There are many things to be considered before you start a family. When the trouble is related to male fertility, anything can go wrong ranging from sperm allergies, defective sperm count to poor sperm quality etc. It is estimated that 1 out of 10 couples who have issues with conceiving, 30% of the cases are because of male infertility.
What factors influence male fertility?
- Alcohol
Booze taken beyond limits can affect sperm health negatively. It lowers testosterone levels that impairs sperm production and can cause erectile dysfunction. Excessive drinking can lead to liver cirrhosis that may lead to male infertility. A study done in 2014 showed that drinking even 5 units of alcohol can decrease sperm quality and lead to infertility in men.
- Smoking
According to a 2010 study, smoking affects the motility of sperms and affects the DNA of the sperm and increases the risk of erectile dysfunction. Marijuana is quite dangerous as well. Smoking pot negatively affects sperm quality that affects overall male fertility.
- Obesity
Obesity increases the risk of production of hormone estrogen, sexual dysfunction and reduced sperm counts. It also makes the act of sexual intercourse difficult to accomplish. Adopting a healthier lifestyle to get rid of obesity is a better way to boost fertility in men.
- Saunas and hot tubs
The male anatomy is designed to keep the testes cooler than the rest of the body for optimum function. If the temperature is increased to 98 degrees, sperm production and morphology is affected for months. Exposure to ‘wet heat’ like saunas or jacuzzis can affect sperm quality temporarily and any interventions to reverse this process can take anywhere between three to nine months.
- Laptops
Research suggests that a laptop placed near the scrotum can raise temperatures even up to 35 degrees that affects the process of spermatogenesis. If you wish to start a family soon, leave the laptop on the desk.
- Cellphones
Keeping a cell phone in your trouser pockets is like literally carrying a microwave. Studies show that radiation from cellular devices can affect sperm motility and morphology. To limit exposure, avoid talking more than 4 hours in a day and carry your mobile devices in your briefcase.
- Health issues
Certain medical conditions like varicocele, viral and bacterial infections like chlamydia, chronic diseases like diabetes, thyroid, Cushing’s syndrome can affect male fertility. It is always advisable to go for regular checkups to your family physician to treat the underlying causes that can lead to infertility in men.
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