A medical doctor, identified as Dr. Abassi, has sparked widespread reactions online after advising women trying to conceive to avoid fasting.
In a video shared online, he urged women expecting the fruit of the womb to prioritise their reproductive health, explaining that fasting may interfere with certain reproductive hormones involved in ovulation, potentially affecting a woman’s chances of getting pregnant.
“If you are expecting the fruit of the womb, I’m begging you, please do not fast. As a woman, do not fast,” he said.
Explaining further, Dr. Abassi noted that the female body relies on specific hormones during ovulation to prepare and release eggs for fertilisation.
“When a woman is ovulating, she needs certain hormones. She needs FSH, follicle-stimulating hormone, that is what tells the ovary it’s about time for you to release the next egg.
She needs luteinizing hormone, prepping the egg that you are coming and that you should be ready for a sperm,” he added.
His comments have since generated mixed reactions online, with some social media users agreeing with the medical advice, while others argued that fasting remains an important spiritual practice that should not be discouraged.
One user wrote, “Many women have fasted and still had children.” Another added, “There should be a balance between faith and medical advice.”
The discussion continues to trend online as Nigerians debate the relationship between fertility, health, and religious fasting.
