Top 7 Myths About Male Infertility

Topics like male infertility are considered taboo because it's tied to the stigma that one isn't man enough. It's no wonder the burden is mainly left for the woman to carry although men contribute to infertility just as much as women. When a couple can't conceive after many attempts, it's usually connected to an infertility problem with either or both partners. 

Male infertility is characterized by low sperm count, motility (sperm's ability to swim), abnormally shaped and sized sperm, and semen problems. Many factors contribute to male infertility, including genetic defects, health problems, and lifestyle.

Some sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea and chlamydia, if left untreated, can also contribute to male infertility. However, not all conditions that affect sexual organs are harmful. For instance, Pearly Penile Papules (PPP), characterized by dome-shaped pearly white, yellow, or pink small growths at the head of the penis, are harmless. One way to get rid of these bumps is with a PPP Kit, which uses a simple electrical ionizer to vaporize the papules.

Many myths surrounding male infertility are based on twisted truths, half-truths, and fabrications. Let's debunk some of them:

1. Infertility Is Solely A Female Issue

When a couple can't have children, society is quick to point an accusing finger at the woman. Women have been taking the blame for ages because the woman carries the pregnancy. It's common that the man is never evaluated until the woman is far gone in tests and treatments. 

However, it's now general knowledge that men contribute to about 50% of infertility cases when there's a known cause, while men purely contribute to about 30% of the cases.  Both the man and woman contribute another 20%.

2. Infertility And Impotency Are The Same

Many people confuse infertility and impotency and even use the words interchangeably. While infertility refers to the inability to reproduce, impotency is related to a man's sexual dysfunction. It refers to a man's inability to achieve and maintain erections for sexual intercourse. To be more specific, an impotent man can still reproduce.

3. Age Does Not Affect A Man's Fertility

We’ve all heard of men who father children in their 50s and beyond. Contrary to popular belief, men's fertility also diminishes with age. Even though the sperm quality determines the level of a man's fertility, a man younger than 40 years is more likely to father a child than one who's older. 

But there are always exceptions. The truth is that the sperm quality drops with the advancement of age. Fortunately, it declines slowly and gradually, especially if no conditions are hindering its production.

4. A Man's Fertility Can Be Seen By Looking At His Semen

Although the quality and volume of a man's sperm are used to detect his fertility, it's impossible to see the same using the naked eye. This can only be done by a urologist using a microscope. It's therefore not possible to analyze a man's fertility by merely looking at his semen.

Another misconception is that several moving sperms in a semen sample means a man has fertility potential. Further tests are usually carried out to determine the fertility potential of sperms that look healthy. 

5. Cigarette Smoking Does Not Interfere With A Man's Fertility

Cigarette smoking can harm a man's fertility by reducing testosterone levels. It can lower a man's sperm count and semen and affect sperm motility. The more cigarettes a man smokes per day, the higher his chances of infertility.

A significant percentage of men's infertility is also connected to substance abuse. 

6. Boxer Shorts And Loose Pants Are Better Than Briefs

Myth has it that wearing boxer shorts and loose pants is better than wearing close-fitting underwear. It's believed that close-fitting underwear will create heat around the testicles, affecting sperm quality. 

However, it has been found that wearing boxers or briefs makes no significant difference when it comes to male infertility. Choosing between the two types of underwear is simply a matter of preference.

7. A Man's Fertility Is Not Linked To His Weight And Diet

A man's reproductive health and overall health shouldn’t be treated separately. A man's weight can have an impact on hormone levels. It can also contribute to conditions like diabetes which can affect sperm production or even lead to the complete inability to ejaculate.

Moreover, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, chicken, whole grains, and legumes is linked to enhanced sperm count and motility.

Conclusion

Debunking the misconceptions about male infertility is critical to understanding and addressing this health concern. If you suspect that you might have this condition, see a doctor for the appropriate testing and treatment.