Secretary General of the International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS), Prof. Oladapo Ashiru has called for greater attention to environmental toxins as a possible factor in infertility and assisted reproductive treatment, urging couples to undergo appropriate assessment before conception.

Ashiru made the call while presenting an update on preconception cleansing at the second African Federation of Fertility Societies (AFFS) and 16th Association for Fertility and Reproductive Health (AFRH) meeting in Abuja.

He said exposure to chemicals in air, water, food, soil and everyday products could affect sperm, eggs and developing babies, noting that endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may interfere with reproductive health.

According to his presentation, routine semen analysis does not explain an estimated 30 to 40 per cent of male-factor infertility, while factors such as sperm DNA damage, oxidative stress and epigenetic changes are increasingly recognised as influences on embryo development and live birth.

The presentation cited evidence linking sperm DNA fragmentation above 30 per cent with reduced blastocyst formation during IVF.

It also noted that agricultural workers exposed to organophosphate pesticides recorded about 50 per cent higher sperm aneuploidy, while pesticide exposure has been associated with poorer IVF outcomes.

It further linked occupational exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) with a higher risk of low sperm concentration and associated phthalates with poorer semen quality.

Lead, cadmium and mercury were also identified as substances capable of accumulating in reproductive tissues.

The presentation said sperm DNA fragmentation was reported to rise by about eight per cent for every doubling of seminal cadmium, while exposure to air pollutants, including PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide, in the 90 days before semen collection was linked to reduced sperm motility.

Ashiru, who is also President of the Academy of Medical Specialties of Nigeria and Chairman of MART Group of Health Services, Lagos, highlighted environmental exposure risks in Nigeria’s oil-producing Niger Delta, including oil spills and pollution of air and water.

He also identified climate change, mining, deforestation, pesticides and industrial chemicals as broader environmental factors requiring attention.

On preconception detoxification, the presentation described an approach used at the MART/MARTLIFE Detox Clinic based on Modern Mayr Therapy.

It combines measures including lymphatic drainage enhancement, infrared cabin sessions, hydrotherapy, oxygen-based therapies, antioxidant therapy and orthomolecular supplementation.

Patients are referred to based on their medical history, occupational exposure or unexplained IVF failure.

The presentation reported findings from a comparison involving 131 patients who underwent detoxification and 87 who did not.

It said pregnancy rates were 41.2 per cent and 31 per cent respectively, while clinical pregnancy rates were 27.5 per cent and 21.8 per cent.

Live birth rates were reported as 23.7 per cent among those who underwent detoxification, compared with 15 per cent among those who did not.

Ashiru said the approach may help remove nutritional toxins and heavy metals, improve mitochondrial quality and minimise the toxic effects of EDCs on assisted reproductive treatment outcomes.

“Every couple deserves to begin their journey to parenthood in the healthiest possible environment,” he said, adding that toxins in air, food and everyday products could affect sperm and egg quality before conception.

He called for greater advocacy, public and clinician education, as well as further research into environmental exposures and fertility.