Sodiq Ojuroungbe
Leading fertility specialists say couples intending to have children should desist from eating stock fish and other large fish due to potential infertility risks associated with heavy metal contamination.
The experts noted that adopting a healthier lifestyle and minimising exposure to toxins could help enhance fertility and improve overall reproductive outcomes.
Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise, the reproductive experts cautioned against excessive sugar consumption, artificial sweeteners, and genetically modified foods.
They stressed the importance of a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress reduction to improve fertility.
The leading reproductive experts, however, urged couples struggling to conceive to seek medical attention and consider fertility treatments if necessary.
The World Health Organisation in 2023 stated that about 17.5 per cent of the adult population, representing one in six people, worldwide experience infertility.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention also warned that globally, the infertility rate is on the rise.
The CDC defined infertility as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected sex.
Additionally, according to the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey conducted in 2018, about 25 per cent of married women in Nigeria are experiencing primary infertility, while 16 per cent are experiencing secondary infertility.
The report noted that these figures highlight the significant prevalence of infertility issues in Nigeria.
Speaking with our correspondent on the rising cases of infertility, a consultant reproductive endocrinologist, Professor Oladapo Ashiru stated that large fish, including stock fish, can contain high levels of heavy metals such as mercury, lead, and arsenic, which may impair reproductive health.
Ashiru, who is also the President of the Academy of Medicine Specialties of Nigeria, explained that these metals disrupt hormone production and balance, affecting both male and female fertility.
The Chief Medical Director of the MART Group of Health services also pointed out other environmental toxins, including those from petrochemicals, cosmetics, and electronic devices, as contributing factors to declining fertility rates globally.
The reproductive endocrinologist emphasised the role of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which are found in various products, including petrochemicals from the oil and gas industry.
He said these chemicals can interfere with the hormones necessary for ovulation and sperm production, worsening fertility problems.
In addition to environmental concerns, the Don stressed the impact of lifestyle factors, adding that excessive consumption of sugary foods and drinks, particularly smoothies with high sugar content, is also linked to fertility issues.
According to him, delaying childbearing is another significant factor, as fertility naturally decreases with age. Women who delay pregnancy until their 40s face substantially lower chances of conception compared to those in their 20s and 30s.
He added, “Another one is the excess sugar in fruits. Because people think fruits are healthy for them, they get watermelon and pineapple and then blend them into smoothies. Some people can consume up to six glasses of such smoothies daily. Unknown to them, which is the bad news, is that one glass of smoothies has been shown to contain 10 to 12 cubes of sugar. And when you ask these people how many cubes of sugar they put in their tea, they tell you they don’t take any or they use maybe just one cube of sugar. So, those are some of the major items.”
He, however, recommended a diet rich in lean proteins and fresh vegetables, regular exercise, and detoxification to improve reproductive health.
For those attempting to conceive, the professor urged them to reduce exposure to harmful substances and make healthier food choices.
Such measures, he argued, can help mitigate the negative effects of modern environmental and lifestyle factors on reproductive health.
“If you want to conceive a baby, if you are planning to have a family, you need to detoxify yourself. You need to clean yourself. You need to have a lifestyle change. You need to now begin to do exercise,” he stated.
Professor Preye Fiebai
On his part, the President of the Association for Fertility and Reproductive Health, Professor Preye Fiebai, stressed the importance of lifestyle and dietary adjustments in addressing fertility issues.
According to the professor, adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly impact reproductive health and improve the chances of conception.
The fertility expert advocated for a balanced approach to managing fertility, stressing that both overweight and underweight could lead to fertility problems.
He stated, “Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for optimal reproductive health. A well-rounded diet, rich in multivitamins and essential nutrients, is also critical.”
The AFRH president also stressed the need for regular exercise, adding that exercise helps in managing weight, improving circulation, and reducing stress, all of which are beneficial for reproductive health.
For young women, Professor Fiebai advised caution regarding unprotected sex.
He suggested that young people should consider delaying sexual activity until they are prepared for the potential consequences.
He, however, noted that routine medical examinations and maintaining good hygiene practices are essential for preventing reproductive health issues.
The professor also highlighted that blockages in the fallopian tubes and damage to the reproductive tract are significant concerns.
“These issues are not limited to women; men can also experience similar reproductive health problems. Therefore, both partners should be mindful of their reproductive health.
“And then for those who now try to conceive and are unable to conceive within the recommended period of one year. They should see a specialist who will examine them and take out the necessary measures that would help in achieving that fertility. After a period, if you still don’t conceive, you’ll most likely be referred to a fertility specialist who would go into more advanced forms of treatment,” he explained.
The professor, however, noted that educating young people about healthy lifestyle choices and reproductive health can help reduce the likelihood of fertility problems in the future.
He stressed, “By fostering awareness and providing resources, society can better support individuals in maintaining their reproductive health.”
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