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Male Infertility: Here’s Why We Need To Talk About It

Male Infertility: Here’s Why We Need To Talk About It

18 Apr 2023 | 4 min Read

Manisha Pradhan

Author | 1053 Articles

Let’s talk about a subject that’s been kept in the shadows for far too long – male infertility. In this article, we are going to debunk some myths and explore how to tackle this issue head-on.

First things first – what is male infertility? Simply put, it’s when a man has trouble getting his partner pregnant despite regular, unprotected intercourse for a year or more. It’s more common than you might think, affecting about 1 in 6 couples trying to conceive.

Factors That Affect Male Fertility

There are a variety of factors that contribute to male infertility, including:

Hormonal imbalances
Low sperm count
Poor sperm motility (swimming ability)
Abnormal sperm shape.

It’s important to remember that it’s not just about quantity but also quality!

Busting Male Infertility Myths: Fact or Fiction?

Myth 1: Infertility is always the woman’s fault.

Fact: Nope! In about 40-50% of infertility cases, the issue lies with the man. It’s crucial to understand that both partners play an equal role when it comes to fertility, so let’s ditch the blame game.

Myth 2: Wearing tight underwear affects sperm count.

Fact: It’s not as clear-cut as you might think. While some studies suggest that tight underwear may increase scrotal temperature and potentially harm sperm. While some studies suggest there is no link between wearing tight underwear and fertility. However, if you and your partner are trying for a baby, there is no harm in switching to boxers!

Myth 3: Age doesn’t matter for men.

Fact: Sorry, guys. Age does play a role in male fertility. Sperm quality and quantity can decline as men get older, which may make it more challenging to conceive. The good news is that men can still father children at an older age, but it might take a bit more time and effort.

Male infertility — *Excessive drinking and smoking can harm sperm production and quality/ Image source: freepik*

Ways To Improve Fertility

Making some simple lifestyle changes can improve your fertility game. Here are a few tips:

Stay active

Regular exercise can help improve sperm quality and overall health.

Eat right

A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can give your swimmers a boost.

Cut back on alcohol and tobacco

Excessive drinking and smoking can harm sperm production and quality.

Manage stress

High-stress levels can impact your hormones and potentially affect sperm health.

When Should You Consult A Fertility Specialist?

If you’ve been trying to conceive for a year or more without success, it’s time to consult a fertility specialist. For men over 35, you may want to seek help after six months of trying. Don’t be shy – remember, you’re not alone in this journey!

What Are The Treatments For Male Infertility?

A series of tests to identify any underlying issues is one of the first steps for treatment for male infertility. These tests may include a semen analysis, hormone evaluation, and imaging studies.

Once the cause is identified, your doctor will recommend the most suitable treatment options. These may range from lifestyle modifications and medications to assisted reproductive technologies like intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Male infertility is a topic that deserves attention, understanding, and open conversation. By breaking down barriers and debunking myths, we can empower men to take control of their reproductive health. So, let’s keep talking, learning, and supporting one another on this journey towards parenthood.

Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a step towards finding a solution. With advances in medical technology and increased awareness, many couples facing male infertility can still achieve their dreams of building a family.

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