Male infertility is a growing problem around the world with a steady decline in the quality of male sperm, which is a major contributor to infertility. Studies have suggested that several factors, such as exposure to pesticides, industrial chemicals, heavy metals, obesity, alcoholism, smoking, sedentary lifestyles, low nutrient intake, oxidative stress, physiological and genetic factors, can affect male fertility.
Smoking:
Well, it is known to all that smoking is harmful to health. However, you would be shocked to know that it can also harm your fertility. The high level of nicotine present in cigarettes can adversely affect sperm quality in men. Moreover, cigarette smoke also contains harmful components like cadmium, lead, and tobacco, which reduces sperm density.
Alcohol:
An occasional glass of wine probably won’t hamper your chances of conceiving, heavy drinking can. However, drinking regularly can lower sperm count, decrease testosterone levels, and dramatically affect performance. It can also cause several more problems, including erectile dysfunction and liver disease.
Obesity:
Obesity causes a long list of health problems in both men and women. Moreover, it can generally affect the reproduction capacity in males. Males who are morbidly obese are three times more likely to have lower sperm quality and count than fitter ones. They also suffer from low testosterone levels and other health issues that lead to reduced sex drive and a lower chance of conceiving.
Drugs:
Men who are so much into drug addiction have irrecoverable damage to the reproductive system, sperm function and more. It not only reduces your chances of having a baby but can also cause erectile dysfunction.
Hot tubs:
Sperms are stored outside your body because they require cool temperatures, and our body heat can be harmful to them. So when you enter a hot tub or sauna, you deliberately increase your chances of infertility. According to studies, men who repeatedly expose their reproductive organs to high temperatures are more at risk of lower sperm motility and male infertility.
Stress:
Stress is the most common cause of health problems, including infertility IVF Cost in Delhi that both males and females face these days. It lowers testosterone levels and increases the production of estrogen levels in males, leading to a lower sexual drive. Stress can also increase the cortisol hormone that can negatively impact your sperm count and increase your chances of becoming infertile.
Though Male fertility depends upon a lot of factors, including age & lifestyle, certain measures can be taken to improve fertility health.
1. Get an adequate amount of sleep and exercise
It has been found through several studies that weight loss and exercise in obese or overweight males can boost sperm count and quality. However, the science of associating a healthy body mass index (BMI) to a healthy sperm count is still inadequate.
2. Say a big no to smoking
There is no second thought in it that smoking is injurious to health. However, people who smoke an average or substantially large quantity of tobacco are found to have lower semen quality than people who smoke less heavily.
3. Avoid several prescription drugs
Some prescription drugs can probably reduce the production of healthy sperm; however, the effect can be temporary. Once the medication intake is stopped, the sperm count gets back to normal. These medicines include some antibiotics, anti-androgens, anti-inflammatories, anabolic steroids, etc. However, it is advisable for a male patient to consult a fertility expert if he is suggested any of the above medications.
4. Get an adequate amount of vitamin D
Blood levels of vitamin D and calcium have also been found to impact sperm health. Moreover, research shows that a calcium deficiency may also adversely affect sperm count. Therefore, it is advisable to consume Vitamin D supplements, available in health food stores and online.
5. Eat more foods rich in antioxidants
Antioxidants are the particles that help make compounds inactive called free radicals, which damage cells. However, several vitamins and minerals serve the role of antioxidants, the consumption of which increases sperm count levels. The sources of a healthy sperm count include beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, vitamin C.
6. Increase healthful fat intake & reduce unhealthy ones
Polyunsaturated fats, including omega3 and omega6, are essential for the proper development of the sperm membrane. Conversely, the sperm count decreases proportionately with the consumption of trans-fatty acids.
7. Restrict manifestation to environmental and vocational contaminants
With the increase in pollution, environmental factors, including air quality and the revelation of harmful chemicals are often associated with decreased health and sperm count. Keeping away from environmental toxins as much as possible also helps in achieving better overall health.
8. Consumption of soya and estrogen-rich foods should be limited
Some foods, like soya products, contain plant estrogen that can reduce the binding of testosterone and the production of sperm.
9.Get adequate folate and zinc
Studies also suggest that the integrated consumption of folate and zinc may boost overall sperm health, including concentration and count.
In case the couple cannot conceive even after trying all-natural methods to improve fertility, it is recommended to contact a fertility expert to decide on another course of action.
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