For the first time, IVF clinics in Australia and New Zealand have reported data regarding the scale and extent of male fertility problem In couples who have had IVF. New data released today by the Australia and New Zealand Assisted Reproduction Database (ANZARD) reveals nearly one-third of all. ivf cycle The performance in 2020 included a diagnosis of male infertility.
Although most male fertility problem While not preventable, there are some things men can do to improve sperm quality and chances of natural conception.
Most male infertility is caused by the testes failing to make any or enough. normal sperm to allow conception. Low sperm count, normal movement of sperm or a high proportion of abnormally shaped sperms can reduce the ability to fertilize eggs.
In most cases, the cause of male infertility is unclear. A specific cause can only be traced to about 40 percent of infertile men.
They include genetic abnormalities, previous infections, trauma to the testicles and damage to sperm production – for example from cancer treatment. Some men don’t have sperm in their ejaculate (a condition called azoospermia). This may be due to blocked sperm tubes, which can lead to birth defects, or may follow a vasectomy or other damage.
In rare cases, infrequent or poorly timed intercourse, or sexual problems such as impotence Or the failure to ejaculate causes infertility.
The least common problem is a lack of hormonal signals from the pituitary gland (a gland on the brain that makes, stores, and releases hormones). It may be genetic or follow issues such as pituitary tumors. Treatment with hormone injections aims to restore natural fertility.
Chronic diseases, such as obesity or diabetes, environmental exposures (such as chemicals in the workplace) and lifestyle factors (such as smoking and recreational drug use) can contribute to or exacerbate poor sperm quality.
For couples with male factor infertility, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is needed to fertilize the eggs and give them a chance to produce a baby.
ICSI follows a process similar to IVF, except ICSI involves the direct injection of a single sperm into each egg using technologically advanced equipment, unlike IVF, where thousands of sperm are added to each egg, in the hope that Someone will fertilize it.
The recently released ANZARD report shows that the chances of a child for men with male infertility are comparable with those of other infertility diagnoses. However, studies show that for couples who do not have male factor infertility, ICSI does not offer any benefit in terms of chances of having a child over IVF.
Although most male infertility cannot be prevented, there are some things men can do to keep their sperm healthy. It takes about three months for sperm to mature, so making healthy changes at least three months before trying for a baby gives the best chance of conceiving and having a healthy baby. Here are five things you can do to take care of your sperm.
Older men’s partners take longer to conceive, and sperm quality declines with age and increases the risk of miscarriage and health problems for the baby. (Photo: Getty/Thinkstock)
Cigarette smoke contains thousands of harmful chemicals that harm all parts of the body, including sperm. Heavy smokers make less sperm than non-smokers. Smoking can increase the number of abnormally shaped spermatozoa and affect the ability of the sperm to swim, making it harder for sperm to reach the egg and fertilize it.
Smoking also damages the DNA in the sperm, which is transferred to the baby. may increase the risk abortion and birth defects in the child. One study found that heavy smoking by the father at the time of conception (more than 20 cigarettes a day) increased the child’s risk of childhood leukemia.
There is no safe limit to smoking – the only way to protect yourself and your unborn baby from harm is to quit. The good news is that smoking’s effects on sperm count and fertility are reversible, and quitting it will increase your chances of conceiving and having a healthy baby.
On average, overweight or obese men have lower sperm quality than men of a healthy weight. Carrying too much weight can also reduce your interest in sex and cause erection problems.
The good news is that even losing a few kilos can improve sperm quality. Getting support, setting realistic goals and giving yourself enough time to achieve them, learning about nutrition and healthy eating, and exercising regularly all increase your chances of losing weight and keeping it off.
Taking androgenic steroids for bodybuilding or competitive sports can cause the testes to shrink and affect sperm production. And it can have a lasting effect. It takes about two years for sperm to return to normal after stopping steroids.
Other drugs such as cannabis, cocaine and heroin can also harm a man’s fertility, as they lower testosterone levels and sex drive (libido),
Alcohol is fine in moderation, but heavy drinking and excessive drinking can lower sperm count and quality.
We’ve all heard of men fathering children in their 80s and 90s, but this is rare and risky.
Although men continue to produce sperm throughout their lives, which means they can potentially reproduce into old age, men under the age of 40 have a better chance of conceiving than older men.
Older men’s partners take longer to conceive, and sperm quality declines with age and increases the risk of miscarriage and health problems for the baby.
So, if you have a choice about when to try for a baby, sooner is better than later.
sexually transmitted infection (STI)Untreated gonorrhea and chlamydia, in particular, can reduce sperm quality and lead to blockage of the spermatic tubes. This means that sperm cannot move from the testicles (where they are born) into the semen and then ejaculate.
Having safe sex using a condom is the only thing that can prevent STIs from getting to or from a partner. Using a condom greatly reduces your risk of tube blockage and damage to your fertility.
If you think you have an STI, see a doctor and get treatment right away. The sooner you receive treatment, the lower your risk of future fertility problems.
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