Male Infertility-Some Low Cost Practical Solutions

Infertility is a common problem affecting many American couples. One-third are due to the woman who may have a gynecologic problem, one-third due to male factor, and one-third due to a combination of both the man and the woman. This blog will discuss the treatment and solutions for male factor infertility.

Keeping Mobile Phone in Pocket
A finding by some researchers at the University of Exeter in England showed that keeping mobile phone in the front pocket which is near the scrotum could affect sperm quality. They found out that exposure to cell phone radiation lowers sperm motility or movement by 8% and viability of the sperm by 9%. This finding is still a controversial one but it would be safer to keep away mobile phones from the pocket as much as possible. Therefore, my recommendation is to keep your mobile phone out of your trouser pocket. I also suggest that you do not text holding your phone at waist level.

Heavy Drinking
It is said that alcohol affects the body’s ability to absorb zinc which is a nutrient vital for healthy sperm. It’s still unclear what quantity of alcohol is bad but it’s advisable to stay away from it as much as possible, especially heavy drinking.

Oxidative Stress
Another thing that can cause male infertility is oxidative stress. This is linked to lifestyle factors such as obesity, diet, pollutants, smoking and alcohol. Taking antioxidant supplements such as vitamin E, vitamin C, folic acid etc. is said to increase fertility.

Poor Diet
A healthy diet will help maintain a healthy sperm count and an poor diet otherwise. It is advisable that men eat foods that will guarantee the general health of the body such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and a minimum of red meat.

Excessive Exercise
Exercise is good for the body but its excess especially when it is combined with body building steroids can decrease the production of testosterone and thereby lower sperm count.

Frequent Sex
Too much sex can decrease the quality of sperm cells. It is advised that couples wishing to conceive should limit intercourse to every two or three days.

Exposure To Heat
Heat from laptops, wearing tight underpants and other things that could increase the temperature around the testicles could cause low sperm count. As much as possible, it is advised that the general crotch area should be kept cool and men use boxer underwear.

Untreated Infection
When STIs are not treated on time, it could result in infertility. Chlamydia infection, gonorrhea, mumps etc can affect fertility and even cause sterility.

Exposure to Pesticides and other Chemicals
It has been found that exposure to harmful chemicals can affect sperm quality and quantity. Agricultural workers and fumigators in Nigeria need to be mindful of this. Some other chemicals like paints, adhesives and coatings have also been found to double the risk of fertility problems. Men working with chemicals are therefore advised to wear the appropriate protective gear and reduce their exposure to the chemicals as much as possible.

Doping
Sniffing drugs like cocaine and cannabis can impair fertility in males. It is said that cannabis seems to have a dramatic effect on sperm quality. Some prescribed drugs can also affect fertility; it is advised that a man seeking to conceive should consult the doctor before taking any drug.

Bottom Line: Other things that could cause male infertility include stress, aging, radiation (x-rays, radiotherapy etc.), and obesity. With this understanding, it would be wise for men especially those seeking offspring to take note of the things that could be responsible for infertility so that they can play their part in making sure they also reproduce in life.

Stress Getting You Down-It May Also Be Affecting A Man’s Fertility

Stress just may have an impact on a man’s sperm quality. Men with higher levels of stress and anxiety have lower sperm counts. Also those with the highest anxiety levels were also more like to have sperm that are less motile or have the ability to swim through the cervical canal to find an egg in the tubes connecting the ovary to the uterus. This report appeared in the February 13, 2013 issue of Fertility and Sterility.

Bottom Line: Want to have a baby and your partner is not getting pregnant? Then consider chilling out and find ways to reduce your stress level. It just may help those sperm reach the egg and get your family started. If you have questions regarding male infertility, see your urologist and get a semen analysis. It’s a test that every couple with an infertility problem should do.

The Straight Dope on Dope-Sex and Marijuana

The occasional use of marijuana may enhance a man’s sexual performance. However, the long term effects of marijuana and not so pleasurable. The long-term affects include erectile dysfunction and loss of orgasm. Marijuana may also impact a man’s fertility.
Erectile Dysfunction
The Journal of Sexual Medicine published a study suggesting a link between marijuana and erectile dysfunction. The active ingredient in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. When a person uses marijuana, THC interacts with proteins in the brain called cannabinoid receptors. This interaction impairs the person’s brain function. There are also cannabinoid receptors present in penile tissue. Perhaps the interaction with THC may impair penile function (possibly causing erectile dysfunction)
Problems with Orgasm
In a study from Australia, men who used marijuana every day were four times more likely to have problems reaching orgasm than men who didn’t use weed. In addition, men who used marijuana every day were three times more likely to experience premature ejaculation than men who didn’t.
Other male daily users said they reached orgasm too slowly.
Fertility
Marijuana can also affect a man’s fertility. More specifically, THC hinders sperm cells’ ability to swim to an egg cell. And, if the sperm even reaches the egg, it will have a harder time fertilizing it.
Marijuana can also cause fertility issues for women. If a woman uses marijuana, THC can travel to her uterus, cervix, vagina, and vaginal fluids. Sperm cells that come into contact with THC from the woman behave much like sperm cells from a man who uses marijuana and the “swimmers” may have trouble reaching and then fertilizing the egg .
Therefore, couples who want to conceive are advised to avoid marijuana use.
The Bottom Line
If you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction or problems with orgasm, consider your marijuana intake. And if you planning on starting a family, you should steer clear of the weed.

This blog was modified from Marijuana and Male Sex Health, Published on May 31, 2011 on SexHealthMatters.org