Fertility in Nigeria: Expert Insights on Age, Access, and Treatment Options
By the Medical Art Center Team
In a revealing interview, Professor Ashiru, Secretary-General of the International Fertility Societies, shares crucial insights about fertility care in Nigeria. From treatment costs to prevention strategies, here’s what every couple should know about reproductive health.
Understanding Fertility Care in Nigeria Today
Is Fertility Treatment Only for the Wealthy?
One of the most persistent myths about fertility treatment is that it’s exclusively for the rich. While costs have risen significantly—from N3,000 per IVF cycle in the 1980s to about N5 million today (2026)—average Nigerians still have pathways to access care.
Options for financial support include:
- Grants from charitable organizations
- Support from religious institutions
- Foundations dedicated to fertility assistance
- The OARS Foundation (established in 2005) helps less privileged individuals
The challenge? Most fertility medications and equipment are imported, making them vulnerable to currency fluctuations. This is why supportive organizations play such a vital role in making treatment accessible.
The Reality of Infertility in Nigeria
Debunking the “High Fertility Rate” Myth
While Nigeria is often cited as having high fertility rates, infertility affects approximately 15% of couples worldwide—and Nigeria is no exception.
Key developments in Nigerian fertility care:
- Previously, 90% of Nigerians traveled abroad for advanced fertility treatment
- Today, world-class treatment is available locally
- Nigeria has become a destination for medical tourism in fertility care
- This transformation reflects the expertise of Nigerian fertility practitioners
Male vs. Female Infertility: What’s the Ratio?
The medical community now recognizes that infertility is a 50:50 issue—meaning half of all cases stem from male factors.
When Should Couples Seek Help?
| Age Group | Recommended Trying Period |
| Under 35 | 12 months |
| Over 35 | 6 months |
If conception doesn’t occur within these timeframes, consider consulting a fertility specialist.
Common Causes of Infertility
1. Sexually Transmitted Infections
Infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia remain leading causes. Chlamydia is particularly dangerous because it often shows no symptoms until irreversible damage has occurred.
2. Environmental Toxins
- Industrial chemicals (paints, petrochemicals)
- Pesticides and insecticides
- Heavy metals from large fish and stockfish
3. Lifestyle Factors
- Alcohol and smoking
- Substance abuse
- Harmful cosmetics
- Driving barefoot (exposure to environmental toxins)
Prevention: What Men and Women Should Avoid
Protecting fertility requires conscious lifestyle choices:
Avoid:
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Environmental toxins
- Alcohol, smoking, and drugs
- High-mercury fish
- Harmful cosmetic products
Embrace:
- Nutritious diet
- Regular exercise
- Healthy lifestyle habits
- Annual detoxification
The Role of Detoxification in Fertility
In today’s world, completely avoiding toxins is nearly impossible. These substances affect fertility and can even cause cancer. That is why we recommend annual comprehensive detoxification.
How Detoxification Helps
A thorough detox program:
- Cleanses intestines, liver, kidneys, and lungs
- Removes heavy metals and pathogens
- Renews cellular mitochondria (the body’s powerhouses)
- Creates a body environment more conducive to conception
At Mart-life Detox Clinic, we apply these principles of modern Mayr medicine to help couples optimize their reproductive health.
Treatment Options: From Basic to Advanced
The range of fertility treatments has expanded dramatically:
- Ovulation Induction – Stimulating egg production
- IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) – The most well-known assisted reproductive technology
- Donor Programs – Using donated eggs or sperm
- Surrogacy – Another woman carrying the pregnancy
- Genetic Diagnosis – Screening embryos for genetic conditions
How Many Nigerian Babies Have Been Born Through ART?
Since establishing a national data registry in 2014, approximately 12,000 babies have been born in Nigeria through Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).
Age and Fertility: How Old Is Too Old?
Scientifically, an adult womb can carry an embryo at many ages. The primary limitation is the physiological stress of pregnancy, particularly from age 55 and above. However, there have been reports of women delivering successfully after 60.
Regulation and Oversight in Nigeria
Current Framework
While there’s no specific federal law regulating fertility clinics, the industry operates under:
- AFRH Guidelines (since 2012) – Comparable to American and European standards
- Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria – Oversees doctor discipline
- Lagos State Monitoring Committee (established 2019) – Inspects and regulates IVF clinics
A health reform bill is currently under consideration to provide broader legislative support.
The Future of Fertility Care in Nigeria
June is now recognized as World Infertility Awareness Month, a global effort to:
- Increase awareness
- Debunk myths
- Present treatment options
- Reduce stigma, particularly in Africa
Education efforts focus on:
- Preventable causes
- STD prevention
- Occupational hazards
- Environmental factors
Take Action for Your Fertility Journey
Whether you’re just starting to think about conception or have been trying for months, the key message is clear: don’t wait. Fertility decreases with age, and early intervention improves outcomes.
At Medical Art Center, we’re committed to providing world-class fertility care tailored to your unique needs. Our team combines advanced technology with compassionate support to help you achieve your dream of parenthood.
Ready to take the next step?
📞 Contact us today for a personalized consultation
🌐 Visit www.medicalartcenter.com
📍 Schedule your comprehensive fertility assessment
Have questions about fertility treatment? Our team is here to help. Contact Medical Art Center for expert guidance on your reproductive health journey.
