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Men can develop infertility due to a variety of factors. This may mean that they are unable to impregnate a woman naturally, or in some cases, their bodies do not produce sufficient sperm. These conditions may be treated or worked around depending on the specific issue.
The two broad categories of male infertility are low sperm count and ejaculation complications. The first means that there may not be enough healthy sperm to impregnate an egg in the uterus. The second significant cause comes from complications ejaculating, which usually results from injury, prior surgeries, or genetic conditions.
There is no way to be sure of the exact cause of infertility without testing.
What Causes Infertility in Men?
In general, infertility can be caused by:
- Disease
- Genetic factors
- Lifestyle factors
- Exposure to toxic materials or chemicals
Any of these factors can impact the ability of a couple to create a viable pregnancy. For men, the most common type of infertility is low sperm count. The easiest way to correct this is a series of lifestyle changes, including diet and awareness of heat and pollution exposure.
If you live or work in areas where you are exposed to toxic chemicals or high temperatures, you should take all necessary precautions to reduce your exposure. Using your laptop on your desk rather than your lap is advisable if you are struggling with sperm count. The combination of heat and electromagnetic radiation can reduce sperm count. Likewise, you may wish to carry your cell phone somewhere other than your front pocket, as the heat and radiation may have adverse effects.
For men dealing with diseases or genetic factors, Dr. Saadat will need to do a series of tests to determine the exact nature of the problem. The first (and usually easiest) test is a semen analysis to determine sperm count and shape. Based on that information, Dr. Saadat may recommend either additional testing or a treatment plan.
Can Dietary Changes Help?
Dietary changes are the easiest way to boost sperm count for men who are already at a healthy weight and exercise regularly. Some foods that can help include:
- Vegetables, especially dark greens like broccoli, cabbage, kale, and brussels sprouts and colored vegetables like peppers, squash, and carrots. These foods help provide vital nutrients and increase overall health necessary for proper sperm production.
- Seafood works well to ensure your body has sufficient amounts of zinc. Be careful with seafood, however, as some seafood is known to carry contaminants.
- Lean meat, such as chicken or lean steak, can help provide the necessary nutrients and vitamins to promote healthy sperm. We also suggest that you replace processed meat with unprocessed meat, as this has been shown to have greater health benefits.
- Nuts can provide many of the necessary nutrients to promote healthy sperm growth. Nuts are known to contain a series of micronutrients that are necessary for healthy sperm.
If you have trouble conceiving, know that you are not alone. Infertility issues among men have been growing more frequent over time. Treatment options are available to help you.
Do you Have More Questions About Addressing Infertility?
If you want to learn more about male infertility and options to address it, call our Reproductive Fertility Center at (310) 881-8846 or fill out our online consultation form.
