Many men feel compelled to keep quiet about their fertility issues. But male factor contributes to about 50% of infertility cases, and there are often treatable causes.

Smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and drug use can all affect sperm count and quality. Environmental factors like toxins, black carbon, and exposure to heat can also damage sperm.

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Aging

Men over the age of 35 begin to lose sperm motility, morphology, and concentration, making it more difficult for them to fertilize an egg. This decline in sperm is linked to aging, but it can also be caused by smoking, drinking alcohol, unhealthy lifestyles and medication, exposure to heat and toxins, and the use of steroids. Despite the aging process, male fertility can be improved with treatment, including clomiphene, which has been shown to increase FSH and LH levels.

In addition to aging, men can suffer from other causes of male infertility, such as acquired urogenital abnormalities (bilateral obstruction or ligation of the vas deferens, a cleft palate, absent or dysfunctional epididymis, undescended testes) and genetic disorders (Kallmann syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Laurence-Moon-Beidl syndrome). Hormonal disorders include low testosterone, congenital GnRH deficiency, and hypogonadism, while lifestyle factors can reduce sperm counts and motility, such as wearing tight underwear and frequent hot baths and sauna visits.

Those who are concerned about their fertility should make an appointment with a doctor for a physical exam and review of medical history. They will be asked about childhood illnesses and medications they are currently taking, as well as previous surgeries and exposure to radiation, pesticides, and heavy metals. They should also be questioned about their lifestyle and if they have been using drugs or alcohol.

Sperm count

Sperm counts have been dropping rapidly for decades. A healthy sperm count is more than 40 million per milliliter, but below that point, the chances of conception drop off quickly. In addition, genetic disorders can also lead to low sperm counts, such as Klinefelter syndrome and myotonic dystrophy, and medical conditions such as diabetes or swelling in the veins that drain the testicles (varicoceles) can have a significant impact on fertility.

The good news is that there are steps to help. Start-ups like Jack Fertility and ExSeed offer at-home sperm-testing kits. And, for couples undergoing an infertility evaluation, your GP can arrange for a semen analysis to see if the sperm is healthy enough for fertilization.

The other good news is that the same factors that damage health, in general, are bad for sperm: smoking, long-term sickness, eating unhealthy diets, and using plastic products that contain phthalates, which disrupt testosterone levels and impede sperm production. While these habits may seem insignificant, they add up to a big problem.

Testosterone levels

Testosterone is a hormone that plays an essential role in male fertility. It affects the development of primary sex characteristics (genitalia and reproductive organs), secondary sex characteristics (body hair, voice pitch, and bone structure), sperm production, and libido.

Testosterone levels can be tested in a man’s blood using a simple blood test. Low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism, can cause a variety of symptoms, including decreased libido and erectile dysfunction. It can also reduce a man’s sperm count, causing infertility.

A diagnosis of hypogonadism can be difficult, but a careful history and physical examination can help physicians determine whether the condition is due to a hormonal imbalance or other factors. In addition, patients should be encouraged to avoid lifestyle factors that can impact fertility. These include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, soy intake, and chronic marijuana or narcotic use.

Oftentimes, men who experience infertility issues are referred to urologists or reproductive endocrinologists. However, these specialists may not be familiar with the causes of male factor infertility. As such, healthcare providers need to collaborate effectively to optimize male fertility care. This involves a comprehensive approach to patient education and coordination of care. It also includes implementing effective interventions and strategies to support patients in adhering to these recommendations. In this way, professionals can ensure that their patients’ needs are met and improve outcomes for both patients and families.

Lifestyle

Many lifestyle factors contribute to male infertility, including exposure to toxins and certain medications. In addition, the aging process lowers a man’s fertility potential. If a couple can’t conceive with unprotected sex for a year or more, a medical exam should be scheduled to determine the cause of the problem.

Hormonal disorders, such as those affecting the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and testes, can also interfere with sperm production. Treatment may include hormone replacement therapy or antibiotics. Other treatments include surgery to fix problems that keep sperm from being made, matured, or ejaculated. These include varicocele surgery, removing twisted, swollen veins in the scrotum; and an operation to fix the urethral opening beneath the penis (hypospadias).

Certain foods can affect sperm production. A gluten allergy or intolerance, a digestive condition caused by sensitivity to wheat proteins called gliadins, can reduce sperm count and prevent fertilization. A diet low in fat, high in fruits and vegetables, and low in cholesterol can help promote healthy sperm.

Some mind-body practices, such as tai chi and qigong, can help to improve sperm count and libido. These exercises combine meditation, body movements, and breathing to encourage a balance of the qi in the body. Increasing the flow of qi can lead to mental clarity and improved health. However, it’s important to remember that these practices are not scientifically proven to improve fertility. Read More…