The male body (testes) is able to create 100–200 million fresh new sperm each day, unlike women who are born with all the eggs they could ever have and the eggs are non-renewable. This and some other reasons are why women get so much blame when it comes to infertility, but 30 to 40 percent of infertility cases are as a result of male fertility decline.
Although men may not have the risk of running out of sperm with age, as in the case of women and egg there are numbers of factor that can affect sperm production and ejaculation process. on this page, we will be looking at causes of decline in male fertility and how to increase it.
Causes of male fertility decline
Medical causes/ Medical history
- Illness such as infection, hormonal imbalance (low testosterone), cancers/tumors affecting the pituitary gland, injury to the testicles, etc.
- Anatomical problems: like varicocele, swelling of the veins that drain the testicle that can interfere with sperm production or congenital absence of the vas deferens a condition that leads to the inability of sperm to be released into the ejaculate.
- Chromosomal defects leading to abnormal development of the reproductive organ.
- Sexual intercourse or ejaculation problems such as retrograde ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, or painful intercourse
- DNA fragmentation i.e abnormal DNA within the sperm leading to failed conception or miscarriage
- Medications like some antifungal or ulcer drugs, testosterone replacement therapy, cancer medications, etc.
- Surgery like Scrotal surgeries, prostate surgeries, vasectomies are surgeries that can block the path of sperm.
- Environmental causes include overexposure to industrial chemicals, heavy metals, or radiation
Lifestyle causes
- Smoking can contribute to low sperm count.
- Alcohol use can lower testosterone leading to erectile dysfunction and a decrease in sperm production.
- Obesity can directly impact sperm. It can also cause hormonal changes leading to fertility decline.
- Use of Illicit drugs like anabolic steroids, marijuana, or cocaine.
Causes of age-related male fertility decline
You may be wondering why men’s fertility decline with age because it has been established that sperm is renewed daily, but as men grow older so does their risk of medical condition that affects sexual health and fertility increases. Even healthy men may experience fertility decline. causes for such decline include:
Decreased sperm motility: motility is the ability of the sperm to properly move or swim towards the egg. Study shows that motility decrease 8% per year hence, motility decrease is regarded as age-related decline in the function of the gland where sperm develop motility.
Decreased sperm morphology: morphology refers to the size and shape of sperm. with abnormal morphology, sperm is less likely to fertilize an egg. Studies show that sperm morphology declines 2–9% per year leading to a lower number of normally shaped sperm.
Decreased seminal volume: There is also a mild decrease in how much semen is ejaculated.
Natural ways for men to more fertile
With or without a semen analysis, it is good to abstain from certain lifestyles, adopt a better one, and eating healthily. It will go a long way to improve male fertility.
Smoking
Cigarette smoking has been linked to low sperm count, morphology, motility, sperm DNA damage, and genetically abnormal sperm. quitting smoke will improve male fertility. Expert also advises quitting smoking three months before trying to conceive.
Alcohol and drug use
Excessive consumption of alcohol has been linked to impaired sperm. it is best to avoid more than one drink in a day.
Sexual Activity
The chances of a woman becoming pregnant is higher when you have sex in the three days leading to ovulation or on ovulation day. recent findings indicate that more frequent intercourse is better and avoid the use of any artificial lubricant as they can toxic to sperm.
Avoid Excessive heat
The testicles need to be cooler than the rest of the body for the best production of sperm. It is very important to avoid the heat that may be coming from sources such as tight and unbreathable pants, hot tubs, laptops, prolonged baths, or a high-temperature work area.
Eat healthily
Eating a proper diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and drinking enough can be highly beneficial for sperm function. folic acid, zinc, L-Carnitine, Lycopene, Selenium, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E are nutrients that are very good and can help improve fertility.
Avoid Environmental hazards
Certain work or hobbies can bring one in contact with environmental dangers like pesticides, radiation exposure, or organic fumes that may impair sperm production. It is best to avoid them.
When couples are trying to conceive and are having regular unprotected sex for a year without success, That is an indication that there could be a problem in the reproductive system of either or both partners. You can go for scans or tests to ascertain possible fertility problems. Most often than not, fertility problems can be treated and reversed with natural remedies. There are a lot of benefits attach to naturally treating fertility problems. some of which is the fact that it is non-invasive, no pains and no side-effects.
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