Ok, so you’ve tried most of your life not to get a girl pregnant, but few things can take the wind out of your sails quite like learning that you’re shooting blanks! But, that’s a reality for more guys than many people realise.
Did you know that 15% of South African couples experience infertility issues? And no, infertility is not a “woman’s problem”. According to Stanton Honig, M.D., director of the Male Infertility and Sexual Dysfunction Clinic at the University Of Connecticut School Of Medicine, the causes of infertility are split evenly – 50/50 – among men and women.
Forty years ago couples didn’t have to wonder if they were going to be able to conceive a baby. Fertility problems were almost unheard of. A recent study in Scotland found that the average sperm count has fallen over recent years. In fact, a 2012 study revealed that only 1 in 4 men have optimal semen quality!
Turns out that 20% of men have low sperm count, which is in fact the main cause of infertility in about 20% of couples. What could be the reason for these alarming statistics? Research indicates that possible causes may include environmental pollutants, the effects of certain medicine or health conditions, lifestyle issues, or the tendency of couples to be older when starting a family.
How long does it “normally” take to conceive?
Three out of 5 couples conceive within 6 months of trying, one in four take between 6 months and a year.
When should you see an urologist?
If you’ve been having unprotected sex for 12 months and she’s still not pregnant, it may be a good idea for you both to get checked.
Your urologist will test for infertility by doing a general physical exam, a semen analysis – where you will be required to deposit a sample of semen at the doctor’s office. Hormone testing, by ways of a blood test, or a Trans-rectal and scrotal ultrasound, may also be required.
Treatment will depend on the test results. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, up to 90% of male infertility cases are treated with drugs or surgery. Remember, the earlier you start with treatment, the bigger the success rate!
How can you boost fertility and increase your chances of conception:
- Have sex every other day. If you ejaculate every day, the testes cannot keep up with sperm production, so fewer sperm are in the semen. It is also not advisable to “store” up sperm, as this can result in lower numbers of active sperm in the semen.
- Live clean. Eat lots of fresh fruits, leafy vegetables and load up on foods rich in Omega-3s. Avoid saturated fats which lower sperm count. Being overweight can affect your sperm and increases the risk of developing blood flow problems that may affect erections.
- Exercise regularly. Exercise will control body weight and relieve stress.
- Stop smoking. Cigarettes and tobacco reduce semen quality. One study found that couples who smoke were more than three times as likely to take more than 6 months to get pregnant compared to couples who didn’t smoke.
- Check your medication. Ask your GP about the effects of certain medication on fertility and sexual function. Medication for high blood pressure or depression could have an impact.
- Avoid recreational drugs and drink moderately.
- Avoid steroids – Especially steroids used by athletes or bodybuilders may affect sperm quality.
- Turn off the heat. (Not that heat!) Regular hot baths or steam rooms could raise the temperature in the testicles, reducing sperm production. However, contrary to popular belief, wearing tight underwear does not affect sperm production.
- Reduce stress. As with women, stress may affect fertility by causing hormonal swings that affect sperm count and libido.
Infertility can take a major psychological toll on couples – guilt, blame, depression, anxiety and decreased sexual activity – It is important to take care of your mental health throughout the process.
If you are trying to conceive and have concerns, speak to your health care provider sooner rather than later.
Source: www.menshealth.com, abcnews.go.com, www.lifeextension.com, www.besthealthmag.ca, www.menshealthforum.org.uk, www.nichd.nih.gov, www.parents.com, www.cornellurology.com, www.health24.com, www.ifaasa.co.za
