Feast of Barracuda Lecture: Experts Link Surge in Erectile Dysfunction, Male Infertility to Economic Hardship

Medical experts have linked the rising cases of erectile dysfunction and male infertility in Nigeria to worsening economic hardship, warning that persistent financial pressure, stress and unhealthy lifestyles are taking a serious toll on men’s reproductive health.

The experts made the disclosure during a live radio discussion on Trend FM, Asaba, organised by the Vito Corsica Deck of the National Association of Seadogs (NAS), Pyrates Confraternity, as part of activities marking its annual Feast of Barracuda (FoB) Lecture.

The lecture, themed “Breaking the Silence on Fertility: Understanding the Challenges, Exploring the Solutions, Restoring Hope,” focused on raising awareness about infertility, challenging common misconceptions and encouraging early medical intervention.

Speaking at the event, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, Dr. Samuel Ilikannu, said infertility remains one of Nigeria’s most misunderstood health challenges, noting that men contribute significantly to infertility cases but women are often unfairly blamed.

“In our society, fertility is highly valued, making infertility a source of emotional, psychological and social trauma for many couples,” he said.

Dr. Ilikannu explained that infertility is medically diagnosed when pregnancy does not occur after one year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse, or after six months if the woman is aged 35 years or older. He advised couples to maintain regular sexual intercourse before concluding there is a fertility problem.

He noted that male factors account for between 30 and 40 per cent of infertility cases, stressing that both partners should undergo medical evaluation.

Linking erectile dysfunction to Nigeria’s economic realities, he said:

“Persistent financial pressure, unemployment, anxiety and depression are increasingly affecting men’s sexual performance.”

The fertility expert also identified diabetes, hypertension, neurological disorders, excessive alcohol consumption, recreational drug use and other chronic illnesses as major causes of erectile dysfunction, warning against self-medication and the indiscriminate use of sexual enhancement drugs.

Also speaking, Consultant Family Physician and Head of the Department of Family Medicine at Asaba Specialist Hospital, Dr. Urenma Obodoagha, described infertility as a shared reproductive health challenge that should never be viewed as the woman’s responsibility alone.

She listed reproductive tract infections, hormonal disorders, complications from unsafe abortions, chronic illnesses and unhealthy lifestyle habits among the leading causes of female infertility.

“Marriage should be enjoyed. Intimacy should not become a rigid timetable centred only on ovulation. Relax, support one another and seek professional medical advice when necessary,” she advised.

The experts unanimously called for early diagnosis and treatment, noting that many fertility challenges can be successfully managed through counselling, healthy lifestyle changes, fertility medications, vitamin supplementation and Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), including In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF). They added that surrogacy and adoption remain viable options for couples facing prolonged fertility challenges.

Earlier, Barr. Moses Agwere, representing the National Association of Seadogs, said the annual Feast of Barracuda Lecture was designed to promote public enlightenment by engaging experts on critical health, governance and social issues affecting society.