Every now and then, we see new articles churning out about female infertility treatments and what women can do to improve their ability to get pregnant. Many women are advised to eat healthy, exercise regularly, maintain an ideal BMI (basal metabolic index), and so on. Moreover, there are plenty of websites to learn about fertility doctors and modern fertility treatments for female reproductive care. But what is not often included in this conversation is what their male partner can and should be doing to increase the chances of conception. Although the man won’t be carrying the child, male infertility can occur if he has a low sperm count or sperm motility issues. At RSMC fertility clinic in San Diego, CA, our doctors equally emphasize infertility factors and treatments of both males and females. Thanks to advanced medical technologies, research is showing the future of male fertility.
Unlike women who are born with a finite number of eggs, men produce millions of sperm every day. For this reason, a change in lifestyle habits can be very beneficial to men. It can improve their fertility potential significantly. It takes sperm approximately 72 days to become mature. This means that you will start noticing improvements in your sperm quality within three months of making healthy lifestyle changes.
Below are some frequently asked questions and answers about how to be proactive about your sperm quality:
Does Being Overweight Contribute to Male Infertility?
Yes, it does. Just like women experience fertility issues as a result of being overweight or underweight, men also have similar issues. Fortunately, you can minimize these possible risks by following a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Abnormal semen parameters, such as low sperm motility and low sperm counts, increase with excess weight. Overweight men may have lower levels of testosterone and higher levels of estrogen. This can affect the chemical signals that modulate sperm development. Men with higher body weight are also at great risk for impaired spermatogenesis. This is said to occur when an increase in scrotal temperature induces the production of sperm in the body. If you are obese or overweight, you need to talk to your doctor about ways to become and stay healthy. A little weight loss can make a big difference.
Do Smoking And Recreational Medications Affect Sperm Quality and cause Infertility in Males?
Absolutely! Smoking of cigarettes can lead to a decline in the primary factors that determine sperm quality: sperm count, sperm shape (morphology), and sperm motility. However, studies have indicated that damage caused by smoking is reversible and may vary depending on the quantity and duration of smoking history. Generally, your fertility rate can go back to normal with a year of stopping smoking.
Other drugs, such as marijuana, can also reduce sperm counts. Approximately 33% of long-term users will experience low sperm counts, and you need to stop using marijuana when trying to achieve pregnancy. You can set up a consultation with our fertility clinic in San Diego, CA if your sperm quality & quantity are proving an obstacle to becoming parents.
Does the Rate Of Alcohol Intake Matter in Male Infertility?
Yes, significantly. As with women, alcohol consumption also matters in men. Several studies have shown that taking too much alcohol has an impact on men’s fertility. Men who take large quantities of alcohol (5 or more alcoholic drinks every day) may have lowered levels of testosterone and decreased sperm quantity and quality. Alcohol has also been associated with erectile dysfunction (also referred to as ED), which is the inability to get and maintain an erection firm enough for sex. However, you can reverse these effects quickly by lowering the quantities of alcohol intake.
Can Excessive Heat Near My Genitals Cause Sperm Problems?
Yes, it can. If you often use hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, or hot stoves (those found in big commercial kitchens), your sperm count may be affected. This can contribute to male factor infertility. The great news is that heat exposure doesn’t have a long-lasting impact on sperm. Sperm should go back to normal quantity and quality within some months of stopping excessive heat exposure. Also, you should be leery of household “heats,” such as putting a computer on your lap. You can solve this problem by using a cooling pad or a lap board.
What If I’m Consuming A Low Testosterone Medication, What Do I Have To Know?
Low testosterone, or low T, is said to occur when a man’s testosterone levels fall below the normal levels. Although some men suffer from this condition, it is rarer than advertising would have you believe. In the study published in the British Medical Journal, researchers found that testosterone levels were low in just 0.1% of men in their forties, 0.6% in those in their fifties, 3.2% in men in their sixties, and 5.1% of men in their seventies.
Pharmaceutical companies are cashing in on men’s concerns about low testosterone by zeroing in on a decline in sex drive, low energy, and other likely symptoms. Although all these symptoms may actually have a pre-existing cause requiring urgent attention, the cause isn’t always low testosterone. So, if you are experiencing any of them, it’s good to talk to your fertility doctor before you start taking any medication. But what does this have to do with male fertility? Scientists have found that low testosterone medications may result in a low sperm count, which would be counterproductive.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, you can make a whole lot of difference in your sperm quality and fertility and in your overall health by proactively addressing these lifestyle changes.
Interested to learn more about how to improve your sperm health and what are the available fertility treatment options for male factor infertility? Simply schedule a consultation with our fertility clinic in San Diego to find out how our doctors can help you in male infertility treatments. You can also visit our website to have a chat with our team.
