Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Eight Surprising Facts About Male Infertility

This is an article by Kristin Koch published in the STAR newspaper on 17 August 2011.

Tighty whities probably won't hurt a guy's sperm count - but his cell phone actually might. Here are some common rummors and myths that a man should know about infertility.

Age is a factor

According to President and CEO of The Fertility Centre of New England in United States, sperm production decreases in men after the age of 40, and certainly after 50. 

Bikes aren't bad

One small study from Austria found that male mountain bikers may experience more infertility from scrotal damage caused by jolting over rough terrain. The study's limited findings have been widely criticised in the medical community and there is no strong data to support the idea.

Boxers are the best

Boxer vs. briefs? It actually doesn't matter. There is no conclusive evidence to support the idea that tight underwear or pants could damaged by squishing a guys's main parts or increasing scrotal temperature.

Cell phones can cause interference

Lately, cell phone have gotten a bad rap. So what's the deal?
Some studies have shown  that it can lead to higher levels of free radicals in sperm samples, possibly decreases the quality of those swimmers.

Laptops can burn more than just the lap

Considering laptops can get hot enough to burn their legs, guys might want to keep them away from the crown jewels. There is evidence that, just like in hot tubs and saunas, the heat from a laptop can raise scrotal temperature and may interfere with sperm production.

Expanding waistlines wont't help you expand your family

Both of you should watch your weight if staring a  family is part of the plan. Adopting a healthy lifestyle will certainly boost your chances of conceiving. Obesity in men is associated with decreased sperm count and quality and excessive weight may also be associated with mishapen sperm, which can interfere with the sperm's ability to reach and penetrate the egg.

Saunas and hot tubs are trouble

Exposure to high temperatures in saunas and hot tubs can heat things up down there, and if the temperature of the testicles gets too high, it can kill sperm and interfere with sperm production, potentially resulting in low sperm count and motility. The damage is permanent.

Stress plays a major role in fertility

For guys, stress can lead to impotence, erectile dysfunction and even shut down the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis (glands that regulate reproductive system)- all of which can interfere with fertility.

It is important for both to work on managing stress. So, regularly do stress-reducing activities together like going for walks, exercising, meditating or just sharing some laughs.




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