Safeguard your Fertility

Studies conducted show that approximately one in every seven couples wishing to have a baby is infertile. Earlier, it was assumed that the problem was solely on account of female disorders. It is now generally recognized in medical circles that 35-40% cases have male contributing factors. Each time he ejaculates, a man must have a sufficient volume of sperm that is active, normal in shape and size, and must have the ability to penetrate through his partner’s cervical mucus and overcome tremendous odds to reach the egg in order to fertilize it.

Male infertility can be due to a number of causes, some that can be successfully treated and others that do not have a solution available at present. It is important therefore to make appropriate lifestyle choices to protect your fertility since these are factors that you can have some measure of control over. Listed below are some suggestions on what you can do to safeguard your fertility.

1. Quit smoking. It has been found that smoking can cause a 23% decrease in sperm density (concentration) and a 13% decrease in sperm motility as well as increasing abnormal morphology in sperm. Smoking can cause toxicity in the seminal fluid and can induce DNA damage in sperm.
2. Cut down your intake of alcohol or cut it out altogether. Alcohol, especially excessive intake of alcohol or chronic alcohol abuse, can seriously affect your fertility. Alcohol can cause abnormal liver function and raise estrogen levels that may interfere with the sperm development and hormone levels. Alcohol is toxic to sperm and can interfere with sexual performance. Reduce your intake of alcohol.
3. Marijuana and cocaine (even infrequent use of cocaine) are known to often cause a decrease in average sperm count, motility, and normal morphology. Cocaine may also hamper the penetration of sperm through the cervical mucus, making it difficult for them to enter and penetrate the egg. Steroids decrease the intra-testicular testosterone level. They depress testicular production of testosterone which may even lead to a complete absence of sperm.
4. Reduce stress. It has been found that stress may interfere with certain hormones needed to produce sperm.
5. Eat healthy and maintain your ideal weight. A well-balanced diet will work well for you. Ensure adequate quantities of vitamins like vitamin C and other nutrients. Zinc works as an antibacterial in the prostate and being low on zinc makes you more prone to infections which in turn can lower your sperm count.
6. Exercise is advocated, in moderation. Excessive exercising raises the risk of diminished spermatogenesis.
7. In order to ensure healthy sperm production, the testicles need to maintain a constant temperature. Avoid prolonged testicular exposure to high temperatures from hot tubs, saunas, steam baths and even tight clothing that can inhibit healthy sperm production.
8. As far as possible, avoid exposure to toxic substances like pesticides, x-rays, electromagnetic or microwave emissions or radioactivity that could encourage sperm abnormalities.
9. Take care to void injury or trauma to the groin area.
10. Some medications for diseases like diabetes and heart disease can adversely affect fertility. Check with your health provider about alternate options that may be available.
11. Practice safe sex. Sexually transmitted diseases can play havoc with your reproductive system and in most cases the infections won't show any symptoms until it is too late. Protect yourself.
12. Hygiene is important. Sweat and other accumulations in the genital area can give rise to a foul smell and also encourage infections that could affect your fertility.