When Ife of the Diary of a Nigerian Girl made reference to surrogacy by convenience, many people were alerted by her position and this is because more young women are now facing infertility.
Indeed, in recent years, more young women in their 20s and 30s, especially in Nigeria and other parts of Africa, are facing infertility challenges.
This reality is no longer limited to “older women”.
Many young, vibrant ladies are asking, “Why am I not getting pregnant?”.
Here, at So Healthy Nigeria, it is also of high concern to us.
Let’s first state what infertility truly is.
Infertility is defined medically as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected sex.
In fact, about 9% of men and about 11% of women of reproductive age in the United States have experienced fertility problems (1).
The causes are often complex, but in this article, we break down the real reasons, many of which are reversible or preventable.
Really, we have seen some of these issues reverse when a couple adjust their lifestyle and add super foods to their diet.
🧬 What’s Causing Infertility In Young Women?
🔸 1. Hormonal Imbalances
Women facing infertility should understand that hormones regulate ovulation and menstruation. If your hormones are out of balance, you may not ovulate regularly—which means no egg is released for fertilisation.
A study says an absence or irregular quantity of one or more hormones can delay or make pregnancy difficult to achieve (2).
Common causes of hormonal imbalance include:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Thyroid disorders
High prolactin levels
Chronic stress
Poor diet and processed foods
💡 If you’re having irregular periods, unexplained weight gain, or acne, your hormones may need support.
🔸 2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility in women globally—and it’s rising among Nigerian women.
It’s a hormonal disorder that affects how your ovaries work. Women with PCOS often:
Don’t ovulate regularly
Have cysts on their ovaries
Struggle with insulin resistance
PCOS doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant — but it means you need to manage it carefully with diet, lifestyle, and medical help if needed.
Related ArticleÂ
🌿 Balance Your Hormones Without Pills – Just Add These Vitamins!
The article contains a list of vitamins to add to your diet to rewire your hormones.
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🔸 3. Fibroids And Uterine Health Issues
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in or around the womb. They are extremely common in African women, including young ladies in their 20s.
In a study, authors found that women who had fibroid had a slimmer chance of becoming pregnant compared to those without fibroid. It also states that removing the fibroids increased the pregnancy rate from 25% to 42% (3).
If fibroids grow too large or block the fallopian tubes, they can interfere with the flow of semen and affect fertilisation or implantation.
Signs include heavy periods, painful cramps, or bloating. A pelvic scan can confirm their presence.
🔸 4. Lifestyle And Environmental Factors
Our bodies are now exposed to more toxins and stress than ever before.
Major lifestyle risk factors:
Smoking, excessive alcohol
Constant stress (mental and emotional)
Fast food, poor sleep
Skipping meals or extreme dieting
Sedentary lifestyle (no exercise)
Also, exposure to plastics, pesticides, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals affect fertility.
🌿 Indeed, small lifestyle changes can make a big difference in fertility health.
🔸 5. Untreated Infections And STIs
In Nigeria, undiagnosed or poorly treated infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can silently damage the fallopian tubes, uterus, and ovaries.
Even when symptoms are not obvious, infections can cause scarring and blocked tubes.
🛑 Regular checks and safe sex are key to preserving your reproductive health. Don’t ignore it.
🔸 6. Waiting Too Long To Try
When we got married, my wife and I decided to give time before we try for a baby. This is so that we could bond. When we finally decided to have babies, we found there was an issue – hormonal imbalance. Please, come back and read her story about how she reversed hormonal imbalance without medication and gave birth to near twin babies.Â
Really, we must not forget that a woman is born with all of the eggs she needs to give birth and as she ages, the eggs age with her.
This is even more delicate for some young women who delay trying to conceive until their late 30s due to career, finances, or waiting for marriage.
While this is a personal choice, egg quality and quantity decline with age.
The best fertility window is typically between 25 and 35.
Knowing your cycle and tracking ovulation early can help, even if you’re not ready for a baby yet.
👩🏾‍⚕️ Infertility: How To Know If You Need Help
Young women should seek help if:
You’ve been trying to conceive for 12+ months with no pregnancy
Your periods are irregular or missing
You’ve had multiple miscarriages
You’re over 30 and trying for over 6 months with no result
You have a known condition like PCOS or fibroids
Start by visiting a fertility-friendly gynecologist or speak with us, as a holistic health expert who understands womb wellness and what a woman should do.
🙏🏾 Encouragement For Women Of Faith
As a Christian platform, So Healthy Nigeria encourages you to also lean on God while taking care of your body.
Always remember that the scriptures say: “None shall be barren in your land.” – Exodus 23:26
Fertility is a gift — and with knowledge, care, and support, you can prepare your womb for motherhood in the right time.
đź“Ł Takeaways
Most importantly, infertility in young women is real, but it’s not the end of your story.
With the right information, lifestyle changes, medical help, and spiritual support, you can turn things around.
💛 Follow @SoHealthyNigeria for more natural tips, women’s health guides, and fertility encouragement.