Read on below for some surprising things no one ever taught you about male fertility, according to experts.
Infertility can be an extremely tough issue for any couple to face. But knowledge really is power. “Learning about fertility factors arm people with the tools they need to make informed decisions about their lifestyle in an effort to avoid infertility later in life.
1. High Temperatures Are Bad For Sperm
“Sperm count decreases in hotter environments, including places like hot tubs and saunas. This is why many doctors recommend men avoid soaking in hot water, or doing anything that will heat up that general area — such asplacing a laptop on their lap— when trying to conceive.
While fertility is often thought of as a women’s issue, there’s a lot to consider and know about male fertility, too. If a couple is trying to conceive, for example, it’s important for both partners to know they’re playing an important role. And they should both bear in mind the man’s health, in all steps of the process. Because the truth is, “infertility impacts one in eight couples and the causes vary — but male infertility is a third of the cause,” “In fact, male infertility is the most common single cause that is diagnosed when a couple presents for an infertility evaluation.”
2. Varicocele is the common cause of poor sperm quality
Motility of sperm indicates its quality. Poor sperm motility, Oligoasthenospermia, is the common effect of varicocele. It is duration dependent and reverses with CDVL Technique correction of Varicocele.
3. Smoking Has A Negative Impact On Sperm
Pretty much everyone knows that smoking is harmful to health. But did you know it can also have an impact on male fertility? “Smoking both cigarettes and marijuana have a negative impact on sperm. Smoke can lead to hormonal issues and thus, abnormal sperm. Long-term tobacco use may be associated with an increased rate of birth defects among future children.
4. STIs Can Lead To Infertility
While it’s important to practice safe sex in order to avoid sexually transmitted infections (STIs), doing so can also be beneficial when it comes to maintaining fertility. “Undiagnosed STIs can lead to inflammation and blockage of the male reproductive system. These infections can cause infertility, so it’s important to get regular STI scans.”
5. Ejaculate Can Contain 300 Million Sperm
“Each time a healthy, fertile man ejaculates, he sends out anywhere from 200-300 million sperm in search of an egg,”
6. There’s More To Semen Than Sperm
While many people think semen is made up mostly of sperm, that’s not actually true. As Dr. Rizk says, “95-55 percent of semen is made up of a thick fluid that allows sperm to swim to their destination. This natural swimming pool is made up of proteins, fructose, minerals, and vitamins.”
7. The Environment Can Play A Role
Environmental factors can definitely contribute to infertility. “The weather and exposure to chemicals in plastics and pesticides are all known contributors to a decrease in sperm count and quality. “Play it safe and avoid eating out plastic containers and choose organic foods whenever possible.”
8. Men Have A Biological Clock
While people may not have an actual biological clock, it is common for some folks to feel some pressure to conceive as they get older. And that goes for men, too.
9. Stress Can Make It Tough To Conceive
Stress effects everyone differently, but there is some evidence that suggests stress impacts male fertility. “When men are chronically stressed, the body outputs cortisol, the stress hormone, which can in turn impact the creation of sex hormones, like testosterone. Naturally, if your body is in survival mode, having a child isn’t part of the agenda. The result? Decreased production of sperm.”
Infertility can be a tough issue to navigate. But by being aware of the factors at play, when it comes to male fertility, some pitfalls can be avoided. If you have any questions, reaching out to a fertility doctor can be a great first step.