A leading Ghanaian fertility specialist has issued a stark warning, identifying alcohol consumption and environmental pollution as direct and significant threats to male fertility. Dr. Promise Sefogah, a Gynaecologist and Obstetrician Specialist, described alcohol as a major “enemy” that comprehensively damages sperm health, from its formation to its genetic integrity.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Dr. Sefogah detailed the multifaceted assault alcohol wages on male reproductive cells. “Alcohol damages to the point of affecting how normal the sperm is formed. It affects how the sperm moves, the concentration of the sperm, and also the DNA of the sperm,” he explained. This damage, known as DNA fragmentation, poses a serious risk to a man’s ability to father healthy children, potentially leading to failed fertilization, miscarriage, or congenital abnormalities.
Beyond sperm damage, Dr. Sefogah warned that chronic alcohol use reduces testosterone levels, a crucial hormone for libido, erectile function, and overall vitality. “Long-term use lowers testosterone, diminishes libido, and can lead to erectile dysfunction,” he stated, advising men to avoid alcohol as much as possible.
The threat extends beyond personal habits to the environment. Dr. Sefogah highlighted industrial emissions, traffic pollution, and, critically, heavy metals from illegal small-scale mining (*galamsey*) as hazardous. “They get into the system [and] damage the ability of you to make normal sperm,” he said, noting these toxins can result in sperm so abnormal they cannot fertilize an egg or can lead to pregnancies with severe fetal abnormalities.
To counteract these risks, Dr. Sefogah advocated for proactive lifestyle changes. He recommended a diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, and fertility-boosting foods like ginger and tiger nuts, while cutting back on processed foods and egg yolks high in cholesterol. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise was also emphasized for its direct benefit to testosterone levels and overall metabolic health.
Dr. Sefogah’s comprehensive advice underscores a critical public health message: preserving male fertility and ensuring healthy offspring requires conscious avoidance of modern toxins and a committed return to a natural, wholesome lifestyle.
Source: myjoyonline
