At the 2025 Fertility Conference organized by QuiverFull Foundation, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, a renowned expert in reproductive health and assisted conception technologies, advised couples experiencing delays in conception to seek medical help sooner rather than later. He emphasized that early intervention plays a critical role in identifying underlying fertility issues and improving the success rates of fertility treatments.
Dr. Ajayi, who is also the CEO of Nordica Fertility Centre, explained that the primary fertility challenges in Nigeria often stem from male sperm quality and female reproductive health, particularly the fallopian tubes and the womb. He detailed how the female fallopian tube must be able to carry a viable egg for fertilization and safely transport it to the womb. Similarly, the womb must be capable of receiving and nurturing the fertilized egg as it develops into an embryo.
Failure in the timing and conditions required for egg fertilization and implantation can lead to infertility,” Dr. Ajayi said. He noted that issues such as poor sperm quality, egg production failures, blocked fallopian tubes, and an unsuitable uterine environment can all contribute to difficulties in conception.
Dr. Ajayi also explained that infertility can be classified into two categories: primary and secondary infertility. Primary infertility refers to the inability to conceive after at least one year of trying, while secondary infertility occurs when a person has already achieved a pregnancy at least once but faces challenges with subsequent pregnancies.
Unhealthy lifestyle choices such as poor diet, drug abuse, excessive weight, smoking, alcohol consumption, and exposure to harmful chemicals were highlighted as factors that can contribute to infertility, particularly secondary infertility.
The expert also noted that assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as In vitro fertilization (IVF), have been instrumental in helping couples overcome infertility challenges. IVF and other fertility treatments continue to provide hope for many couples who otherwise might struggle to conceive naturally.
Catherine Oyenike Abagun, founder of QuiverFull Foundation, shared the foundation’s success story over the last seven years, during which assisted human fertilization technologies have helped 40 Nigerian couples conceive, resulting in the birth of 20 babies. She further announced that the foundation has allocated N150 million worth of free infertility treatment to assist at least 30 Nigerian couples in achieving parenthood this year.
Since January, five couples have started their fertility journeys each weekend in Lagos, undergoing fertility tests and preparing for possible treatment with advanced reproductive technologies.
Other speakers at the conference included Nigerian entrepreneur and motivational speaker Yetunde Zacchaeus and television personality Mrs. Tope Mark-Odigie, who also contributed to the discussion on fertility and reproductive health.
Dr. Ajayi’s advice and the initiatives by QuiverFull Foundation highlight the importance of early intervention, medical guidance, and the potential of assisted reproductive technologies in addressing infertility.
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