Infertility can impact the quality of life of both men and women. It is defined by the inability to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular, unprotected sex. Alarmingly, infertility, or the inability to conceive, affects around 17.5% of the adult population—roughly 1 in 6 worldwide—according to the World Health Organization (WHO). If left unchecked, it can lead to various other complications, such as stress and relationship difficulties, and may even contribute to the risk of prostate cancer in men, suggests the Mayo Clinic.
Also Read: Infertility Among Men: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
Understanding Prostate Cancer
Dr Akash Shah, Consultant, Urologist, and Uro-Oncosurgeon, Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgeon, HCG Cancer Center, Borivali, Mumbai, described prostate cancer as a malignancy of the gland located below the urinary bladder, which primarily functions to lubricate the urinary tract and maintain its alkalinity.
It is exclusively found in males, and its growth and embryological development hinge on male hormones, particularly androgens like testosterone, he said.
Some of the common symptoms of prostate cancer include difficulty urinating, urinary retention, increased urinary frequency, dribbling of urine, prolonged voiding time, and urgency, which can also occur in benign prostatic enlargement.
The Link Between Fertility And Prostate Cancer
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Prem Kumar K, Consultant Urologist, Fortis Hospital, Nagarbhavi, said, "There isn't a direct cause-and-effect link between infertility and prostate cancer. However, some research suggests that men who conceive through assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) might have a slightly higher risk, particularly for early-onset prostate cancer."
Additionally, treatments for prostate cancer, like radiation and hormone therapy, can also affect sperm production and cause infertility, Dr Kumar told the OnlyMyHealth team.
Can Infertility Be An Early Predictor Of Prostate Cancer?
Dr Ankush Raut, Senior Consultant - Fertility and IVF, Apollo Fertility, Borivali, Mumbai, suggested that infertility itself isn't a direct risk factor for prostate cancer.
However, some studies suggest that there might be an association between infertility and prostate cancer risk.
While the research results are mixed, a study published in the journal Current Opinion in Urology suggests that there's evidence that problems with male fertility in a man's 30s might be an indicator of aggressive prostate cancer later in life (50s).
Some of the factors that could be considered include:
Hormonal factors: Infertility may be linked to hormonal imbalances or issues with the male reproductive system, which could theoretically affect prostate health.
Underlying causes: Infertility can sometimes be caused by conditions, such as testicular cancer or other reproductive health issues, which may indirectly elevate the risk of prostate cancer.
Overall, while the association is not clear-cut, if someone is concerned about their prostate health, it is best to undergo regular screening and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Also Read: PCOS, Obesity, And Infertility: Expert Explains Their Connection And What You Should Know
How To Diagnose Infertility In Men
One of the most common indicators of infertility is the inability to conceive even after 12 months of unprotected sex. However, note other symptoms that can help you detect the condition:
- Low sperm count—the most common cause of male infertility
- Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)
- Reduced libido
- Small, firm testicles
- Pain, swelling, or a lump in the testicles
- Past medical history of undescended testicles, infections, or injuries to the reproductive organs
“To address these concerns, infertile men should seek medical evaluation from fertility specialists and adopt lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight, reducing alcohol and tobacco consumption, and managing stress levels,” advised Dr Raut.
Lifestyle Modifications to Enhance Fertility and Prostate Health
Here are some lifestyle habits that can benefit both male fertility and prostate health:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Indulge in regular physical activity.
- Limit alcohol and smoking.
- Manage stress
Conclusion
Experts suggest that certain prostate cancer treatments, like radiation therapy and surgery, can impact fertility and affect a person’s chance of having a baby. However, doctors also share that infertility itself isn't a direct risk factor for prostate cancer. This means that while certain factors, like hormonal changes and other underlying diseases associated with infertility, can be associated with prostate health, there isn’t a direct association. Still, it is important to take the necessary precautions against fertility problems and address any doubts related to them.