with lower counts linked to higher risks of illness and early death. Data from 53 countries, including Nigeria, show sperm concentrations dropping around 2.5% annually since 2000.
Average sperm counts have fallen by over 50% since the 1970s. Between 1973 and 2018, total sperm counts dropped by 62%, while sperm concentration declined by 51.6% globally. This decline is accelerating, raising concerns about reproductive health and public well-being.
Environmental toxins, processed foods, sedentary lifestyles, and stress are major contributors. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals in plastics and pesticides, poor diet, and chronic stress all lower testosterone and damage sperm. Even habits like prolonged laptop use, tight clothing, and excessive screen time reduce fertility.
Fertility specialists at Nordica Fertility Centre, Lagos, found that sperm DNA fragmentation is a key factor in infertility, affecting fertilization and embryo development. In recent years, 12% of men examined had no sperm (azoospermia), and half of all sperm samples showed abnormalities.
While trends are concerning, advances like lab-grown sperm and assisted reproductive technologies offer solutions. Experts stress awareness, lifestyle changes, and timely medical intervention as crucial steps in combating the global decline in male fertility.
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