Obese men are at a higher risk of infertility because of the likelihood of less sperm count. Too much body weight can have an impact on the sperm production, which results in low testosterone levels and even loss of interest in sexual activities in men. Therefore, weight loss is important to restore fertility in men. Having a healthy lifestyle along with well-balanced diet and daily exercise can be effective for obese men. Obesity is known as a silent killer for such reasons as well.
There are certain factors such as stress, unhealthy dietary choices, less physical activity, and poor sleep routine which can lead to obesity. Obesity can affect each and every aspect of an individual's overall health along with fertility in men. Onlymyhealth editorial team spoke to Dr. Sheetal Agarwal, Gynaecolgist, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Nehru Enclave, Delhi, to know about the effect of obesity on fertility in men.
Obesity and infertility in men
"If the body mass index (BMI) is higher, men will have a low sperm count, quality, and movement. Obesity can damage the blood vessels and also cause erectile dysfunction in men. Obesity also results in hormonal imbalances in men. In men with excess body weight, the male hormone testosterone has a risk of turning into the female hormone estrogen. If a man has a higher than normal estrogen level, then there will be less sperm production. Hence, testosterone levels decrease in obese men," said Dr. Sheetal Agarwal, Gynaecolgist, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Nehru Enclave, Delhi.
She also said, "Moreover, if we talk about obese men, the scrotum tends to remain in close contact with the body. And since it is closer to the surrounding body tissues, it causes a spike in the temperature of the scrotum, and a higher temperature can lead to damage of the sperm. In addition, obese men have a tendency of showing less interest in sexual activities, and also avoid sex."
Also read: 8 Unknown Facts About Male Infertility You Must Know
Dr. Agarwal further added and said, "Obese men can lose a good amount of weight by taking a healthy diet and exercising regularly. It can help in managing the hormonal imbalance, and improving fertility. An expert can help you in knowing about the foods to eat and avoid in such situations. Moreover, do not forget to stick to a proper sleep routine, and reduce stress by doing yoga or meditation. If required, you can also opt for a weight loss surgery if the doctor recommends."
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Ways to deal with infertility in obese men
It is usually believed that just the woman’s weight can affect fertility. Obese men are also at a higher risk to have low or nonexistent sperm counts, as per a March 2012 article in JAMA Internal Medicine. Here are some ways to deal with it:
1. Take healthy diet
Losing weight is important if the cause behind fertility problems in men is obesity. The most essential part of any weight loss journey is taking a balanced and healthy diet. Diet plays a major role in balancing hormones and optimum BMI. You can ask your doctor about the foods to eat and avoid.
Also read: Infertility Vs Impotence: Know Difference Between Causes And Treatment Of These Conditions
2. Exercise regularly
Along with a healthy diet, exercising regularly can also contribute in losing weight. Various forms of exercise (weight training, cardio, etc) can help your body in different ways. Along with cardio, you should also indulge in yoga and meditation to destress yourself.
3. Consult doctor
If healthy diet and daily exercise are not working for you, it is always a good option to talk to your doctor. The expert can prescribe medication, and complementary and alternative medicine to manage obesity-induced subfertility. You can even consider weight loss surgery, but only after the doctor's recommendation.
All image credits: Frrepik