There are always misconceptions and myths regarding male reproductive health and infertility. It is necessary for men to understand the issue and facts of male infertility. We have listed 5 male infertility myths that you should stop believing.
- Boxers are better than Brief.
It’s commonly perceived belief that males tend to have less infertility risk as females. It is an issue associated with both genders, males as well as females. You might have heard this already that boxers are better than Brief. And the couple who is trying to get pregnant should not wear briefs. This myth came into existence from a concept that male’s testicles are affected if he wears tight-fitting clothes, which can decrease the sperm count.
However, this still stands true that it’s better if the testicles are under a cold environment. To have a good sperm count and good quality sperm, one must always pay attention to the temperature in which it is kept. Testicles may overheat if the temperature is high irrespective of what you choose to wear; briefs or boxers. You are allowed to wear whatever you are comfortable wearing. But always try your best to maintain a proper temperature.
- Age is just a number.
We all have thrown this phrase quite a few times, whenever a group of friends sat down and conversation makes a shift towards sex life. Sorry to break this to you, but age is not just a number for male fertility.
While the fact still stands that women’s fertility experiences a downfall with an increase in age. It holds for men’s productivity as well. A study indicates that after the age of 40, sperm mobility and volume decreases.
According to a study published on the Better Health Channel by the Australian Ministry of Health, age affects male fertility.
The article titled “Age and Fertility,” states that even though male fertility issues cropping out of age are more subtle compared to those happening on women, they still matter.
After 45 years, any man would find it difficult to conceive. The risks associated with miscarriage and the future infant’s development disorders also increase.
And if a couple tries to get pregnant in a period between 40 to 45, there is a high risk involved and cause miscarriage. If by god grace, woman survives pregnancy, a child might be born with congenital disabilities, schizophrenia, and autism as their father was slightly overage.
If you aren’t ready to become a father yet, you can freeze your sperm and preserve it until you are prepared. Explore your options before making any decision.
- Masturbation can lead to Infertility.
You might have heard of this that excessive masturbation can lead to infertility. Frequent male masturbation isn’t likely to have much effect on your fertility. According to research, high-quality semen is released after 2-4 days of no masturbation. But there is a contradictory research statement that says masturbation is neither indirectly nor directly related to sperm motility and volume. However, masturbation releases stress and improves mental health.
People tend to enjoy themselves and masturbate to relax the mind as well as body. It can help people fall asleep better and help them deal with insomnia. At the same time, masturbation is 100% safe and normal. The critical thing which must be kept in mind is that semen is produced daily, whereas sperms are produced for 72 hours. Because they need to come out of the body to fertilize an egg, if you are masturbating twice a week, that won’t affect your libido or lower sperm count.
- Smoking can’t hurt sperm.
Smoking is injurious to health—a warning which is printed on the pack of cigarettes is often graciously ignored by the chain smokers. Smoking has many sides effect on the well being of human beings. In both men and women, excessive smoking can lead to infertility. The harmful toxin present in tobacco does not take a toll on your lungs and the reproductive system.
The Internet is flooded with several such studies linked with decreased sperm count and motility.
And the consequences of smoking are notable in regular smokers as compared to occasional smokers. However, the case is different for men with low infertility because if smoking practices continue, it can lead to the worst-case scenario. You can stop smoking for a time while you are undergoing treatment. Because usually, it takes almost up to three months for sperm to get mature and attain fertility again. Hence, it’s advised to quit smoking whenever you are trying to conceive.
- Cycling affects fertility is a myth.
Cycling is considered as one of the proper ways to lose weight or to stay fit. Apart from having numerous benefits, one of the notable side effects of cycling is concerning men’s these days.
Cycling can cause infertility in males if done rigorously and in an uncontrollable manner. Because an excess of anything is wrong, males who do bicycles for more than five hours per week tend to have a lower sperm volume.
However, there is no definite fact that proves if cycling can affect fertility in males or not. In general, hormonal imbalance can cause low libido or low sex drive. Research indicates that if some individuals who bicycle arduously or for long periods can affect your genitals.
A report on the Boston University Medical Campus states that preliminary study suggests that frequent cycling may affect male fertility.
It mentions a survey done on 2,200 men attending fertility clinic and their exercise levels and their workout choices.
The study concludes that men who cycled for more than 5 hours weekly exhibited a greater proportion of lower sperm count and immobile sperm.
This can change sexual life and lead to erectile dysfunction. However, there is an unnoticed point which indicates no difference in sperm motility, fertility, and other parameters among the people who do cycling daily or not.
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- Women are why you don’t have babies
Most men have associated infertility with women. In fact there is a derogatory term for that, “Barren woman”.
The truth though points in the other direction. The exact distribution of infertility issues hasn’t been apportioned between the two genders.
Infertility statistics point to 35% to 40% of cases being male contributed, another similar margin to feminine complication, and from 20% to 30% being a joint contribution. Still, there is an insignificant portion without any known trigger.
Though female infertility is known due to the intricate nature of their sexual anatomy, men are also equally to blame. But laying blame for the problem isn’t the solution.
When you want to expand your family, start by taking care of your overall health. Sperm disorder is a key contributor to a significant portion of men’s fertility issues.
This includes sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology. Thus you need to incorporate a nutritious diet that will support your sperm health.
- Men can continue being fathers throughout their lives
This is another misconception regarding the male fertility myth. The truth is that men continue producing sperm till the sunset years.
On the other hand, women have limited eggs which stop dropping after they reach menopause. This usually happens in their 50s. But it could start earlier or later in their lives.
The reality is that although men keep making sperm, the concentration and health of the sperm are low. After the 60s, the quality takes a deep dive, even if you lead a healthy lifestyle.
Meaning that after that age, a large proportion of the sperm population is usually badly deformed and with exceedingly poor DNA integrity. Thus you can no longer reproduce, even when married to a younger woman.
And when you manage to conceive at this age, the child might face genetic and chromosomal issues. This results in fathering a child with Klinefelter syndrome, Down syndrome, or autism.
So it isn’t true to allude that men will remain fertile and father children throughout.
- Testosterone supplements boost fertility
Many men revert to testosterone therapy to increase their concentration of the male sex hormones. These include injections and supplements.
Testosterone therapy is ideal when a boy is still in puberty and hasn’t fully grown. Hence when you start taking testosterone boost when you are old, the difference is minimal.
Indeed testosterone levs lhs been found to diminish fertility levels in men. A study published on PubMed Central website concede this fact.
The article title “Testosterone Is a Contraceptive and Should Not Be Used in Men Who Desire Fertility,” states that even though testosterone supplement has been found to improve sexual function, it has a negative effect on male fertility.
As you age, the sperm quality and quantity start to deteriorate. As you grow past 40 years, you experience a declining male sex hormone production of up to 3% annually.
The less testosterone you have, the poor your fertility level. Hence you’ll revert to testosterone hormone therapy to shore up the volume.
Testosterone boost therapy is good, yet the introduction of artificial male sex hormones isn’t without various risks. You are likely to suffer from poor sleeping patterns with conditions such as sleep apnea becoming prevalent.
Using this form of male enhancement therapy also increases the size of your prostate. In case you have an enlarged prostate already, using testosterone supplements accelerates its growth.
- Overall healthy doesn’t affect fertility
To be virile in bed, you need to be fertile. But male fertility isn’t only about sperm quantity.
It covers all other aspects that affect your sexuality. These include the right mood and attitude, sexual excitement, proper hormonal functions, and a strong heart.
The food you eat and the environment you are exposed to during work and at home, contribute to these factors, one way or another. Everything needs to work well to maintain fertility.
You may contend that fertility isn’t impacted by certain underlying health issues. But the opposite is true.
You get chronic illnesses due to poor lifestyles and habits. It’s, therefore, vital to take care of your overall health to maintain high fertility.
Otherwise, they’ll contribute to infertility. Exercising, maintaining robust family and career relationships, and sleeping well counts.
They starve off the stress that contributes to reactive oxygen stress which stresses your cells. Mental and physical resilience help to prevent infertility.
In conclusion, we have debunked five myths about male infertility. We hope the evidence-based knowledge we have provided to support our debunked myths can help you understand what is true about male fertility the next time.
SIMILAR QUESTION
Is Male Infertility Real?
Introduction
Male infertility is a difficult topic to discuss due to its social stigma and the cultural and psychological factors associated with it. Many men feel embarrassed or ashamed to admit that they are infertile, and may not be aware of the various causes and treatments available. The purpose of this paper is to explore the prevalence and causes of male infertility, to consider the various treatments available, and to discuss the impact of male infertility on men and their families.
Prevalence of Male Infertility
Male infertility is a common problem, with estimates suggesting that it affects around 7% of men worldwide. In some countries, such as India, the rate may be as high as 20%. Male infertility is usually caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, and can be due to a range of medical conditions, such as hormonal imbalances, sperm disorders, or structural abnormalities.
Causes of Male Infertility
The causes of male infertility can vary widely, and can include genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and medical factors. Genetic factors can include inherited conditions, such as cystic fibrosis or Klinefelter syndrome. Environmental factors, such as exposure to certain chemicals, can also play a role. Lifestyle choices, such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, can also affect fertility. Finally, medical conditions, such as diabetes, can lead to infertility.
Treatments for Male Infertility
Fortunately, there are a range of treatment options available for men with fertility problems. Depending on the underlying cause of the infertility, treatments may include medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery. In some cases, assisted reproductive techniques, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI), may be recommended.
Impact of Male Infertility
Male infertility can have a profound impact on men and their families. Many men feel a sense of shame or guilt, and may struggle with feelings of inadequacy or inferiority. Additionally, infertility can put a strain on relationships, as couples may struggle to cope with the emotional and physical impact of the condition.
Conclusion
Male infertility is a common problem, and can have a significant impact on men and their families. Fortunately, there are a range of treatments available, and with the right support, men can overcome infertility and build successful and fulfilling families. It is important to remember that infertility is not a personal failure, and that seeking treatment is the best way to move forward.
