Let's talk about male infertility

By Dr. Shobha Gupta 

Infertility as we all know means inability to conceive despite of one year of trying. In most infertility cases we cannot ignore male factors as there is a very big myth that infertility is woman’s problem. But actually out of 100% nearly 30% of all infertility cases, the cause is attributed to a problem in the male, 30% of cases, the cause is attributed in female and 30% to both male and female factors and rest 10% is unknown. 

Infertility in males is also very common these days. Let’s have a look at some facts about male infertility: 

1. Alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol can lower testosterone levels, cause erectile dysfunction and decrease sperm production. Liver disease caused by excessive drinking also may lead to fertility problems.

2. Occupation or job: There are certain occupations can increase your risk of infertility, including those associated with desk jobs or extended use of computers or video display monitors, shift work, and work-related stress. 

3. Tobacco consumption or smoking: Men who smoke may have a lower sperm count than do those who don’t smoke. Secondhand smoke also may affect male fertility. 

4. Hormonal imbalances: Low thyroid hormone levels can cause poor semen quality, poor testicular function and may disturb libido.  May be caused by a diet high in iodine.  Reducing iodine intake or beginning thyroid hormone replacement therapy can elevate sperm count.  This condition is found in only 1 percent of infertile men. 

5. Stress: It is one of the main reasons of infertility in today’s time .It can interfere with certain hormones needed to produce sperm. Severe or prolonged emotional stress, including problems with fertility, can affect your sperm count. Men may consider it an

assault on their masculinity if they are the cause for the failure to conceive.

6. Increased weight: If you are overweight or obese then it can cause hormone changes that reduce male fertility. 

7. Prolonged bicycling: Prolonged biking is another possible cause of reduced fertility due to overheating the testicles. In some cases, bicycle seat pressure on the area behind the testicles (perineum) can cause numbness in the penis and erectile dysfunction. 

8. Wearing tight pants: In the name of fashion people don't realize that wearing tight trousers or skinny jeans could seriously damage one's health. It can cut off circulation, cause nerve damage, swelling of the ankles and feet and even fertility problems. Tight pants or skinny jeans do in fact damage the testicles, even cause low sperm count and infertility in men. It causes infertility problems in men by overheating of the crotch area, which can cause yeast infections. Tight trousers and jeans from waist area constricts the abdominal area filled with vital organs, causing problems such as reduced lymph flow from the pelvis, improper immune system function and poor blood circulation.

Related articles: The Asian Age ; The Hindu ;  The Statesman