Lifestyle Causes of Male Infertility

One in eight couples trying to conceive suffers from some form of infertility. Up to 40% of diagnosed cases of infertility are due to the male.

Male infertility is defined by the World Health Organization as a man having a sperm count of less then 20 million/mL of semen.[ii] The technical term for male infertility or low sperm count id oligospermia.

There are several factors that cause a man to have a low sperm count. Some are lifestyle and can possibly be corrected, and some are medical. Lifestyle factors that cause lower sperm count include:

Obesity - When a man is overweight it can reduce male fertility. The stress from excess weight compromises the sperm. Excess weight around the stomach area can cause the testicles to overheat. This is turn can reduce sperm count or even cause the overweight man to become sterile. Losing the excess weight can help to correct these problems.

Steroids - Steroids used to increase muscle mass actually shrink the testicles and decrease sperm count. When trying to increase your fertility anabolic steroids should be avoided.

Stress - Trying to conceive is a particularly stressful time, especially if you have been trying for over a year with no success. Work and other life stressors don't help. Stress can lower sperm count. Steps need to be taken to reduce stress. Exercise is a great way of relieving stress. Try to incorporate at least four thirty minute sessions per week.

Diet - Poor nutrition can decrease sperm count. Males trying to conceive need to take regular multi-vitamins and ensure they are getting adequate supplies of zinc, folate, and vitamin C.

Medication - Certain medications reduce sperm count. These medications include, but are not limited to Tagamet (cimetidine), Dilantin (phenytoin), Folex (methotrexate), Axulfidine (sulfasalazine), corticosteroids and chemotherapy drugs such as Cytoxan and Neosar (cyclophosphamide).[iii] If you are on any of these medications consult with your doctor to see if there is an alternate medication that will not affect your sperm count.

Smoking - Pack a day smokers have been shown to not only have lower sperm counts, but also lower sperm motility. A man with lower sperm motility unfortunately means that the sperm that is present is not able to move in a manner that will effectively reach the egg. If you are a smoker and are trying to conceive, now is the time to quit.

If you have been trying to conceive for six months with no success it is important to speak to your doctor. Tests may need to be run to determine if low sperm count is responsible for your infertility issues. The doctor will check your sperm count and look into various other issues that may or may not be responsible for the couples infertility.

[i] http://infertilityspecialist.com/male_infertility.html

[ii] http://www.malefertility.co.uk/causes.html

[iii] http://www.ehealthmd.com/library/infertility/INF_causes.html