Introduction
Surprising fact – male infertility occurs as often as female fertility. It is a common misconception that when a couple is experiencing problems conceiving, it is the woman’s fault however, this is just not the case.
Following are seven male infertility facts that you should know and that you should share with your partner if you are having trouble conceiving a child.
Drug Use
Heavy drug use damages sperm, which should not be surprising. Illegal drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, and anabolic steroids can lower the quality of your sperm and reduce your fertility. Also, keep in mind that anabolic steroids, cause your testicles to shrink and stop the hormone production needed to produce sperm.
Weight
If you are overweight, this is a problem. Obesity in men is associated with decreased sperm count, the quality of sperm produced, and misshapen sperm can interfere with the sperm’s ability to reach and penetrate and egg. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and getting in shape will increase your chances of conceiving.
Alcohol Use
If alcohol drinking is a recreational sport for you, it is time to cut down considerably if you are trying to become a Dad. Men who drink heavily and regularly have lower testosterone levels, lower sperm counts, and heavy drinking can cause erectile dysfunction. Also, drinking to the point of passing out and having black outs can affect your sexual relationships.
Smoking
Besides smoking in general being bad for your health, men who smoke may have a lower sperm count than men who do not smoke. Smoking damages the quality of your sperm making it much more difficult to get your partner pregnant. Men who are on the borderline of being infertile are most vulnerable to the effects of smoking and infertility.
Stress
If you are experiencing severe and prolonged periods of stress, the amount of sperm you produce can decrease and affect your sperm count. The stress of
and going through that process can be very discouraging for couples and can last for extended periods.
Exercise
Believe it or not, excessive exercise can indirectly lower the amount of testosterone in your body. When your body reaches a certain temperature, sperm can die and lead to infertility. Also, if you are underweight, with low body fat, you may experience low sperm motility (how fast your sperm moves) and sperm morphology (misshapen sperm). While exercise plays a big role in living a healthy lifestyle be sure not to over do it if you and your partner have decided to conceive.
Pesticides
If you work in an industry such as landscaping, contracting, and manufacturing. Where you are exposed to pesticides and other environmental toxins, you risk infertility. Pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides are known to decrease sperm production and sperm quality. These environmental toxins have also been linked to Pesticide use is another environmental factor that may affect male infertility. Exposure to environmental toxins, such as pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides, can decrease sperm production and quality. Some of these environmental toxins have also been linked to testicular cancer.
Conclusion
If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for at least a year, consult your healthcare professional and have your fertility assessed. Lifestyle is just one factor that may affect your fertility. Your doctor can help you determine the cause of your infertility and help you increase your chances of conceiving a child and having a family.