The facts
Male infertility affects 10% to 15% of reproductive aged couples worldwide. Since male infertility is such a common problem, it is important to understand the true role it plays in male health and relationships. Men diagnosed with infertility suffer intense negative sexual, personal, and social strains that might be considered typical for other medical illnesses such as cancer or heart disease.
Generally, male infertility is not the fault of the man. It is a disease that happens like any other and can have a serious effects on the overall well-being of the individual, and the couple. The correct response from a man that has been handed the diagnosis of infertility is to be accountable, take great care of himself, and follow the recommendations below..
Recent research in California showed a correlation between poor semen parameters and both testicular and prostate cancer incidence. If having a healthy happy child is not reason enough for a man to take control of his health, then maybe this is. Sperm will, in our lifetime, be used increasingly as a biomarker for men’s health and potential risks in the future.
Take control
Take the time to educate yourself as this helps gain control of the situation and aids with decision-making. Then, make an appointment with a urologist that specializes in male infertility. They can streamline care, make it more efficient, and often employ cutting edge treatment techniques unfamiliar to other physicians. Next, find a traditional Chinese medicine reproductive health specialist. These practitioners can help correct imbalances that may be contributing factors to infertility, and will work on overall health, stress, and well-being. Then, whether this wants to be heard or not, the conversations we want to have the least are the ones we most need to have, so talk openly with your partner regarding your feelings, be honest about when you need a break from the topic, and decide who really needs to know about it and who doesn’t. Finally, get the support you need, talk with buddies that you trust, and even consider talking with a coach, therapist, or counsellor. Don’t do this alone.
Male Hormones
A proper balance of male hormones such as testosterone is necessary for optimal sperm production, sexual health, and overall ‘Man-ness!’. The following list are some recommended steps to take to ensure lifestyle choices are not contributing to poor sperm production & infertility;
- Get enough sleep, this is paramount
- Find ways to reduce or alleviate stress
- Spend time with men, both business and pleasure
- Exercise is a great way to blow off steam and get your blood pumping
- Eat more colorful foods, eat less sugar
- Get help to deal with emotional issues
- Cut down or completely eliminate alcohol intake
- Tobacco & marijuana and all other recreational drug use should stop
- Lose weight if necessary, its time
- Avoid endocrine disrupting toxins
Endocrine Disrupting Toxins
Toxins in our environment are known to disrupt hormonal balance and may be linked to the declining semen parameters in men worldwide. In a nutshell, avoid or completely eliminate the use of;
- Non-organic animal products (meats, eggs, dairy)
- Water that has been stored in a plastic container
- Cleaning agents that contain scent (laundry, body, hair, dish, household)
- Dryer sheets and fabric softeners
- Excess soy consumption, especially non-organic
- Personal care products that are not completely transparent about their ingredients
- Microwaving food, especially in plastic containers
- Air fresheners and cologne/perfume
- BPA bisphenol A plastics
- Sunscreen containing 4-MBC
- Domestic and agricultural pesticides (lawn & garden)Please, pick up a pen and write down your plan for optimal health and fertility right now. Good luck creating your family.
Written By Dr. Spence Pentland
