1 in 7 couples suffer from infertility. A third of these cases are due to male problems, another third from female problems, and the last third from uncertain causes.
Male infertility may be caused by genetics, habits, or environmental factors. This post focuses on bad habits and lifestyle choices that endanger male fertility.
Smoking
Smoking tobacco increases damage to sperm DNA and other cells in the body through oxidative stress. These damaged sperms will have a hard time impregnating anyone!
Use of Hard Drugs
Marijuana, cocaine, and other hard drugs also reduce male fertility through mechanisms not yet fully understood.
Drinking Alcohol
Studies have found that as little as three drinks a week are enough to limit fertility. If you’re trying to have a child, it’s better to reduce your drinking—and safest to stop altogether.
Anabolic Steroids and Testosterone Supplements
Some men use these medications to improve their muscularity and masculinity. Ironically, these drugs can have the side effect of reduced fertility. When the body receives testosterone supplements from outside, it reduces its production of natural testosterone. This is how your fertility is affected.
Excessively Lapping Your Laptop
Yes, your laptop is best used on a desk and not on your laps, if you’re a man. “Why?”, you may ask. Well, have you ever wondered why your testes hang in a sack outside your body? It’s because a cooler temperature is best for producing sperm. Your testes enjoy that cooler temperature in your scrotum rather than inside your body. When you lap a laptop, the hot air from its fan warms your testes and can affect sperm production. Thankfully, this effect is believed to be reversible.
Hot Tubs and Saunas
By the same heating effect, these luxurious baths can reduce sperm production.
Driving Trucks
Does this surprise you? Don’t let it. We’re still on this heat effect. Truck drivers literally sit on the engines of their vehicles. Their seats can get hot. And if this is your occupation, you can imagine how long the exposure will be—and its effect on fertility.
Obesity
Fat cells produce oestrogen—the female sex hormone. So having excess fat can create an imbalance in reproductive hormones. Also, fat acts as an insulator. Having too much fat around the groin can cause that spot to heat up and hamper sperm production.
Final Word
Now, you may have stuck with us and not found any factor relevant to your situation. Remember there are other genetic, biological, and environmental factors which you can explore here.
But if you did see something to change, start now with a small step. With the help of your partner and your doctor, you can begin taking steps towards embracing your own children.
