9 Sperm Facts
Fertility is somehow regarded chiefly as a woman-related word which sets us thinking of the womb, eggs and IVF. But there is the male side to it as well. If we are to consider enlarging the family seriously, it’s time to look deeper into male fertility factors. Here’s what experts say about the important facts influencing the man’s reproducible abilities.
Problems from sexually transmitted diseases can easily be prevented
Gonorrhea, chlamydia and other ST diseases constitute the main threat to male fertility – which is, fortunately, avoidable. When not diagnosed in good time, they can lead to the vas deferens inflammation and blockages – so regular STD screenings are what the doctor orders for men.
Aluminum may lower sperm count
Recent findings reveal that low sperm count is linked with a high concentration of aluminum to be found in sperm. Although it’s not conclusive yet, it may be advisable to restrict the man’s contact with aluminum pots and cans.
Heat decreases sperm’s quality
High temperatures are actually highly damaging for sperm – therefore saunas and hot tubs lower sperm count perceptibly for as long as four months in worst cases. This is one to be taken into account.
Fertility goes down gradually as men get older
While women experience the sudden drop of fertility, men’s just starts to deteriorate gradually with age. It is not so crucial a phenomenon – men are known to father children after 70 and older – yet the sperm count is definitely not so good as it used to be when they were younger.
Vegetarianism may affect men’s fertility
As shown by recent research, vegetarians and vegans appear not to be doing justice to their sperm quality by their healthy diets compared to those who thrive on meat. Medicos say that they have only 30%-active sperm, while with meat eaters the percentage is 60 – quite a difference, that, for a more successful impregnation.
Sperm can’t bear smoking
Tobacco (and marijuana) smoking wreak unspeakable havoc with sperm quality. It affects the body’s fat, and there are known cases when smoking resulted in hormonal disruption and led to generating misshaped sperm.
SSRI antidepressants interfere with sperm DNA
It emerges from studies that the intake of SSRI antidepressants can alter the DNA in the sperm. SSRI’s don’t affect the ability for impregnation, but there’s a considerable risk of genetic abnormalities. So, it’s not a good time for conceiving, better wait until the hubby stops taking the stuff – sperm counts will return to norm in time.
Obese men have worse sperm
Sperm quality is in direct correlation with the man’s general health. As your partner’s BMI gets above 35, he’s sure to have low fertility and poor sperm count. Still, it’s something that can be remedied by dieting and working out.
Laptop on the lap is a sperm-unfriendly habit
When in a sauna we are certainly aware of the heat, but when working on a computer on our laps we can easily forget about the genitals basking in a heat flow. See that your man doesn’t allow his groin’s direct contact with the laptop, and uses some kind of buffer like a thick board that prevents overheating.
