Male Fertility Myths and Facts: What Every Man Should Know
Male fertility health refers to producing healthy sperm capable of fertilising an egg. The production of healthy and functional sperm depends on various factors, such as sperm count, morphology and motility. Problems with sperm quality and quantity can hamper natural conception.
A man’s fertility health reflects the overall health as hormonal imbalance and chronic disorders can impact fertility. Men with genetic abnormalities, such as Klinefelter’s syndrome, may possess low sperm quality or quantity, contributing to genetic abnormalities in the offspring. Approximately 40%–50% of infertility cases are owing to fertility issues in men, which debunks the popular opinion that infertility is due to fertility issues in women.
According to fertility specialists, there are several misconceptions and myths surrounding the reproductive health of men, which need to be openly discussed. This will allow couples with conception issues to make informed decisions regarding their reproductive health and reduce anxiety, frustration and confusion in the emotional and unpredictable journey of conceiving a child. This article aims to dispel common myths associated with male fertility so that couples can overcome infertility issues with the correct assistance to start their family.
Infertility affects both men and women, with approximately 50% of infertility cases associated with male infertility, of which, 34% of infertility cases are solely due to men and 50% due to both men and women. Thus, both partners should be tested for fertility issues. Semen analysis should be an integral part of fertility evaluation as fertility in men is dependent on sperm quantity and quality. Low sperm count, abnormal shape and abnormal motility can significantly reduce the chances of conception. Tight innerwear or hot tubs can drastically reduce sperm count: Wearing tight innerwear or sitting in hot tubs can raise the scrotal temperature and is assumed to impact sperm count or fertility.
The minor increase in scrotal temperature does not affect fertility. The body’s in-built mechanisms maintain the scrotal temperature to ensure the sperms are viable. Wearing breathable innerwear and avoiding prolonged exposure to high temperatures is recommended for maintaining overall reproductive health. Men with normal sexual function are always fertile: It is common to associate sexual performance with fertility. It is assumed that a man with normal and healthy erectile function and ejaculation cannot have fertility problems
Erection and Ejaculation is not always compatible with fertility. There is no correlation between healthy sexual function and fertility. Sperm count, size, shape and motility in the ejaculate determine fertility. Thus, it is impossible to ascertain healthy sperm by looking at the semen sample. Semen analysis along with additional tests are conducted to determine the fertility potential.
It is believed that if a man has fathered children before, he cannot be infertile.
Fertility varies with time. If a man was previously successful in fathering children, it does not guarantee fertility in the future. Secondary infertility is commonly observed in couples who are trying for a second child after a previous natural conception. Factors, such as age, lifestyle choices and health conditions can be responsible for infertility. Lifestyle choices and weight do not impact fertility.
Smoking is known to cause sperm DNA damage while alcohol consumption can decrease sperm quality and testosterone levels. The significant increase in obesity worldwide is coinciding with a significant impact on sperm count and morphology, impacting male fertility. Sperm development takes approximately 72 days. Thus, the required lifestyle changes must be made at least three months before trying for a baby. These include weight management by adopting healthy eating habits, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake to produce healthy sperm. Regular exercise is associated with improved testosterone levels and semen quality. Herbal supplements can treat male fertility issues
There is no scientific evidence confirming the effectiveness of herbal supplements on male infertility. Lifestyle choices can improve general reproductive health. It is important to consult your healthcare provider or fertility specialist before consuming herbal supplements as they may have side effects.
Signs and symptoms of fertility issues in men
- Erectile dysfunction (difficulty in maintaining an erection) or ejaculation difficulty
- Swelling, pain and visible lumps in the testicular area
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Gynaecomastia (abnormal growth of breasts)
- Decreased facial or body hair/signs of chromosomal abnormality or hormonal imbalance
- Inability to detect odours
- Reduced sperm count (< 15 million sperm/mL of semen)
Factors Affecting Male Fertility
Genetics: The genetic causes that impact male fertility include chromosomal anomalies, such as Klinefelter syndrome (an extra X chromosome is present) that affects sperm production and quality; Y chromosome microdeletions (parts of the Y chromosome are missing) that result in low sperm count or no sperms and gene mutations as seen in cystic fibrosis (a genetic disorder causing mucus accumulation, damaging lungs and other organs and blocking ducts), which can obstruct the passage through which the sperm passes.
Lifestyle choices: Fertility specialists believe smoking reduces sperm quality and increases sperm DNA damage and chromosomal abnormalities. Excessive alcohol intake has been associated with reduced sperm quality and testosterone levels. Recreational drugs, such as cannabis have been shown to reduce sperm count and sperm concentration. Obesity (lack of physical activity), unhealthy diet (consumption of processed foods) and stress also negatively impact male fertility.
Azoospermia (no sperm in ejaculate): It can be due to obstructive azoospermia (sperm passage tube is blocked) or non-obstructive azoospermia (reduced sperm production in the testicles).
Environmental/occupational hazards: Exposure to radiation (e.g. an X-ray technician), pesticides or heavy metals and sitting for long hours can impact sperm quality. The chemical bisphenol A is used in beverage and food storage containers, which mimics oestrogen’s function, affecting testes development, sperm production and sperm quality and quantity and causing erectile dysfunction. Air pollutants can cause fragmentation of sperm DNA, with reduced motility, abnormal sperm morphology and decreased spermatogenesis.
Underlying medical issues: Medical conditions (sexually transmitted diseases, hormonal imbalance or Celiac disease (autoimmune disorder affecting the small intestine), radiation therapy, surgeries (abdomen or pelvis) and medications (testosterone replacement therapy or antibiotics) can affect male fertility.
Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding occupational and environmental hazards, limiting alcohol intake, quitting smoking and scheduling regular health check-ups to identify potential fertility issues early are a few pro-active steps to improve fertility health in men.
For personalized support and expert guidance on male fertility issues, consult the specialists at Kauvery Hospital. With branches in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Trichy, our dedicated healthcare team is here to help you navigate your fertility journey and provide the necessary care to achieve your family planning goals. Don’t hesitate to reach out for expert advice and comprehensive testing today.
Fertility in men is as important as fertility in women in the journey to parenthood. Misleading information on male fertility needs to be dispelled to provide accurate information and reduce the confusion and anxiety of couples who are struggling with fertility issues. Having the facts will enable couples to receive accurate medical advice and treatment options to fulfil their dream of becoming parents. Regular health check-ups and healthy lifestyle choices are crucial to maintaining overall health that impacts fertility health too. If you are concerned about male fertility, it is advisable to get yourself checked up sooner; a semen analysis will provide the required answers on sperm count, motility and shape and aid in early intervention. Male infertility is also a barometer for men’s health as it is associated with later developments of some cancers.
What is male fertility health?
Male fertility health is the ability to produce healthy sperm that can fertilize an egg, determined by sperm count, shape, and movement.
What are some common myths about male fertility?
Myths include that men remain fertile at any age, normal sexual function guarantees fertility, and herbal supplements can fix fertility issues.
What are signs of fertility issues in men?
Common signs include erectile dysfunction, testicular pain or lumps, abnormal breast growth, and a low sperm count.
What factors affect male fertility?
Genetics, lifestyle choices (like smoking, alcohol, and obesity), environmental hazards, and certain medical conditions can impact male fertility.
How can male fertility be improved?
A balanced diet, regular exercise, weight management, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and regular check-ups can boost fertility.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
Chennai Alwarpet – 044 4000 6000 • Chennai Vadapalani – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801
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