Male infertility
Couples who are unable to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse should seek medical evaluation and treatment. Sometimes, the male partner may need earlier evaluation.
The male partner must consult a Fertility Specialist, if they have any of the following:
- Erection or ejaculation problems, low sex drive or any other sexual problems
-Pain, swelling or lump in the testicle area or history of surgery in that area
- Decreased facial or body hair/ less shaving frequency.
- Abnormal breast growth
- Repeated chest/sinus infections
- Inability to smell
Above features may indicate an underlying hormonal imbalance or an inherited disorder or a blockage in the passage of sperms.
Inability to conceive or infertility in the male is associated with low sperm count in majority of the cases.
CAUSES OF LOW SPERM COUNT:
- Low sperm production from the testes
- Blockage in the path of sperm delivery from testis to outside
- Hormonal imbalance
- Chronic medical illness or injury
- lifestyle factors
History of illness like mumps or exposure of very high temperatures or toxic chemicals - may affect testicular function and decrease the number of sperms produced by testis.
Infections or surgery may lead to blockage in the ductal system- which transports sperms to outside.
Hormonal imbalances cam occur due to obesity/ overweight, abnormal thyroid or prolactin hormones, any growth or tumour in the brain and other causes.
Adverse lifestyle factors include: smoking, excess alcohol intake, tobacco consumption, working at very high temperatures, occupations involving exposure to toxic chemicals, excessive stress, sleep deprivation.
Tips to improve male infertility:
- Stop smoking/ recreational drugs
- Decrease alcohol intake
- Avoid exposure of scrotum to very high temperatures
-Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals
- Avoid over the counter medicines. Some antibiotics, anabolic steroids, testosterone supplements, anti-depressants, and anti- androgens can affect sperm production.
- Maintain healthy lifestyle: some exercise everyday and proper night time sleep
- Achieve & maintain a healthy weight/ normal BMI
- Anti oxidant rich diet and supplements: citrus fruits, berries, green leafy vegetables. Fenugreek seeds are known to improve overall sperm health and boost testosterone levels