As prevalence of infertility increases in sub-Saharan Africa, the medical director of Nordica Fertility Centre, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, has revealed that lifestyle choices like the age at which one starts raising family, what one eats, over consumption of caffeine, among others have profound effects on fertility of both male and female.
Ajayi told LEADERSHIP that stress, tobacco, alcohol, strenuous and excessive exercise, exposure to pesticides and radiation cause infertility in male and females.
He said research has shown that a woman’s decision to start a family at a certain age can either improve or negatively impact her odds of becoming a mother.
‘’For instance, women over 40 years have about a five per cent chance of getting pregnant in any single ovulation cycle, compared to a 25 percent chance for women in their 20s and early 30s,’’ he revealed.
Ajayi said, “Studies have shown that obesity is associated with decreased sperm count and quality in males, while being underweight is linked to ovarian dysfunction and infertility in women. What we consume also affects our fertility.”
The medical director added that although excessive activity is known to influence ovulation and fertility in women, intense exercise and taking several drugs are known to lower sperm count in males.
Regarding substance abuse, Ajayi said both men and women may have decreased fertility if they smoke tobacco, use marijuana, drink excessively, or use illegal drugs like heroin and cocaine.
“Additionally, using some blood pressure medications can have an impact on the quality of sperm, thereby decreasing fertility. Infertility can also be brought on in both males and females by exposure to radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Pesticide and herbicide exposure, mobile phone radiation, paint manufacturing chemicals, and fuel (particularly for those who work at fuel stations) can all have an impact on fertility,” he said.
There’s no doubt that lifestyle chioces can have a bearing on fertility, Ajayi said, adding that, “The good news about these decisions is that most of them are reversible by altering one’s lifestyle. For instance, we have noticed improvements in the quality of women’s eggs when they quit smoking for three to six months.
Despite the fact that stress is somewhat expected in a nation like Nigeria, where people often work hard to live comfortably, Ajayi suggested that Nigerians should attempt to relax on the weekends. “I would suggest that we rest on the weekends. Prioritizing what is important to us is necessary. Please consider working from home if you can,” he added.
Ajayi’s advice on exercise was, “You don’t need arduous exercise to keep healthy. The main goal of fertility is maintaining good health. When you don’t have control over your diet, working out in the gym is pointless. Age is the sole factor that cannot be changed, which is why I have always emphasized the need of keeping your eggs and sperm in reserve if you do not have any immediate plans to start a family. If you decide to undergo cancer treatment or surgery, such as a third fibroids operation, you need to consider fertility preservation like storing your eggs and sperm.”
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