Male Infertility in Nigeria: Ethnocultural and Religious Considerations
By: Foluke Akinwalere. Health & Wellness Writer. Medical review and editorial support provided by the DLHA Team.
AI-generated image of a thoughtful looking black couple having a discussion. (From ChatGpT)
In Nigeria, the desire for children goes beyond personal fulfilment—it is woven into cultural, identity, family expectations, and religious value. Yet in the society where positions of power and privilege are commonly held by men, male infertility remains a largely unspoken issue. The silence is particularly pronounced in communities where cultural pride and religious beliefs discourage open discussion about men’s reproductive health.
This article explores the complex web of ethnic, cultural, and religious factors that influence how male infertility in Nigeria is perceived and handled, and why breaking these barriers is crucial for sustainable and meaningful reproductive health of couples in the Nigerian society.
Male infertility refers to a man’s inability to father a child after a year or more of regular, unprotected sex.
Common causes include a variety of physical, hormonal, genetic, or lifestyle-related factors. Study shows that male factors contribute to infertility in nearly 50% of all cases in Nigeria. [1] The Impact that male infertility has on couples’ reproductive health and overall well-being is substantial.
Despite being common, male infertility in Nigeria has not been given sufficient attention and resources. [2] As more often than not, fertility problems in marriages are often quickly linked to women, leaving male factors unexamined.
Many cultural factors play diverse roles in shaping the male question in fertility issues in Nigeria, Some of these include:
Infertility carries a strong stigma in Nigeria society, as the ability to have children is usually seen as central to a woman’s identity, and those who cannot are sometimes regarded as incomplete. [3]
At the same time, in traditional Nigerian society, a man’s worth is tied to his ability to lead a family, produce children, and carry on his lineage. As a result, Nigerian cultural attitudes to infertility tend to place the burden of childlessness on women.
Even when evidence points to male issues, many families continue to believe the problem lies with the woman. For example, in parts of Southwestern parts of Nigeria there is a saying that “there’s no infertile man” (ko si agan okunrin). [4] This misconception delays medical attention on the part of the man, prolongs suffering for the women, and often leads to marital stress.
These traditional views on infertility in Nigeria stem from deeply rooted gender roles. A “real man” is expected to father children. This belief pushes many men into denial or denial secrecy when they face fertility challenges, worsening emotional and physical outcomes.
It is important to prioritise male partners when addressing infertility in couples. Men also should be a key focus of any preventive interventions.
2. Sense of Faultless Masculinity
Research conducted globally indicates that 30 million men are diagnosed with infertility. [5] In many societies, being able to have children is seen as a key to being a man. Because of this, men who cannot father children may feel ashamed or judged and this situation can sometimes prompt men to question their own masculinity. [5]
Many Nigerian men find it difficult to admit they have a reproductive issue based on the culturally false belief that the fault cannot lie with the man. This often leads to avoidance of medical testing or treatment. Instead, some may take excessive measures in attempting to cover this condition through aggressive behaviour, polygamy, or blaming their spouse. The dynamic can cause emotional distress for both partners and strain family relationships.
There are many myths about infertility in Nigeria, particularly when it comes to men. These include:
Fact: Male fertility can decline over time due to factors like infections, hormonal imbalances, lifestyle habits, or age. Secondary infertility (when a man can no longer father a child after a previous successful conception) is a real and medically recognised condition.
Fact: Fertility is not determined by sexual performance. A man may have a healthy sex life and still have low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm shape—factors that can hinder conception. Fertility requires proper testing beyond sexual function.
Fact: Studies show that male factors contribute to 40-50% of infertility cases globally, and Nigeria is no exception. [1] Infertility can be due to issues with the man, the woman, or both partners. Ignoring male fertility in diagnosis and treatment delays solutions and reinforces harmful gender bias.
Fact: While some studies show health benefits of some traditional herbs to potentially improve sperm count, motility, and quality, it is important to understand that these herbs are not guaranteed solutions for all cases of male infertility. Many factors can contribute to infertility, and proper diagnosis and treatment plans are important. If you are concerned about your fertility, it is essential to consult with a doctor or fertility specialist.
Some of these false beliefs can discourage people from seeking proper medical care. Instead, they may turn to unverified traditional remedies or spiritual interventions. While culture and faith are important, medical guidance is essential for the proper diagnosis and treatment of fertility issues.
In many Nigerian households, the pressure to have children starts soon after marriage. Extended family members, especially in-laws, may begin to ask questions or even pressure the couple. Such an environment can be particularly difficult for men facing fertility issues.
Seeking help requires acknowledging that a problem exists. For many Nigerian men, this is extremely difficult when the issue relates to reproductive health. As denial is common and as male reproductive health is not widely discussed in Nigerian homes, schools, or religious settings, [8] a culture of silence occurs and this contributes to ignorance and fear.
Cultural pressures around masculinity and pride often make it hard for men to open up, even to doctors. Some may feel ashamed to provide a semen sample or undergo testing. Others may rely on traditional views, believing herbal mixtures or spiritual sacrifices will cure the issue.
Religion strongly influence how fertility is perceived across Nigeria. In some religious or ethnic communities, infertility is seen as a test of faith, a curse, or a punishment. These beliefs may lead couples to rely solely on prayer, fasting, or traditional healers rather than medical intervention.
Whereas in many northern Nigerian communities, where polygamy is common due to the high embrace of Islam, infertility is not a major driver of polygamy, but in Southern Nigeria, where Judeo-Christian embrace of monogamy is more common, infertility may prompt a Southern Nigerian man to take a second wife, believing the issue lies with the woman. [6]
Religion goes hand in hand with tradition practices and culture to shape the perception, beliefs and responses of Nigerian men to matters of infertility. [7]
Although cultural silence around male infertility still exists in many rural areas, where tradition, secrecy, and limited healthcare access prevail, awareness is steadily growing, particularly in urban settings. Social media, health blogs, and radio programs are beginning to challenge long-held beliefs and encourage open discussions.
Public figures and celebrities speaking about infertility openly have helped normalise this topic. Some health advocates are focusing on infertility and mental health in Nigeria men, recognising the emotional burden that many carry silently. Young people are increasingly seeking out accurate information and asking questions their parents never dared to ask.
These activities have helped in encouraging some men to begin to openly discuss their emotions about their infertility.
What Support Systems Exist for Men Facing Infertility in Nigeria?
In Nigeria, men who live in urban settings and are dealing with infertility can get help from different sources, such as support groups and healthcare providers like doctors, nurses, psychologists, counsellors and pharmacists.
These groups provide a safe and supportive environment for men and women to connect with others experiencing similar challenges to share their experiences and learn from each other. For example, Fertility Awareness Advocate Initiative (FAAI)
Doctors and other categories of healthcare providers work hand-in-hand to find out the cause of the problem and suggest treatments options like surgery, medicine, or assisted reproductive technology (ART) methods.
It is important to deal with the emotional and mental stress that comes with infertility and some men may benefit from talking to a mental health professional.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, practicing safe sex, and exercising regularly, can positively impact fertility.
Reducing the stigma around male infertility in Nigeria means shifting from blaming to supporting, from silence to open dialogue, and from cultural shame to informed choices. When men feel safe to seek help without judgement, and when society sees infertility as a shared health issue—not a moral, identity or spiritual failure—real change begins.
Here’re some suggestions on how to tackle male infertility stigma in Nigeria:
Religious and traditional leaders have significant influence in Nigerian communities. By engaging them in health education campaigns, they can help shift mindsets. When leaders speak up against harmful myths and promote medical care, their communities listen.
Religious and traditional leaders can also offer culturally sensitive counselling support to couples facing infertility, promoting unity rather than blame. Including them in awareness efforts ensures that change happens in a way that respects local values.
Infertility should be discussed in homes as a couple’s issues, rather than along individual fault lines. So when facing infertility, couples need to talk openly, support each other, and work as a team. Blaming one another can hurt the relationship, so it’s important to show care and understanding. By sharing feelings, getting help when needed, and staying emotionally close, couples can become even stronger through their hard times.
Some helpful tips for couples include:
Create a safe space to share your fears, hopes, and frustrations without blaming each other. Use “I feel…” statements to talk about your emotions.
People handle emotions in different ways. Try to understand and support how your partner is dealing with the situation.
Infertility treatment can be physically and emotionally draining. Make time for non-sexual intimacy and reconnect emotionally through cuddling, spending and enjoying quality time together, or going on a simple date.
Seeing a counselor or joining a support group can help you manage your emotions and improve communication.
Approach infertility as a shared journey, avoid self-blame and support each other through all the ups and downs.
Infertility treatment can be stressful. Try calming activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to relax.
Decide what you’re comfortable sharing with others and when you need space. Protect your peace and your relationship.
Male infertility in Nigeria is real and not something to be ashamed of. Understanding ethnocultural, and religious beliefs about infertility, challenging harmful myths, and promoting open dialogue will help reduce the stigma.
The way forward in changing perception and attitudes about male infertility in Nigeria depends on education, empathy, and policy change. Some steps to adopt include:
Families, health workers, and policymakers need to come together to ensure Nigerian men feel seen, heard, and supported. In doing so, couples battling male infertility can get compassion—not blame.
1. Abarikwu SO. Causes and Risk Factors for Male-Factor Infertility in Nigeria: A Review. Afr J Reprod Health 2013; 17[4]: 150-166. Available from here.
2. Uadia PO, Emokpae AM. Male infertility in Nigeria: A neglected reproductive health issue requiring attention. Journal of Basic and Clinical Reproductive Sciences ·2015, 4(2), 45-53. Available from here.
3. Esan DT, Nnamani KQ., Ogunkorode A., Muhammad F., Oluwagbemi OO., Ramos CG., Infertility affects the quality of life of Southwestern Nigerian women and their partners, International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences, Volume 17, 2022, 100506, ISSN 2214-1391, doi: 10.1016/j.ijans.2022.100506. Available from here.
4. Adebayo AA. Towards Eradicating the Victimization of Women in Infertile Marriages in South-Western Nigeria: A Case for Gender Emancipation. African Journal of Sustainable Development Vol.4 Num.1 [Accessed May 12, 2025]. Available from here.
5. Pakpahan C, Ibrahim R, William W, Kandar PS, Darmadi D, Khaerana ASA, Supardi S. "Am I Masculine?" A metasynthesis of qualitative studies on traditional masculinity on infertility. F1000Res. 2023 Mar 9;12:252. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.131599.1. PMID: 37008892; PMCID: PMC10050908. Available from here.
6. Dattijo L, Andreadis N, Aminu M, Umar N, Black K. Knowledge of Infertility Among Infertile Women in Bauchi, Northern Nigeria. International Journal of Women's Health and Reproduction Sciences. 2016, 4(3); 103-109. Doi: 10.15296/ijwhr.2016.25. Available from here.
7. Umeora O, Igberase G, Okogbenin S, Obu I. Cultural Misconceptions And Emotional Burden Of Infertility In South East Nigeria. The Internet Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics. 2008, 10(2); Available from here.
8. Nmadu AG, Musa J, Joshua IA, Oyefabi AM, Usman NO, Nwankwo B, Dahiru T. Attitudes and practices regarding contraception among male students in a Nigerian tertiary educational institution: a Cross-sectional study. Frontiers in Reproductive Health, 2024, vol. 6, DOI: 10.3389/frph.2024.1439900. Available from here.
Related:
Male Infertility in Nigeria: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Infertility: Causes in African Women and Men with Prevention Tips
Testicular Cancer Awareness and Self Examination Techniques for Africans
Study Links Low Sperm Quality to Pesticide Exposure in Men
13 Ways to Know Why You Are Infertile with Expert Advice on Treatment
Published: June 9, 2025
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