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

Skinny jeans a risky affair

By Dr. Shobha Gupta

A recent case in published in the British specialist publication, Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry revealed that a 35-year-old woman from Australia had to be admitted to a hospital as she was unable to walk or move her toes and ankles properly, and found her legs severely swollen due to her tight jeans. The reason being, she had spent hours sitting on her haunches and worked around, while wearing skinny jeans. The woman, whose calves had ballooned, developed what is known as the Compartment Syndrome — “a painful and potentially life-threatening serious condition caused by bleeding or swelling within an enclosed bundle of muscles — in this case, the calves”, said the report. The jeans had to be cut and the woman was put on intravenous drip and was able to walk, unaided, only after four days. 

There are various risks associated with wearing too-tight trousers or skinny jeans. It could seriously damage your health. It can cut off circulation and cause nerve damage, swelling of the ankles and feet and fertility problems. 

Tight pants or skinny jeans do in fact damage the testicles; even low sperm count and can cause infertility in men. But that’s not all. Wearing skinny jeans is