When a couple experiences difficulty getting pregnant, men’s fertility is an essential factor about half of the time. Men’s fertility depends on many factors working together. Numerous aspects can have an impact on the viability of sperm and, therefore, male fertility. Men who are considering having children now or later should keep in mind these factors that negatively affect men’s fertility.
Smoking reduces sperm counts
Smoking tobacco can decrease a man’s sperm counts and also make sperm less mobile. Long-term marijuana use can also lower sperm counts and trigger sperm abnormalities.
Tight clothing is harmful to sperm
Men who wear tight underwear and trousers cause their testicles to heat up, which is terrible for sperm. Testicles several degrees hotter than their optimal range will not produce an adequate volume of sperm, resulting in low sperm counts. It takes about 10 to 11 weeks for sperm production to return to normal once your testicles are freed up.
Excessive alcohol consumption affects sperm production
Too much alcohol can lower the body’s ability to produce healthy sperm.
Abnormal weight reduces fertility
Men who are overweight or obese usually face fertility issues due to imbalanced hormone levels. Conversely, underweight men can experience an abnormally low sperm count and poor sperm function.
Excessive exercise decreases testosterone
Men who engage in endurance or excessive exercise can cause their testosterone levels to drop, reducing sperm counts. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an ideal workout for boosting testosterone levels and preserving viable sperm.
Environmental toxins impair fertility
Men exposed to pesticides, chemicals, and other toxic substances on the job are susceptible to infertility. A 2015 report in Environmental Research noted that exposure to organophosphate pesticides might be associated with reduced sperm counts and motility and altered reproductive hormone levels in male partners of couples seeking infertility treatment.
Chemotherapy may cause temporary or permanent infertility
Certain chemotherapy drugs can lower sperm counts and negatively impact the sperm’s ability to fertilize an egg. Higher doses of medication increase the chances of permanent infertility. Men considering chemotherapy should discuss their options with their physician.
Steroids can interfere with sperm production
Anabolic steroids can disrupt hormone functions necessary for producing sperm. This effect is often temporary, with most men experiencing a return to regular sperm production 3 to 12 months after discontinuing steroid use.
Low nutrient levels affect sperm
Infertility may result from insufficient levels of vitamin C and zinc, a mineral necessary for proper prostate function. Insufficient amounts of these nutrients can cause sperm to bind together, reducing their effectiveness.
Antidepressants may suppress sperm
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can affect male fertility. Men who take these medications and experience difficulty fathering a child should talk to their physician about possibly changing their medication and undergoing semen testing.
Marijuana damages sperm
THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, negatively affects sperm and testosterone production. It also interferes with sperm movement. Men wanting children should avoid using marijuana containing THC.
Opiates negatively impact testosterone and sperm
Long-term use of prescription or illicit opiates reduces testosterone production, which can lower sperm quality and quantity. Short-term opiate use, such as post-surgery pain management, is not associated with male infertility.
Varicocele is a common cause of infertility
Varicoceles, or abnormally dilated veins in the scrotum, are found in approximately 15% of men and 35% of men with primary infertility. Most men with varicoceles can father children, although the condition is associated with impaired sperm quality and testicular damage over time. Varicocele can be corrected with a medical procedure, including a surgical approach called varicocelectomy.
** Infections and STDs can halt fatherhood**
Certain infections and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can cause testicles to atrophy and result in low sperm motility and count. Chlamydia and gonorrhea can block the epididymis tubes, leading to infertility but can be cleared with surgery.
Hormone disorders disrupt fertility
Hormone disorders, although not common, can result in male infertility. For example, hyperprolactinemia (elevated levels of the hormone prolactin) can reduce sperm production, while hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels) is associated with poor semen quality and abnormal testicular function. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, found in only 1% of infertile men, is characterized by suppressed pituitary gland function.
In conclusion, if you want to start a family or have been struggling to conceive, addressing the lifestyle and other factors mentioned above will go a long way in helping you achieve those goals. Most causes of infertility are lifestyle-based and within your control – so begin making positive changes today.
