Infertility is a disease of the male or female reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse, according to the World Health Organisation.
Infertility can be primary or secondary – when a pregnancy has never been achieved by a person, and when at least one prior pregnancy has been achieved.
In the male reproductive system, infertility is most commonly caused by problems in the ejection of semen, absence or low levels of sperm, or abnormal shape (morphology) and movement (motility) of the sperm.
Though women usually get most of the blame for fertility problems, here are some of the ways men are contributing to the infertility problem.
Overweight: Being overweight can impact sperm count, the way it moves, the size and shape. This is linked to the fact that excess fat converts testosterone to estrogen, and excessive estrogen is detrimental to sperm growth and well-being. Several studies also show that obesity is significantly related to reduced total sperm count.
Overheating testicles: If a man’s testicles are too hot, it can affect sperm production. The testicles hang low outside of the body because they need to be cooler than body temperature to properly produce sperm. Experts advise that men should avoid steam rooms, heated car seats, and tight pants.
Smoking: Many analyses have revealed that smoking cigarettes decreases a man’s sperm count, and increases the number of immobile and abnormal-looking sperm.
Alcohol: The global health body said lifestyle factors such as smoking, and excessive alcohol intake can affect fertility. In addition, it said exposure to environmental pollutants and toxins can be directly toxic to gametes, resulting in their decreased numbers and poor quality.
Stress: A study led by researchers at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health and Rutgers School of Public Health showed that psychological stress is harmful to sperm quality, affecting its concentration, appearance, and ability to fertilize an egg.
An article on Columbia University Irving Medical Centre quoted an associate professor of epidemiology at the Mailman School of Public Health, Pam Factor-Litvak as saying, “Men who feel stressed are more likely to have lower concentrations of sperm in their ejaculate, and the sperm they have are more likely to be misshapen or have impaired motility.”
Chemicals: Experts say environmental pollution from toxins and infections is increasing the prevalence of male infertility. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Committee on Reproductive Health and Environmental Health said a good number of male infertility is due to Endocrine Disruptor Chemicals. Lead, cobalt, and cadmium are part of the Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals.
