Male Fertility Problems: Most Common Lifestyle Factors that Affect Male Fertility

Males who have been trying to conceive for over a year may wonder if they have a fertility problem. There are a myriad of factors that can affect male fertility, including lifestyle choices. The most common lifestyle causes of male fertility problems can be changed to improve male fertility.

Smoking

Cigarette smoking can adversely affect a man's fertility. Men who smoke have a lower sperm count, technically known as oligospermia, and their sperm are less mobile. This decreases the chances that sperm will reach and fertilize the egg. Smoking also causes an abnormality in the sperm shape, which prevents it from fertilizing the egg.

Male fertility tips: According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, couples who have a history of infertility or miscarriage should not smoke. Quitting smoking may improve fertility, raising your chances of having a child.

Alcohol

A male with an alcohol problem is more likely to have abnormal shaped sperm. Alcoholism can also affect hormones, causing higher estrogen levels and less sperm. Alcohol can cause liver problems, which the Georgia Reproductive Specialists website says can also affect male fertility.

Male Fertility Tips: It takes about three months to produce sperm, so it is a good idea to stay sober for at least that long. Not drinking while trying to get pregnant should increase chances of male fertility.

Drugs

Drugs can cause many male fertility problems, from a lower quality sperm to reduced sperm production. The Mayo Clinic says that cocaine and marijuana can temporarily cause men to have a lower sperm count and quality. Anabolic steroids can cause testicles to shrink, making males less fertile by lowering the amount of sperm they make.

Male fertility tips: Stay away from recreation/illegal drugs while trying to conceive. Never take anabolic steroids.

Stress

Excessive stress can negatively affect hormones needed to produce sperm. So can being stressed out for long periods of time. Stress can even make a man impotent, unable to have sexual intercourse.

Male fertility tips: Find a way to relax. Deal with problems head on, so there is not time to stress about it. Trying to have a child can put stress on a couple, so do not make it the focus of every interaction you have.

Malnutrition & Obesity

Too much or too little body fat can affect hormones and male fertility. Quality sperm is more likely at a healthy weight, but do not exercise until exhausted. According to the Mayo Clinic, "Men who exercise to exhaustion show a temporary change in hormone levels and a drop in sperm quality." Deficiencies in vitamin C, zinc or folate may add to fertility problems.

Male fertility tips: Diet and exercise in a healthy manner, as advised by a doctor. Eat healthy and consider taking a multivitamin.

STDs

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhea infections can leave scarring and keep sperm from passing.

Male fertility tips: Make sure to have protected sex, using a condom. Anyone engaging in promiscuous or unsafe sex should get frequent STD screenings.

Hot Temps

Exposure to hot water above 102 F, for more than 30 minutes, may lower sperm count. High temperatures in the scrotum may also keep sperm from producing. Tight underwear, sitting with a laptop and a hot environment all increase scrotum temps.

Male fertility tips: Take short showers. Limit times in baths, hot tubs and saunas. Wear looser fitting underwear.

This article is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a physician before implementing any lifestyle changes.

Sources:

http://www.asrm.org/Patients/FactSheets/smoking.pdf

http://www.ivf.com/shaban.html

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/male-infertility/DS01038/DSECTION=causes

http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/fertility/MC00023/METHOD=print