Male infertility: the whole truth
It is estimated that 15% of the world’s population has fertility problems. In the past, infertility was attributed to the woman. The advantage of this aspect was that research and many fertility treatments focused on it. However, the number of infertility cases attributed to women, 4 in 10, is the same for men, so advances in sperm selection are needed to improve the results of fertility treatments. What we need to know:
Only women need to worry about reduced fertility as the years go by – MYTH.
The age of the woman is the most important factor in conception, but the age of the man also matters, a subject that many people are not aware of. The quality of sperm decreases with age and in addition the risk of miscarriage is twice as high if the man is over 45 years old regardless of the woman’s age. For couples who delay undergoing IVF, the risk of not having a child is 5 times higher if the man is aged 41 and over.
Laptops in the lap destroy sperm – TRUTH.
To produce a healthy sperm, a very precise environment is needed – 4 degrees colder than the human body temperature. Therefore, if the sperm is exposed to elevated temperatures, the sperm begin to die. Heat exposure is safe with a laptop in your lap . If this heat exposure is prolonged, it can affect sperm production processes. Over an extended period, the body may produce fewer sperm, often abnormally. No more lying in bed with a laptop in your lap.
Unhealthy habits play a role in male fertility – TRUTH.
Alcohol can damage sperm quality and circulation by preventing the liver from properly metabolizing vitamin A, which is needed for sperm development. In addition, alcohol is toxic to the testicles and it has been shown that a man who consumes more than 20 units per week will take much longer for his wife to conceive.
Smoking also has a huge impact on male fertility. Heavy smokers can produce up to 20 per cent fewer sperm than non-smokers, as the DNA in the sperm is also damaged by the chemicals found in cigarette smoke.
Exercise improves male fertility – MYTH.
Although exercise is extremely beneficial for both mental and physical well-being, it is important not to overdo it when trying to have a baby. Men who have heavy exercise programs, as opposed to men who exercise 3 times a week, can have lower quality sperm. Excessive exercise can lower a man’s testosterone levels and cell damage can occur as a result of oxidative stress.
Stress plays a role in male infertility – FACT.
Stress can affect sperm count by reducing the levels of a hormone called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which is required for sperm production. Therefore, although there is no solid evidence that stress can cause male infertility problems, it can be helpful to try some relaxation techniques when trying for a baby.
