Fertility and men
It’s
not just women who have to look after themselves before trying for a baby –
research shows that half of fertility problems are down to the male partner in
a relationship.
The top fertility zapping problems include…
• Poor sperm quality There can be blockages in
sperm-carrying tubes, or problems with the sperm itself, such as low sperm
count and irregular shape and movement.
• Medical issues such as problems with erections
or ejaculation, testosterone deficiency or previous groin injury/surgery.
• Smoking
has been linked to low sperm count and to sluggish sperm motility (that means
how fast they swim!).
• Recreational drugs Long-term use of marijuana results in a low sperm count and
sperm that exhibit abnormal development – it can temporarily reduce the number
of quality sperm by 50 percent. Cocaine, heroin and ecstasy have all been
shown to have dramatic effects on fertility.
• Excessive alcoholconsumption
damages the intricate plumbing system of the male reproductive system. It can
harm your liver function, raise estrogen levels and interfere with sperm
development. Alcohol can also deplete the sperm-generating cells in the
testicles, so if you drink heavily, now is the time to give up. Have a look at our advice on lifestyle.
• Too much exercise Men who exercise excessively (particularly cyclists) can reduce their sperm count due to
the heat that builds up in their testicles.
• Tight underwear or tight trousers have both been associated with poor sperm
count, because in order for the testes to produce a sufficient quality of sperm
the temperature of the testes has to be lower than the core body temperature.
• Poor diet It’s
time to swap the junk food for a more healthful diet. If your partner has to give up most of the foods she enjoys once she’s pregnant,
it’s hardly a sacrifice to stick to a healthy diet for a few months before you
conceive. Check out our diet for a healthy-dad-to-be.
• Your job If your job brings you into regular
contact with environmental toxins such as pesticides, insecticides, lead or
radiation or heavy metals your fertility could be at risk. Ask your physician
for more information.
If
you’re having problems conceiving don't panic – there are lots of ways that
professionals can help you and your partner become pregnant. If you’re worried
about any of the above, see your physician or a fertility specialist.
The information in this feature is intended for
educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the
health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a
doctor or other healthcare professional.