President of the Academy of Medicine Specialties of Nigeria, AMSN, Prof. Oladapo Ashiru has said that women who regularly drive barefoot or consume stockfish may face fertility issues.

Speaking at the 30th anniversary of the Medical Art Center in Lagos, Ashiru highlighted that the presence of toxic substances like antimony from car pedals and mercury from certain fish can significantly impact fertility.

Ashiru, a pioneer of In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in Sub-Saharan Africa, warned against everyday habits such as driving barefoot and using inexpensive lipsticks, which can introduce harmful toxins into the body.

He also emphasised the risks associated with oil spills, pesticides, and stress on reproductive health for both men and women.

The lecture, themed “More Joy To Families Through Reproductive Assisted Technology,” revealed that approximately 2,500 babies are born annually in Nigeria through Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), with the Medical Art Center contributing over 3,000 births in its 30 years. Despite a global infertility treatment success rate of 40%, Ashiru noted higher success rates at the Medical Art Center, attributing future improvements to advancing technologies.

Ashiru’s insights were supported by Prof. Emeritus Osato Giwa-Osagie and Dr. Sonny Kuku, who praised his contributions to reproductive medicine and his dedication to Nigeria’s healthcare sector.