When a couple is trying to conceive a child, the focus is usually on the woman. But male fertility is just as important and can be improved by making lifestyle changes.
you should know that in 30 to 50% of cases, Male Fertility Treatment in Lahore is the cause and up to 25% of cases of infertility are unexplained . However, male fertility can be a determining factor and it can be useful to know some tips to improve it.
Is male infertility linked to sperm?
Sperm problems are a factor in 1 in 3 couples who have trouble conceiving, and in another third of cases the cause may not be known. If you have been trying to conceive for a year and your partner has not become pregnant, it is best to see your doctor to discuss further tests such as semen analysis using a spermgram .
This routine test involves providing a fresh sperm sample so that a laboratory can check several measures of sperm health.
· Sperm quality and male fertility
· What constitutes healthy sperm?
· Doctors look for four main factors when checking the quality of a man’s sperm.
Sperm count
On average, there are between 40 and 50 million sperm in one milliliter of semen: anything below 15 million per milliliter is considered low. A low sperm count reduces the chance of conception, however as long as there are sperm this does not rule out the possibility of conception: only one is needed to fertilize the egg.
Sperm mobility
It is measured by examining the sperm sample under a microscope to see how many sperm move, how well they can swim, and how many swim in a straight line or go in circles. It also takes into account whether sperm are clumped together or moving freely.
Sperm morphology
It is assessed by examining the shape of the sperm to see if the head, body or tail of each gamete has any obvious defects.
Sperm volume
This is the amount of fluid ejaculated, which can be a factor in the amount of sperm released, and also gives an indication of the functioning of the glands located in the testicles.
What are the causes of male infertility?
Certain factors can affect sperm quality and therefore male fertility.
If you’re trying to start a family, the good news is that sperm only takes 70 to 90 days to develop and mature. This means that improvements to your diet and lifestyle should pay off within 2 to 3 months.
Here are 6 lifestyle factors that affect sperm quality.
· Overweight or obesity
This factor is associated with a decrease in sperm count. If you are trying to have a baby and are overweight or obese , consult a doctor to learn more about management and options available for healthy weight loss.
· Alcohol consumption
Alcohol consumption of any type alters semen volume and sperm morphology to some degree.
If you have started trying to have a baby, or are considering doing so, it is recommended that you drink alcohol below the recommended limit of 7 drinks per week. Excessive alcohol consumption can reduce sperm production and have a negative effect on the shape, size and swimming ability of sperm. For couples who are already experiencing Fertility Centre in Pakistan issues, men may consider abstaining from alcohol altogether.
· Temperature
Working in a hot environment reduces the quality and quantity of sperm. Spermatogenesis requires a temperature averaging between 32 and 35 degrees.
Wearing boxer shorts, rather than tight underwear, can also help reduce temperature and improve sperm concentration and count.
· Diet
A healthy diet provides the fuel needed to produce healthy sperm. A recent Danish study showed that men who ate lots of fruits and vegetables, high-fiber foods and fish, but reduced their intake of red meat, processed foods and sugar, also had better sperm. . Fat consumption doesn’t seem to make a difference.
· The tobacco
The harms of tobacco are well known, so it’s no surprise that it’s also bad for sperm health. Studies show that smoking reduces sperm count, motility and morphology. This is likely due to increased oxidative stress, with one study describing its impact on sperm as “devastating”.
· Anabolic steroids
Research shows that anabolic steroids can not only make men infertile, but also cause organ damage and violent outbursts.