Often preventing infertility
is much easier and better than treating it! What can
you do to reduce the risk of being infertile ? The biggest
preventable danger to male fertility is due to uncontrolled
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as syphilis,
gonorrhea and chlamydia which can cause irreparable
damage to the reproductive tract . Another important
preventable cause of testicular damage in men is uncorrected
undescended testes. Undescended testes should be surgically
treated at an early age to prevent damage - preferably
before the age of 2 years. This requires educating mothers
of young boys; and doctors as well. It may also be a
good idea to immunise boys against mumps in childhood,
thus preventing the ravage which mumps can cause to
the testes in later life.
Drugs - including alcohol, cocaine and marijuana -
are all poisons. They can reduce sex drive; damage sperm
production; and interfere with ovulation - and sometimes
this damage is irreparable. Smoking tobacco also affects
reproductive function - by depleting egg production;
increasing the risk of PID; and lowering sperm counts.
Often, the adverse effect is temporary, so that when
these are stopped, the harmful effects on reproductive
function are likely to be reversed. However, since abstinence
is easier than moderation, the best option is not to
smoke, drink or use drugs!
Occupational hazards can also decrease sperm counts.
Many toxic drugs - including radiation, radioactive
materials, anesthetic gases, and industrial chemicals
such as lead, the pesticide DBCP and the pharmaceutical
solvent ethylene oxide can reduce fertility by imparing
sperm production. Intense exposure to heat in the workplace
(for example, long-distance truck drivers exposed to
engine heat; and men working in furnaces or in bakeries)
can cause long-term and even permanent impairment of
sperm production. You should be aware of these hazards
and may need to control your exposure if fertility is
a concern.
Interestingly, many researchers have observed that
sperm counts the world over are declining. Whether this
is due to exposure to toxic chemicals such as dioxins
( formed as a result of environmental pollution) , which
cause disruption of the endocrine system; or to the
stresses of modern day life remains unclear.
What can you do to improve your sperm count ? Stop
smoking, drinking or abusing drugs. Most doctors will
advise that you take vitamins ( such as Vitamin E, Vitamin
C); and others prescribe antioxidants and selenium,
though the effect of these on male fertility is still
a contentious issue. Traditional advise included taking
cold water showers and wearing loose underwear, to help
keep the testicular temperature low and “ sperm
friendly “, but the results can be unpredictable.
Certain drugs ( for example, salazopyrine which is used
for treating ulcerative colitis) can suppress sperm
counts, so if you are taking prescription medicines,
ask your doctor about what their effect on sperm counts
it. One simple way of increasing your chances of getting
your wife pregnant is to have sex frequently –
the more the sperm you deposit, the better your chances
of hitting the jackpot !
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