TOP fertility experts have advised that couples planning to start a family should avoid stock fish and other large fish due to potential infertility risks stemming from heavy metal contamination.
These specialists emphasize that adopting healthier lifestyles and reducing exposure to environmental toxins could boost fertility and enhance reproductive outcomes.
In an interview with PUNCH Healthwise, fertility experts cautioned against excessive intake of sugar, artificial sweeteners, and genetically modified foods.
They highlighted the importance of maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing stress to improve fertility.
Couples facing challenges with conception are encouraged to seek professional medical advice and explore fertility treatments if necessary.
According to the World Health Organisation, 17.5% of the global adult population, or one in six individuals, experience infertility. Similarly, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted a rising global infertility rate, defining infertility as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse.
The 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey reveals that approximately 25% of married women in Nigeria face primary infertility, while 16% encounter secondary infertility, underscoring the widespread nature of infertility issues in the country.
Discussing the increasing incidence of infertility, Professor Oladapo Ashiru, a consultant reproductive endocrinologist, warned that consuming large fish, such as stockfish, may lead to high levels of heavy metals like mercury, lead, and arsenic in the body, which can adversely affect reproductive health.
Ashiru, who also serves as the President of the Academy of Medicine Specialties of Nigeria, explained that these metals disrupt hormone production and balance, thereby impacting both male and female fertility.
He further identified other environmental toxins, including those from petrochemicals, cosmetics, and electronic devices, as contributing to declining fertility rates worldwide.
The professor underscored the dangers posed by endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in various products, such as petrochemicals from the oil and gas sector, which can interfere with hormones necessary for ovulation and sperm production, exacerbating fertility challenges.
In addition to environmental factors, Professor Ashiru highlighted the role of lifestyle choices, pointing out that excessive consumption of sugary foods and beverages, including fruit smoothies high in sugar, is also linked to fertility issues.
“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 said.
Delaying childbearing is another critical factor, he noted, as fertility naturally declines with age. Women who postpone pregnancy until their 40s face significantly reduced chances of conception compared to those in their 20s and 30s.
The professor recommended a diet rich in lean proteins and fresh vegetables, along with regular exercise and detoxification, to improve reproductive health. He urged individuals seeking to conceive to limit exposure to harmful substances and make healthier dietary choices, arguing that such measures could mitigate the negative effects of modern environmental and lifestyle factors on fertility.
Professor Preye Fiebai, President of the Association for Fertility and Reproductive Health, echoed the need for lifestyle and dietary modifications to address fertility challenges. He emphasized that a healthy lifestyle significantly enhances reproductive health and increases the likelihood of conception.
Fiebai advised maintaining a healthy weight, as both being overweight and underweight can contribute to fertility problems. He also stressed the importance of a well-rounded diet rich in essential nutrients and multivitamins.
Regular exercise, according to Fiebai, is crucial for managing weight, improving circulation, and reducing stress—all factors that benefit reproductive health. He also advised young women to practice caution regarding unprotected sex and suggested delaying sexual activity until they are ready for the potential consequences.
Fiebai emphasized the need for routine medical check-ups and good hygiene practices to prevent reproductive health issues. He pointed out that blockages in the fallopian tubes and reproductive tract damage are significant concerns for both men and women.
He advised that couples unable to conceive within the recommended one-year period should consult a specialist. If conception does not occur after a certain period, they may be referred to a fertility expert for more advanced treatments.
Finally, Fiebai stressed the importance of educating young people about healthy lifestyle choices and reproductive health to reduce the likelihood of future fertility problems. By raising awareness and providing resources, society can better support individuals in maintaining their reproductive health.
Credit: Punch
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