Causes of Male Infertility – Especially Vancouver Male Infertility

Causes of Male Infertility – especially Vancouver Male Infertility

Male infertility contributes to at least 50% of the reasons why couples cannot conceive.  It is also becoming more evident that early pregnancy losses are also related to the male fertility.  Basically what we have learned here at our Vancouver fertility clinic is that it takes two to make a baby so both the man and woman can benefit form optimizing their fertility.

Low testosterone
Lower testosterone not only can reduce sex drive but it also can reduce sperm count.  Men need testosterone to make sperm.  Testosterone can be  low because the pituitary gland is not releasing
enough of the stimulatory hormone LH & FSH, or because the testicle
is damaged, failing or malformed due to genetic conditions.  Also being
obese can also lead to low testosterone.   Do NOT supplement with exogenous testosterone.  Taking testosterone injections or pills will drastically impair male fertility. The following lifestyle habits reduce both sperm count and quality:

• Smoking cigarettes
• heavy alcohol drinking
• marijuana (This is especially an issue for men in Vancouver BC)
• cocaine
• opioid painkillers. 
• Also, some medications for high blood pressure, heart disease, stomach acid, gout, inflammatory bowel disease, enlarged prostates and baldness.

Radiation
Most know about the large amounts of radiation we can receive from X-rays. Not as well know is the small daily dose of radiation we get from our cell phones.  Research has been growing that electromagnetic waves from cell phones cause low sperm counts.  To help with quality and sperm count the men need to keep their cell phones out of their pockets.

Do not over heat – keep them cool
There is a reason why the testis are on the outside of the body.  Unlike women whose ovaries are inside, sperm are easily damaged by heat and hence mother natured designed them to literally “hang out side the body”.  Hot tubs, very tight fitting underwear, infra red saunas and long distant bike riders can lead to lower sperm count resulting from too much heat.

Diet and exercise
Being overweight leads to lower libido, low sperm count and a hormonal imbalance. Fat tissues produce high estrogen levels which can lead to men developing breast and estrogen also causes lower testosterone levels which interfere with both libido and sperm production.  More adipose tissue (fat) around the thighs can also create more scrotal heat which also lowers sperm count.
Strenuous exercise may hurt fertility, too. Men who run more than 100 miles a week have lower sperm counts and testosterone levels.  This applies to cycling as well.

Environmental factors
Sperm are very sensitive to oxidative stress, toxins and other endocrine disruptors.  So avoid microwaving your food in plastic containers.  Wear gloves when handling paints and chemicals. After golf, wash your feet immediately with soap and water and the very least change your socks shoes after your last played hole.

Summary
In summary, male infertility often can be reversed and the same lifestyle factors can also optimize already normal sperm to increase your chances of not only conceiving but also producing a healthier child. 

Please visit out our male fertility treatment page for basic tips and supplements to optimize male fertility.

Sources:
Male Factor Infertility Treatment Plan
Male Factor Infertility
Things to Avoid