Fertility Expert Warns Strenuous Exercises Could Trigger Infertility

Fertility expert and MD of Nordica Fertility Clinic, Dr Abayomi Ajayi, has warned men and women against strenuous exercises, which could lead to infertility.

Ajayi, who gave this warning during a virtual conference, outlined some lifestyle decisions that negatively affect the fertility statuses of both males and females.

He listed intensive exercise, choices of food, smoking cigarettes, among others, exposure to chemicals, consuming alcohol in excess, caffeine, certain drugs, and stress, amongst others.

Ajayi also re-emphasised the adverse effect excessive activity has on ovulation and how the sperm count is depleted by vigorous exercise.

The fertility expert says: “You don’t need strenuous exercise to stay healthy. Keeping healthy is the primary objective of fertility.

“Walking daily for about 25 minutes is good,” he admitted. “Working out in the gym is useless if you can’t control your nutrition.”

His concerns, however, stem from the considerable significance of fertility among couples in Africa.

Research shows that infertility affects all individuals across gender, nationality, ethnicity, race, religion, and socioeconomic status.

With estimates worldwide showing that eight to 12 per cent of couples experience fertility problems during their reproductive years, Ajayi underscored the need for a conscious, healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet.

The gynaecologist outlined diet, smoking cigarettes, exposure to chemicals like insecticides, excess alcohol consumption, caffeine, certain drugs, and stress, amongst others, adversely affecting fertility in men and women.

On drug abuse, Ajayi pointed out that both men and women may experience lower fertility if they smoke tobacco, marijuana, or drugs like heroin and cocaine.

“When we talk about lifestyle, we talk about how people live or their choices. Unfortunately, many people do not know their choices affect their male and female fertility,” says Ajayi.

Speaking on medication, the gynaecologist cautioned, “Using some blood pressure medications can impact the quality of sperm, thereby decreasing fertility. Women who smoke are known to reach menopause early and are at higher risk of infertility.”

According to Ajayi, exposure to radiation therapy, chemicals, and chemotherapy increases the risk of infertility in males and females.

Meanwhile, he highlighted the role of age in the potential fertility of men and women,” adding that the age a woman starts a family also impacts her chances of becoming a mother.

He submitted that women over 40 have about a five per cent chance of becoming pregnant in any given ovulation cycle, compared to a 25 per cent chance for women in their 20s and early 30s.

“Studies show that being overweight is linked to ovarian dysfunction and infertility in women while obesity is linked to decreased sperm count and quality in males.”

The expert also noted that when a man is over 45, there are changes in his sperm that are not healthy for reproduction.

“Although he can continue impregnating women, he is not playing with his best sperm,” says Ajayi.

Accordingly, he insisted that choices of food also affect fertility, both in men and women; closely related is our weight.”

“We did a study showing that age is one of the factors responsible for sperm DNA fragmentation. Apart from the fact that the sperm undergoes some changes in quality and quantity, the DNA fragmentation increases with age and weight.”

Infertility is a significant issue among couples in Africa. It is often the woman who is blamed if the couple is unable to have children, according to findings.

Research shows that infertility affects all individuals across gender, nationality, ethnicity, race, religion, and socioeconomic status.

Worldwide, estimates show that eight to 12 per cent of couples experience fertility problems during their reproductive years, most of whom reside in developing countries.

It is, therefore, to help couples in Nigeria and Africa attain completion that fertility expert and MD of Nordica Fertility Clinic, Dr Abayomi Ajayi, underscored the need for an intentional healthy lifestyle.

Ajayi warned that excessive exercise harms ovulation and that sperm count is depleted by vigorous exercise.