Oladapo Ashiru Warns of Environmental Toxins Impacting IVF

Professor Oladapo Ashiru, a Professor of reproductive endocrinology and Secretary-General of the International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS), raised concerns about the impact of environmental toxins on fertility and assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes at the 2nd African Federation of Fertility Societies (AFFS) and the 16th Association for Fertility and Reproductive Health (AFRH) conference in Abuja. He recommended that clinics support couples with preconception cleansing before fertility treatments.

Ashiru noted that everyday exposure to contaminated air, water, food, and soil introduces endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that can damage sperm, eggs, and embryos. He revealed that routine semen analysis fails to account for 30 to 40 percent of male-factor infertility, with hidden complications like sperm DNA damage and oxidative stress contributing to failed embryo development.

He emphasized the severe local issue of environmental infertility in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta, and shared findings from the MART/MARTLIFE Detox Clinic in Lagos, which employs a preconception detoxification approach.