Sperm problems, smoking habits, and alcohol can be some of the causes of infertility in men. On International Men’s Day, know the reasons behind it.
If you are planning on pregnancy, you should focus not only on your partner’s health, but also on your health. Your man also needs to take care of his health to improve his ability to make you pregnant. Infertility in men is one of the main reasons behind many couples who do not have children. Factors like sperm problems, too many sauna sessions, smoking cigarettes, obesity and more can affect infertility in men and lead to problems. Obviously, lifestyle plays a key role in your man’s potential to make you pregnant. Find out the causes and ways to help your partner on International Men’s Day, November 19th.
What is male infertility?
Male infertility is a condition in which a man reduces his ability to conceive a child with a female partner due to problems with sperm production. A study published in BMC Public Health in 2023 found that about 50% of couples around the world experience infertility due to male factors.
“It’s not an independent illness, it’s a symptom of underlying conditions and lifestyle factors that may require medical evaluation and treatment,” says obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Chetna Jain. It can be caused by medical, genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Aside from not being able to conceive with a child, there may be obvious signs of infertility in men, but there may be ejaculation problems or pain in the ejaculation area.
What causes infertility in men?
1. Medical causes of infertility in men
- Fastogenicity: It is an enlarged vein in the scrotum, which impairs cooling of the testes, leading to a decrease in sperm quality and quantity. According to the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, varicose veins are the most common cause as they are present in about 40% of men with infertility.
- Infectious diseases: “Sexually transmitted diseases like Orchitis (testinal inflammation), epididymitis, or go disease can cause testicular damage, sperm blockage, or a decrease in sperm count,” experts say.
- Ejaculation problem: Retrograde ejaculation is when semen flows into the bladder instead of leaving the penis. “It could be due to diabetes, spinal cord injury, or prostate or bladder surgery,” experts say.
- Sperm problem: Issues such as illicit sperm, lack of sperm in male semen (azos spermia), and low sperm count (oligoSpermia) can lead to infertility. According to the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, approximately 10-15% of infertile men have a complete lack of sperm.
- Hormonal disorders: Testosterone imbalances or hypothalamic and pituitary problems can lead to reduced sperm production and sexual desire.
- Genetic status: One of the causes of infertility in men is Klinefelter syndrome. This is a condition in which the male has an extra X-sex chromosome. This can affect the growth of test circles and destroy sperm production and function.
- Anti-dissatisfaction antibodies: “It’s the immune response that causes the body to accidentally attack sperm, leading to reduced motility and functioning of the sperm,” says Jain.
- Cancer Treatment: Cancer treatment options such as chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery can impair sperm production.
2. Environmental causes of male infertility
- Exposure to fever: Long-term use of saunas, hot tubs, or tight clothing may be one of the causes of infertility in men. A 2013 study published in the Human Reproduction Journal found a link between sauna exposure and impaired sperm counts. Overheating the testes can reduce sperm production.
- Radiation and Toxins: Exposure to x-rays or industrial radiation can be one of the causes of infertility in men, as it can affect sperm production.
3. The causes of lifestyle of infertility in men
- Drug Abuse: Smoking may be one of the causes of infertility in men. In a 2015 study published in the Asian Journal of Andrology, researchers found that smoking cigarettes reduces semen quality, including semen volume, density, and motility. “Alcohol, cocaine and marijuana can also alter testosterone levels and reduce sperm production,” says Dr. Jain.
- Malnutrition: Malnutrition, especially a diet without zinc, is one of the causes of infertility in men. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Reproduction & Infertility found an association between low levels of zinc and reduced fertility in male participants.
- stress: “Stress can affect hormonal imbalances and lead to reduced sperm production,” experts say.
- obesity: Obesity can alter testosterone levels and contribute to a decrease in sperm quality. A study published in the Central European Journal of Worology in 2015 shows that infertility odds for men increase by 10% every 9 kg for men.
- Lack of exercise: Leading a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of obesity, which can cause men to fertility.
4. Other causes of infertility in men
- medicine: “Antihypertensive agents and antifungal drugs to control blood pressure can destroy sperm production or birth,” says Dr. Jain.
- Diabetes: “Diabetes can lead to infertility in men,” says the expert. Men with diabetes tend to suffer from birth rate issues such as poor sperm quality and erectile dysfunction.
How to improve infertility in men
1. Maintain a balanced diet: Feed your man with zinc-rich foods such as pumpkin seeds, beans and shellfish to enhance sperm production. “Vitamin C (citrus fruit) and vitamin E (nuts, seeds) help protect sperm from oxidative stress,” says an expert.
2. Maintain hydration: Give 2-3 liters of water every day, but do not consume excessive sugar or caffeinated drinks. Proper hydration can improve the volume of semen and make the sperm more motile.
3. Keep your weight down: Engaging in a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise can help you manage your weight.
4. Reduces stress: Engaging in mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or hobbies can help reduce stress. It even helps to take a break from work.
5. Avoid substance abuse: Stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption to moderate levels like one or two drinks a day to improve infertility in men,” says the expert.
6. Protects the testes from heat: Tell them to avoid hot tubs, saunas, and snug underwear.
7. Take supplements that increase fertility“Coenzyme Q10 can increase sperm motility, while L-carnitine can improve sperm count and energy,” says an expert.
8. Medical care and proceduresHormonal therapy can correct imbalances like low testosterone. “Surgery can treat conditions like varicose veins. Your doctor can recommend that drugs like antibiotics for infections, or drugs like clomiphene, stimulate sperm production,” experts say.
Many causes of infertility in men, including bad habits such as smoking. If your guy is enjoying the sauna session, it’s time to say the end to them too. However, there are ways to increase your fertility by focusing on good nutrition, looking at your weight, and consulting with your doctor.
