Low sperm count and infertility in men is more prevalent than most couples think. People tend to think that if a woman is not getting pregnant the fertility issue must be with the woman, but that is not necessarily always the case.
There is an equal chance that male factor infertility can be the cause of a couple’s difficulty in achieving pregnancy. While women have many tests to try to find out the cause of infertility, men have only a couple, the sperm analysis being the easiest.
Below are the major causes of low sperm count in men:
Weight Obesity can impair fertility in several ways, including directly impacting sperm and by causing hormone changes that reduce male fertility.
Radio frequency electromagnetic waves (RF-EMW) A study performed in 2011 (Fert. Ster. 1/2012) showed that RF-EMWs emitted from devices connected to Wi-Fi (wireless internet) decrease sperm motility, while increasing sperm DNA fragmentation. Men should avoid using laptop computers running on a Wi-Fi connection directly on their lap. In addition, be sure to avoid carrying a smart phone in your front pocket.
Cigarette smoking Smoking damages the sperm, period! The good news is the damage done from smoking can be reversed as long as you quit smoking.
Pesticides and hormones in foods The pesticides found on produce and the hormones added to dairy and meat have a HUGE effect on a man’s hormonal balance. Pesticides mimic estrogens in the body while the added hormones in meat and dairy are actual hormones (like estrogen) you do not want in your system.
Alcohol In a study of men with poor sperm quality, excessive alcohol consumption was associated with a decrease in the number of normal sperm.
Hyperthermia (overheating) The testicles need to keep the sperm at a healthy temperature (which is less than the body’s temperature). It is thought that this may be in part why the male reproductive organs are external. Heat is known to damage sperm, so it may be best to avoid repeated exposure to activities that may elevate the temperature of the testicles. Examples are frequent use of saunas or hot tubs. In addition, tight underwear like briefs can keep the testicles from being able to hang and regulate their temperature. Boxers could be an alternative to briefs.
Stress Stress can have a big impact on hormone balance which can in turn have an effect on sperm production.
Diet Diet has a big impact on sperm health and male fertility, For more information on the best food to eat to improve the sperm count, or if you or anyone you know have been experiencing this dangerous health complication, follow the link below to get free information on how you can improve the quality of your sperm count naturally.
Source: NAIJ