Medical experts have expressed concern over the growing incidence of male infertility, warning that stigma, misinformation and entrenched cultural beliefs continue to prevent many men from seeking diagnosis and treatment, even as studies show male reproductive factors contribute to nearly half of all infertility cases.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infertility affects about one in six couples worldwide. While women are often blamed for a couple’s inability to conceive, clinical evidence indicates that male infertility accounts for about 20 per cent of cases and contributes to another 30 per cent.
In Nigeria and other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, fertility specialists say male reproductive disorders are responsible for between 35 and 50 per cent of infertility cases. However, many men still avoid medical evaluation due to societal perceptions that associate fertility with masculinity.
Health professionals say this misconception has left countless women facing emotional distress, family pressure and social stigma, while the male partner is rarely encouraged to undergo fertility testing.
Recent research has also highlighted a steady decline in male reproductive health. A decade-long study involving Nigeria and South Africa recorded significant reductions in sperm quality, including lower sperm motility and abnormal sperm morphology. Researchers attribute the trend to environmental pollution, unhealthy lifestyles, untreated infections, stress and other health conditions.
Medical experts warn that these factors, if left untreated, could further worsen fertility outcomes across the region.
Despite the growing burden, specialists say awareness of male infertility remains low. In many communities, cultural beliefs continue to discourage men from accepting that infertility can affect them.
In some parts of southwestern Nigeria, the saying “Ko si agan okunrin”—translated as “there is no infertile man”—continues to reinforce the belief that reproductive challenges are solely a woman’s responsibility.
Doctors argue that such beliefs often delay proper diagnosis and treatment, reducing the chances of successful conception for affected couples.
They recommend that couples struggling to conceive undergo fertility evaluation together, noting that the initial assessment for men is usually simple, painless and involves a semen analysis.
Experts also emphasize that several causes of male infertility, including hormonal disorders, varicoceles and untreated sexually transmitted infections, are treatable when detected early.
With advances in reproductive medicine, treatment options now include medication, lifestyle changes, surgery where necessary and assisted reproductive technologies such as In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).
Health advocates have called for increased public education to break the silence surrounding male infertility, stressing that addressing stigma and encouraging early medical intervention are essential to improving reproductive health outcomes and reducing the emotional burden on families.
