Until a couple or their close family or friends experience some degree of difficulty getting pregnant, it’s easy to take fertility for granted. However, millions of couples seek help for fertility problems each year. They face frustration and growing concern about their prospects for parenthood. Although it is natural to feel discouraged and confused about fertility problems, there are good reasons to be optimistic.
Many people don’t realize that about half of the time, infertility — the inability to conceive — is due to male factors. Certain circumstances can adversely affect a man’s sperm quality and your chances of achieving a pregnancy. Here are ten tips toward male fertility awareness.
1. The most common cause of male infertility (about 40% of cases) is a varicocele. A varicocele is a dilated vein or set of veins that can affect the temperature and chemical balance of the testicles (most commonly on the left side). A urologist should be consulted for this condition.
2. Many childhood illnesses or events can adversely effect sperm development. These include viral diseases, especially mumps (an acute viral disease with symptoms that include fever, swelling, tenderness of one or more of the salivary glands, and testicle swelling in 15-25 percent of cases). If mumps affects both testicles, can lead to permanent sterility.
3. Hernia surgery can also have an adverse effect, as can surgery of the genitalia or bladder neck.
4. Certain drugs may adversely effect sperm production, such as Tagamet (cimetidine), sulfasalizine, nitrofurantoin and steroids. Check with your physician before discontinuing use of any prescribed medication.)
5. Exposure to chemicals (including pesticides and chemical fertilizers, heavy metals [such as lead, nickel, mercury] petrochemicals, benzene, perchloroethylene) or radiation (including X-rays) can lead to abnormal sperm production.
6. Stay Clear of Drugs.
For healthy sperm, avoid alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and any illicit drugs.
7. Sleep Well. Eat Well.
Be sure to get plenty of rest and eat healthy foods. (Vitamin E supplements may also be of some benefit.)
8. Stay Cool.
Avoid excessive heat (i.e. hot tubs, saunas) and wear loose-fitting underwear and clothing.
9. Understand Ovulation.
Know about the timing of ovulation. Sperm can live for 3 to 5 days inside the female reproductive system. The optimal time for intercourse is upon ovulation, which takes place approximately mid-cycle (generally about 14 days before menstruation is due).
10. Have the Right Amount of Sex.
Many couples have either too frequent or too infrequent intercourse. The most effective frequency of intercourse is every 48 hours.
If you have not achieved pregnancy after one year of trying, I suggest you consult a fertility specialist. Fertility testing for men is often less involved than is the testing for women: a semen analysis obtained after three days of abstinence is usually the first step. Call 919-233-1680 to make an appointment for your semen analysis at NCCRM. We are open seven days a week for your convenience.
By Matthew S Lief, MD
