Men’s Health and Fertility: Common Health Issues

Men’s health and fertility are two topics which are deeply connected. However, men’s health is not as much discussed as women’s health. Many people think that fertility problems can only happen in women. However, a man’s health also plays an equal role in planning a baby. There are certain health problems in men that can affect sperm quality, hormone levels, or the ability to conceive naturally.

Dr. Rita Bakshi, a Senior Infertility Specialist and Gynaecologist at RISAA IVF, has helped many couples to understand and manage male fertility issues. In this blog, we will explain the common health problems that can affect male fertility, how to spot them, what can be done to improve the chances of having a healthy baby and more.

Why Men’s Health Matters in Fertility?

Men’s health and fertility are closely connected. A man’s body needs to be healthy to make good-quality sperm. If the sperm count is low or the sperm don’t move well then it can be difficult to conceive.

Health problems like diabetes, being overweight, infections, or low testosterone can affect a man’s ability to have children. Additionally, daily habits like smoking, drinking too much alcohol, poor sleep, or high stress can also reduce fertility.

That’s why it’s important for men to take care of their health. It’s helpful for themselves and also helps to improve the chances of having a baby.

Male Infertility Causes

Men’s health and fertility are closely connected and there are many health or lifestyle issues that can lead to infertility in men. In most cases, the problem is with the sperm. These issues can make it difficult for a couple to get pregnant naturally.

Some common causes include the following:

• Infections that affect the reproductive organs
• Hormonal imbalances that reduce sperm production
• Varicocele (swollen veins in the testicles)
• Past injuries or surgeries involving the testicles
• Genetic conditions that affect fertility
• Unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as smoking, alcohol, or poor diet
• Exposure to high heat or harmful chemicals that damage sperm

Common Health Issues That Affect Male Fertility

Men’s health and fertility is very important to understand. There are some health problems that can quietly affect a man’s ability to become a father. These issues may not always have symptoms but they can affect men’s health in many other ways.

Here are some common health conditions that may affect male fertility:

• Diabetes: It can damage nerves and reduce sexual function or sperm quality.
• Obesity: Being overweight can affect hormones and also lower testosterone levels.
• Thyroid problems: Low and high thyroid levels can affect sperm production.
• Infections: Illnesses like mumps (after puberty), STIs, or urinary infections can damage reproductive organs.
• Varicocele: Swollen veins in the testicles can heat up the area and affect sperm.
• Testosterone imbalance: Low levels of this hormone can reduce sperm production.
• Chronic stress and anxiety: Long-term stress can affect hormone levels and sexual health.
• High blood pressure or heart problems: These may also affect blood flow and overall reproductive health.

What are the Signs of Infertility in Men?

Sometimes, men don’t notice any signs of infertility until they try to have a baby. However, in many cases, the body gives small signals that something is wrong. It’s important to know about these signs because men’s health and fertility are connected.

Here are some common signs of male infertility that include the following:

• Issues in getting your partner pregnant after many months of trying
• Low sex drive or reduced interest in sexual activity
• Erection or ejaculation problems
• Pain, swelling, or lumps in the testicles
• Small or soft testicles
• Less facial or body hair
• Changes in mood or energy which is connected to low testosterone

What Medical Conditions Cause Infertility in Men?

There are many people who don’t realize that there are certain health problems that can directly affect a man’s ability to have children. These medical conditions can lower sperm count, affect hormone levels, or damage the parts of the body that help with reproduction.

Here are some medical conditions that can cause male infertility:

• Varicocele
• Infections
• Hormonal issues
• Genetic disorders
• Undescended testicles
• Sexual problems
• Cancer and its treatments

What Factors Affect Sperm Health?

There are many everyday habits that can quietly affect sperm health. These lifestyle choices may lower sperm count, reduce their movement, or affect their shape. And these factors play a very important role for a healthy pregnancy.

Here are some common lifestyle factors that may harm sperm:

• Smoking: It reduces sperm quality and damages DNA in sperm.
• Alcohol: Drinking too much can lower testosterone and sperm count.
• Lack of exercise or being overweight: It can disturb hormone levels and also reduce sperm production.
• Unhealthy diet: Junk food and low-nutrient meals can affect sperm health.
• Too much stress: Long-term stress can reduce hormone levels that help make sperm.
• Heat exposure: Using laptops on the lap, hot tubs, or tight underwear can raise testicle temperature and affect sperm.
• Drug use: Use of steroids, marijuana, or other drugs can also lower sperm quality.

How Age Affects Male Fertility?

Men can produce sperm throughout their life but age still has an effect on their fertility. Some changes in sperm quality and hormone levels can slowly reduce the chances of getting their partner pregnant as men get old. Here’s a simple table at how age may impact fertility in men:

Tips to Improve Male Fertility Naturally

Improving fertility doesn’t always need medical treatments. In many cases, small changes in daily habits can really help. Taking care of your body can improve sperm health and make it easier to have a baby.

Here are some natural tips to boost male fertility:

• Eat a healthy diet: Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and foods that are rich in zinc, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
• Exercise regularly: Do light to moderate exercise to improve blood flow and balance hormones.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol: These can lower sperm count and harm sperm quality.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight can affect hormone levels and also reduce sperm production.
• Manage stress: Too much stress can affect hormones that help to make sperm.
• Sleep well: Try to get 7–8 hours of good sleep every night and follow this routine.
• Stay cool: Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and don’t keep laptops on your lap for long hours.
• Limit exposure to chemicals: Stay away from harmful chemicals at home or work that may affect sperm.

Final Words

It’s important to understand the link between men’s health and fertility, especially if you’re planning to start a family. In this blog, we’ve shared common health problems, lifestyle habits, and medical conditions that can affect male fertility. It’s important to know about these facts to take the right steps toward better health, timely testing, and even the right infertility treatment, if needed.

At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi (Senior Infertility Specialist and Gynaecologist) has supported many couples where male fertility was the concern. If you have questions about your fertility or need help starting your journey, we are here to guide you. Call us at 95555 44421/22/23 or email at [email protected] for expert advice.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• How can a man know if he is fertile?

The best way to check fertility is through a semen analysis, done in a lab. This test shows sperm count, movement, shape, and overall quality. If you’ve been trying to conceive for a few months without success, it’s a good idea to get tested.

• How can I make my man’s sperm stronger?

Healthy food, regular exercise, good sleep, and avoiding smoking, alcohol, and stress can help improve sperm health.

• Which foods increase sperm?

Fruits, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, eggs, and fish like salmon are good for sperm. Zinc and vitamin C are also helpful.

• How to check sperm quality at home?

Home kits can check sperm count, but for full details, a semen analysis at a clinic is best.