For many couples, the journey to parenthood comes naturally. For millions of others, however, it becomes a painful cycle of hope, disappointment and unanswered questions.
As the world marks Infertility Awareness Month in June 2026, health experts are calling for greater awareness, improved access to fertility care and an end to the stigma that continues to surround infertility, particularly in countries like Nigeria where parenthood often defines social status and family identity.
Despite advances in reproductive medicine, infertility remains one of the least discussed public health challenges in Nigeria. Many couples endure emotional distress, financial hardship and social isolation before seeking medical help, while others never receive treatment because of cost, misinformation or cultural beliefs.
A Growing but Overlooked Health Challenge
The World Health Organization estimates that infertility affects about one in six people globally at some point during their reproductive years. That translates to hundreds of millions of people struggling to conceive despite wanting children.
Medical experts define infertility as the inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. For women aged 35 and above, doctors recommend seeking evaluation after six months.
Contrary to popular belief, infertility does not affect women alone.
Studies show that male factors account for roughly one third of infertility cases, female factors account for another third, while combined or unexplained causes make up the remaining cases.
Yet, across many Nigerian communities, women continue to bear the blame.
The Weight of Stigma
In many cultures, motherhood remains closely tied to a woman’s identity.
When pregnancy does not happen, families often direct criticism at women regardless of the underlying medical cause. Some women face pressure from relatives, repeated questions about childbirth and, in extreme cases, emotional abuse, abandonment or polygamy.
Men also experience infertility, but social expectations often discourage them from undergoing fertility tests. Many fear ridicule or believe infertility reflects weakness or a loss of masculinity.
As a result, some couples spend years treating only the woman while an undiagnosed male fertility problem remains unresolved.
Health professionals say this delay reduces the chances of successful treatment.
Understanding the Causes
Infertility has many causes, and several are preventable or treatable.
Among women, common causes include:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids in some cases
- Ovulation disorders
- Hormonal imbalances
- Age-related decline in fertility
Among men, infertility may result from:
- Low sperm count
- Poor sperm movement
- Hormonal disorders
- Previous infections
- Varicocele
- Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol use and obesity
Sexually transmitted infections, untreated reproductive tract infections and unsafe abortions also contribute significantly to infertility in many developing countries.
When Lifestyle Matters
Doctors increasingly link fertility problems to lifestyle and environmental factors.
Obesity, poor nutrition, chronic stress, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and exposure to industrial chemicals may affect reproductive health in both men and women.
Delayed childbearing also plays an important role.
As more people postpone starting families because of education, career goals or financial pressures, fertility naturally declines with age, especially after age 35 for women.
Health experts stress that age remains one of the biggest factors influencing fertility success.
The Cost Barrier
Although fertility treatments have advanced significantly, access remains a major challenge.
Procedures such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) have helped thousands of couples achieve pregnancy, but the treatment remains beyond the reach of many Nigerians.
A single IVF cycle can cost several million naira depending on the facility and treatment plan.
Because the National Health Insurance Authority does not broadly cover assisted reproductive technologies, many couples pay entirely out of pocket.
Some families exhaust their savings or borrow heavily to finance repeated treatment cycles.
Others abandon treatment altogether.
The Emotional Toll
Infertility affects more than reproductive health.
It often affects mental health, relationships and overall well-being.
Couples frequently report anxiety, depression, grief and feelings of failure after repeated unsuccessful attempts to conceive.
Some withdraw from social gatherings to avoid questions about children.
Others experience strain within their marriages as emotional stress and financial pressure grow.
Psychologists say counselling should form part of fertility treatment, yet many clinics still focus primarily on the medical aspects of care.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Health experts encourage couples to seek medical evaluation early instead of relying solely on traditional remedies or self-medication.
Early diagnosis allows doctors to identify treatable conditions before they worsen.
Importantly, fertility investigations should involve both partners from the beginning.
Simple tests can often identify problems and guide appropriate treatment without unnecessary delays.
Specialists also advise couples to obtain information from qualified reproductive health professionals rather than social media myths or unverified herbal products.
A Call for Better Policies
Experts say Nigeria needs stronger policies to improve reproductive healthcare.
These include:
- Expanding fertility services in public hospitals
- Increasing awareness through public education campaigns
- Reducing stigma through community engagement
- Training more fertility specialists
- Providing financial support for infertility treatment
- Including fertility care in broader health insurance coverage
Public health advocates also urge employers to recognize the emotional burden of infertility and create supportive workplace policies.
Changing the Conversation
Infertility Awareness Month serves as a reminder that infertility is a medical condition, not a personal failure.
Experts say open conversations can help replace shame with understanding while encouraging more people to seek timely medical care.
For many couples, the path to parenthood may require patience, medical support or alternative family building options such as adoption.
Regardless of the journey, advocates insist that no one should face infertility alone.
As Nigeria joins the global campaign this June, healthcare professionals hope greater awareness will encourage earlier diagnosis, better treatment, stronger policies and, most importantly, compassion for the millions of individuals and couples living with infertility.
