Top 10 Factors That Can Affect Male Fertility – Demystifying Male Infertility

The anguish of infertility affects everyone. Both men and women suffer when the dream of trying to conceive a child does not seem to come true. As this occurs, many women will find themselves in the office of many specialists in an effort to determine exactly where the problem lies.

What about the boys? It has been shown that 40-50% of couples who experience infertility will have a male factor, meaning a problem with the quality, quantity or movement (also known as motility) of sperm. Low sperm count, infection, erectile dysfunction and other health problems should be evaluated by a doctor at the beginning of the fertility study to identify and correct simple problems or identify more serious problems. What is certain, however, is that the male factor can significantly affect the decisions couples make regarding their family planning.

If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for six months or more without success, both of you should be fully evaluated to determine if and where there are problems. If you and your partner have suffered multiple miscarriages or failed in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles in the past, the problem may also be related to men.

Implantation failure (normal growth of the placenta early in pregnancy) can result in poor embryo quality, much like a genetic problem. When fertilization occurs when the female’s egg combines with the male partner’s sperm. The sizes are different and the DNA in the sperm needs to swell and then shrink to match the DNA in the egg. When this process is successful, an embryo can be formed. If there is a problem with the DNA of the sperm or egg, the resulting embryo’s DNA can fail, causing implantation failure or early miscarriage. (1).

The following is a list of the ‘Top 10’ factors that can affect male fertility.

#1 – Do you smoke? Or use smokeless tobacco?

We all know that smoking and chewing tobacco is unhealthy for a variety of reasons. Now here’s one more! These products contain nicotine and other harmful substances. Smoking causes vasoconstriction which makes blood vessels smaller. This can reduce the amount of blood flow to vital organs and decrease the amount of oxygen and nutrients delivered to them. Stopping using these products can improve factors in as little as 3 months.

#2 – How much alcohol do you consume in 1 week?

Be honest. More than 3 to 5 drinks a week can be unhealthy, especially if you are trying to have a baby. Excessive alcohol consumption can also be unhealthy, which is more than 5 drinks in a day. It may not sound like much, but excessive drinking can be considered alcohol abuse and can be a sign of depression. If you are concerned about the amount of alcohol you are consuming, discuss it frankly with your health care provider.

#3 – Are you overweight?

Along with the known health risks of being overweight (risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, or stroke), being overweight can also affect sperm production. Adipose (fat) tissue can store excessive amounts of the female hormone estrogen. This hormone may be responsible for hormonal imbalances that cause a decrease in testosterone production, the main male hormone needed for sperm production. Excessive amounts of estrogen can give the appearance of man boobs and also interfere with the arousal phase required for erection and ejaculation. If you have any concerns about these issues, be sure to discuss them with your doctor.

#4 – Have you had an injury to your groin area? Have you had surgery in the groin area?

Undescended testicles, hernias, or vacoceles are conditions that can affect sperm production or transport. If you have been treated by a urologist in the past, it is very important that you tell your fertility specialist.

#5 – Do you have health problems that justify the need for medication?

High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid problems, arthritis, alcoholism, and drug addiction are some of the commonly identified problems. Medications to treat these conditions, by themselves, can be detrimental to sperm production. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if your medication could be lowering your fertility potential.

#6 – Have you experienced fever or illness in the last 3 months?

For a sperm to mature enough to fertilize an egg, it takes about 3 months to develop. A fever or illness can affect the newly developed sperm. Also, medications such as antibiotics can interfere with sperm production. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you have taken in the last 3 months, including over-the-counter medicines.

#7 – What is your occupation?

Some jobs, by their nature, can affect fertility potential. If you are exposed to chemicals or toxins on a regular basis, you may need a male fertility study with advanced testing to see if these chemicals or toxins have affected your sperm’s DNA. Avoiding exposure to known toxins would be important while trying to have a baby. Prolonged sitting or work that generates a lot of body heat can subject the groin area to higher temperatures and potentially be harmful to developing sperm. The scrotum is designed to keep the testicles protected from extreme temperatures, hot or cold, allowing the testicles to move closer or further away from the body depending on the temperature.

#8 – What are your hobbies or activities?

Some hobbies involve solvents or chemicals. Others, like riding a bike or exercising excessively, can increase your core body temperature. Discuss your hobbies and activities at your fertility consultation.

#9 – Do you use recreational drugs?

Marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, or any recreational drug is unhealthy and potentially dangerous. Drug use can also be a sign of excessive stress and inadequate coping. If you are using drugs, stop. If you have problems with stress, anxiety, or depression, talk to your doctor. You better take care of yourself now so you’ll be healthy and sober when the new baby arrives.

#10 – How often do you use hot tubs or take hot baths?

Excessive heat in the groin area has been linked to poor sperm quality. Keep the temperature comfortable. Avoid excessive heat while trying to conceive. Loose, comfortable clothing (yes, Boxers) can allow your groin area to get less hot.

Remember, this information is provided to help with preconception planning. It is intended to provide education, but is not designed to replace evaluation by a health professional.