Reproductive Medicine: Enhancing Male Fertility Series (1)

Reproductive Medicine:

Enhancing Male Fertility Series (1)

The inability of couples to achieve pregnancy is a 40% to 40% chance that either the male or female partner is implicated or about 20% chance that both partners contribute to the infertility. In other words, the dogma of blaming one individual partner is really not necessary at all.

This very brief synopsis, which is for informational use is intended to shade light on ways of maximizing Male Fertility and my understanding is that appreciating factors that affects infertility should be the starting point, while the goal will be ways to correct these factors implicated under this kind of condition.

In the United States, it is roughly estimated that about 1/5^th of couples experienced difficulty conceiving, which translates to more than 6 million couples.

According to the World Health Organization, Infertility is “a disease of the reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.” (WHO-ICMART)

Couples are advised to seek professional help if they meet the definition criterion stated above.

Pregnancy is the period from conception to birth and conception is made possible when the egg from the female couple is fertilized by a sperm from the male counterpart and then implanted in the lining of the uterus; it develops into the placenta and embryo, and later into a fetus. Pregnancy usually lasts 40 weeks, beginning from the first day of thewoman's last menstrual period, and is divided into three trimesters, each lasting three months.

Factors that Causes Male Infertility

The genesis of male infertility is abnormality of the sperm, given the fact that you need only a sperm to fertilize an egg! A semen analysis is a clinical diagnostic tool used to evaluate the viability of the semen that contained the sperm.

Seven of the many factors implicated in Male Infertility can be represented by the following acronym, G. S. M- B- H. I. V., and for convenience only explained according to the order of the short form.

Genetic Abnormalities

Some changes to chromosomes or gene mutations caused abnormal sperm production or blockages to sperm flow that lead to male infertility. The most common genetic causes of infertility are chromosomal conditions that affect sperm production such as Klinfelter’s syndrome, Y chromosome deletions and other genetic problems such as Down syndrome.

Stress

Contemporary scientific facts has revealed that a type of condition known as oxidative stress may be a causative factor in some of the causes of infertility in both male and female. The presence of oxidants can damage the sperm cell membrane and therefore it’s genetic properties. When there is imbalance between the oxidants and anti-oxidants production in the body, this will definitely affects the qualities of the sperm.

Medication

Certain medications or medical treatments such as radiation therapy, and some anabolic steroids, among others can have a negative effect on sperm production.

Blockage of Sperm Flow

Any factor that affects the vas deferens, the tube in which the sperm swim from the epididymis toward the ejaculatory duct can result in either extreme low sperm count or even azoospermia, a condition whereby no sperm is found in the ejaculate.

Hormonal Factors

Sperm production is under the control of fertility hormones such as Follicle stimulating hormone and Luteinizing hormones that come from the pituitary gland and testosterone that comes from the testicle. Inadequate blood level of these hormones will have direct effect on the level of sperm production.

Infection

The infections of the prostate or epididymis can have severe consequences on a man’s ability to produce adequate and quality sperm if not treated as soon as possible.

Varicocele

By simple definition, varicocele is a condition in which the veins surrounding the testicle become swollen and dilated. This fairly common symptom, affecting about 1/7^th of men can contribute about 50% chance of having an abnormal sperm count.

Factors that can Improve Male Fertility

There is substantial evidence to show that medical intervention and diet and lifestyle changes are factors that can positively impact a man’s fertility.

The acronym for these factors will be M. E.  D. D. E. S. S. H.

Medical

There are various treatment options available to enhance sperm production and this may be through therapeutic and or surgical in the case where blockage might be the primary or substantial cause of low sperm count or inadequate quality sperm necessary for fertilization. There are beneficial nutritional supplements that can improve male fertility such as Vitamin C, D and E, Folic Acid, Zinc, among others.

However, on the other hand, it is advisable to avoid medications and other harmful nutritional supplements that have the potential to lower your sperm count or even damage them! Supplements that provide hormone- like substances such asDehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) can actually impair fertility by stopping sperm production.

Environmental

Environmental hazards such as pesticides, solvents, among others and also radiation exposures are factors that can affect sperm production and therefore fertility. It is therefore advisable to avoid unnecessary exposures to these dangerous materials.

Drug Use

Excessive alcohol consumption has been shown to impair normal sperm. Please try to avoid or moderate the use of some of these kinds of drug. Try to also limit the use of coffee or other caffeine- containing beverages.

Diet

Indulging in healthy food or diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can enhance male fertility by improving the functions of the sperm.

Exercise

Moderate exercise is beneficial. It is important to note that sexual activity is also a form of exercise, however this kind will not be enough to keep the man fit!

Smoking

There are several studies that have linked cigarette smoking to oligospermia or low sperm count. Furthermore smoking increases the level of oxidative stress in the semen and can lead to sperm damage.

Sexual Activity

It is very necessary for the individual to maintain a healthy sexual activity. Learn the Menstrual Cycle of your partner and take advantage of the Ovulation or fertile three day Windom. It is crucial for the partner to work in unison in order to help achieve the likelihood of the woman becoming pregnant, given that every other factor has been taking care of.

Heat

Avoid excessive heat to the testicular areas, as it is well-known fact that the testicles should be cooler than the rest of the body for sperm production to be at its best.

References: Internet websites on Male Fertility issues (These are common information)

Disclaimer: This article above is provided for general information purposes only. Your use of any section of this article without adequate consultation with a medical expert responsible for medical evaluation is at your own risk, and you should not use any of these materials without first seeking medical and other professional advice.
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