Male infertility is a matter of great concern for many and attracts a lot of attention when in discussion. But unfortunately, there’s only so much people want to share when it comes to fertility in general. Probably that’s why there are so many misconceptions floating around, clouding the judgements of many. We at OnlyMyHealth spoke to Dr Nidhi Singh, fertility Consultant at Nova IVF, Patna, who debunks five of the most common myths about male infertility and clears the air.
Myth 1: Infertility Is Not Common In Men
Dr Singh says infertility is a health complication that can affect both men and women equally. By definition, infertility means the inability to conceive even after one year of unprotected, frequent sexual intercourse. According to research, the male is solely responsible in about 20% of cases and is a contributing factor in another 30% to 40% of all infertility cases.
The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development says one-third of infertility cases are caused by male reproductive issues, one-third by female reproductive issues, and one-third by both male and female reproductive issues or by unknown factors.
Also Read: Women Can Boost Fertility By Following Right Diet: Here's How
Myth 2: All Forms Of Male Infertility Are Treatable
While there are situations where male infertility can be reversed or treated with medication or surgery, not all causes of male infertility are treatable, according to Dr Singh.
She says, "You should definitely get your evaluations done in case you have not conceived after one year of regular sexual intercourse. In case your semen analysis report is not normal, you should consult an infertility specialist and follow proper advice as given by them."
"Inferior semen quality called Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OATS) may definitely need IVF for conceiving," he adds.
Myth 3: Age Is Not A Factor For Male Infertility
Age is definitely a factor that increases the risk of infertility. Men aged 35-40 typically experience a decrease in sperm count.
Dr Singh says, "Male fertility declines with age. Though your semen reports may not show any drastic change or alarming signs, the genetic quality and fertilisation potential of sperm definitely depletes with age which might inhibit you from conceiving."
Myth 4: Testosterone Supplements Can Boost Sperm Count
Testosterone is a hormone involved in the production of sperm. It is one of the most important factors that support fertility in males. However, any testosterone injections, supplements or steroids are potentially bad for fertility and can lead to lower sperm counts. In fact, Dr Singh says taking them can reduce or stop male’s ability to produce testosterone which can make you infertile.
Myth 5: Infertility And Impotence Are The Same
Being infertile and impotent are two different things. While infertility is inability to reproduce, impotence refers to sexual dysfunction, which means the inability to have sex, explains Dr Nidhi. The latter refers to having difficulty in getting or keeping an erection that's firm enough for sexual activity, whereas infertility means the body doesn't produce enough sperm necessary for conceiving.
Also Read: 8 Common Causes Of Female Infertility In India
Reducing The Risk Of Male Infertility
To lower your risk of fertility, it is first important to assess your risk factors, which include:
- Tobacco use and smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Using certain illicit drugs
- Being overweight
- Having certain past or present infections
- Toxin exposure
- Tight underwear, extremes of temperature exposure to testes
- Having experienced trauma to testicles
- Poor lifestyle, no proper sleep cycle
Therefore, preventive measures include:
- Quitting smoking
- Limiting or abstaining from alcohol
- Avoiding the use of illicit drugs
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Not wearing tight clothes or tight underwear
- Reducing stress
- Avoiding exposure to food chemicals, metal poisoning, and other toxins
- Regular exercise
- Semen freezing
- Including zinc, vitamin D, lycopene, selenium and folate in your diet
Conclusion
It is important to understand the causes of infertility and assess the factors that put one at risk. Having discussions around it, speaking to your doctors regardless of whether you’re facing the issue or not, and educating yourself about fertility in general can help keep misinformation and myths at bay.