In recent years, more couples in Nnewi and across Nigeria have been seeking medical help for difficulty conceiving. Infertility is medically defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.

While infertility is often blamed on women in many communities, modern medical research shows that both men and women contribute almost equally to infertility cases. Studies suggest that about 40% of infertility cases are due to male factors, 40% due to female factors, 15% due to combined factors, and about 5% remain unexplained.

Because of this, fertility evaluation should always involve both partners.

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Why Infertility Appears to Be Increasing

Medical experts across Nigeria are reporting an increase in fertility challenges among couples. Several factors are believed to contribute to this trend.

1. Untreated Infections

One of the most common causes of infertility in Nigeria is reproductive tract infections, especially untreated sexually transmitted infections.

Infections caused by bacteria such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis can damage the reproductive organs and lead to infertility in both men and women.

In women, these infections may cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which can scar the fallopian tubes and prevent fertilization.

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2. Tubal Damage in Women

Studies in Nigeria show that tubal blockage is one of the leading causes of female infertility, often resulting from infections or complications from previous gynecological procedures.

When the fallopian tubes are blocked, the egg and sperm cannot meet, preventing pregnancy.

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3. Male Factor Infertility

Contrary to common belief, infertility is not only a female issue.

Medical studies have shown a significant number of men presenting with abnormalities in semen parameters such as:

• Low sperm count

• Poor sperm movement

• Abnormal sperm shape

These sperm abnormalities are among the most frequent causes of male infertility in Nigeria.

In fact, experts warn that male infertility is becoming increasingly common and many men are unaware they may have fertility problems.

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4. Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

Modern lifestyle habits may also be affecting fertility in both men and women.

These include:

• Smoking and alcohol consumption

• Poor diet and obesity

• Stress

• Exposure to environmental toxins

• Excessive heat exposure to the testes in men

Such factors can reduce sperm quality and disrupt hormonal balance.

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5. Delayed Childbearing

More couples today are delaying childbirth due to education, career development, or financial considerations.

However, fertility naturally declines with age, particularly in women after the age of 35.

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Fertility Tests That Help Identify the Cause

Fertility problems can only be properly diagnosed through medical evaluation and laboratory testing. A number of tests are used to determine the cause.

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Tests for Male Fertility

Semen Analysis

This is the most important test for evaluating male fertility.

It measures:

• Sperm count

• Sperm motility (movement)

• Sperm morphology (shape)

Abnormalities in any of these parameters may reduce the chances of fertilization.

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Hormonal Tests

Hormone tests may be performed to assess male reproductive hormones such as:

• Testosterone

• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

• Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

These hormones regulate sperm production.

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Infection Screening

Tests may be done to detect infections that could affect sperm production or block reproductive ducts.

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Tests for Female Fertility

Hormonal Profile

Blood tests are used to evaluate hormones that control ovulation, including:

• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

• Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

• Prolactin

• Progesterone

These tests help determine whether ovulation is occurring normally.

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Pelvic Ultrasound

Ultrasound scans help evaluate the ovaries and uterus and can detect conditions such as ovarian cysts or uterine abnormalities.

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Tubal Patency Tests

Procedures such as hysterosalpingography (HSG) are used to check whether the fallopian tubes are open.

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Infection Screening

Testing for reproductive tract infections is also important in fertility evaluation.

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Why Early Fertility Testing Matters

Many couples wait several years before seeking medical help for infertility. Unfortunately, this delay can make treatment more difficult.

Early fertility testing helps to:

• Identify underlying problems early

• Guide appropriate treatment

• Reduce emotional stress for couples

• Improve chances of successful pregnancy

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Fertility Testing in Nnewi

For couples experiencing difficulty conceiving, proper medical testing is the first step toward understanding the problem.

At Onamec Medical Laboratory, we provide reliable laboratory testing that helps doctors investigate fertility challenges and guide appropriate treatment.

If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for over one year without success, consider speaking with a healthcare provider and undergoing fertility evaluation.