We’ll also take a look at what you can do if you are struggling with this common issue.
Are you your partner trying to get pregnant? Fertility probably isn’t something that you think about often. However, if you and your partner want to conceive, your fertility should be foremost on your mind. Fertility issues are common in men. Worldwide, more than 30 million men struggle with infertility. Let’s take a closer look at what’s behind infertility problems in men.
Is There Really a Decline in Male Fertility?
There is some debate about this subject. Some researchers say that there is a decline in fertility among men while others say this isn’t the case. According to a 2021 New York Times article, there really isn’t a decline in sperm count that is significant enough to cause infertility. However, Scientific American and other trusted sources argue that male fertility in the United States, Australia, Europe, and New Zealand have dropped by more than 50 percent over the past four decades. So, who is correct? The answer is that both are right! It depends on how you look at the data.
There has been a drop in male fertility over the past 40 years. However, the drop in male fertility isn’t likely due to low sperm count. So, what has caused that decline? Here are some of the most common reasons why fertility rates are declining.
Causes of Male Infertility
Upon getting the news that a couple can’t conceive, they often wonder what could have contributed to this. Was it his diet? Perhaps his cell phone plays a role. Do environmental toxins contribute to male infertility? Let’s take a look at the research.
Diet
Can what you eat affect your chances of becoming a dad? Yes, studies have found that certain foods may have an impact on men’s fertility. Diets high in sugar and saturated fats are associated with low fertility in both women and men. Many people’s diets in the United States are high in saturated fats and sugar. Some fast food items, like Pizza Hut’s Meat Lovers Pizza have unbelievable amounts of saturated fats.
So, what kinds of foods help with fertility? A 2012 study of young men found that a diet high in antioxidant-rich walnuts improves sperm quality. That is because antioxidants like zinc and folate deactivate free radicals in your body. Free radicals can damage sperm cells. Therefore, eating a diet that is high in antioxidants may help improve sperm quality by reducing damage done by free radicals. Sources of antioxidants include:
- Walnuts
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Dark chocolate
- Beans
Hormone Imbalances
Male infertility may have an underlying hormonal cause. The pituitary gland may fail to produce two hormones responsible for fertility: luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). When a male does not produce enough of these hormones, it can affect fertility.
Physical Health Conditions
Male fertility problems can be caused by a variety of physical health issues. Fertility issues are sometimes the side effect of medical treatments and surgeries. Some of the physical health conditions that can cause fertility problems in men include:
- Infections
- Tumors
- Celiac disease
- Previous surgeries
Environmental Causes
Exposure to certain toxins and elements can cause infertility. Certain elements reduce sperm production or sperm function. Overexposure to industrial chemicals like organic solvents, fertilizers, and herbicides can damage sperm. Exposure to radiation from X-rays and other sources can also cause fertility issues for men.
What Can You Do?
Even if a man has fertility issues, the couple can still conceive! The first step is to determine where exactly is the problem behind your inability to conceive in the first place. If you suspect you have an issue, you can test your fertility with a convenient, at-home test. A fertility test can give you a much clearer picture of where your sperm count stands. After that, you’ll have a much clearer picture what is going on with your body and will be able to seek a more specialised and adequate help.
