Highlights:
- The link between varicocele and impaired fertilization ability
- The role of chronic diseases – diabetes, autoimmune disorders
- Hormonal problems and past infections, including sexually transmitted ones
- The harmfulness of unhealthy habits – smoking, alcohol, sedentary lifestyle, and unhealthy weight
- Stress and male fertility
What’s the problem? Is it the woman or the man? These are the first questions that come to mind when a couple is trying to get pregnant and isn’t succeeding.
The facts show that both male and female factors influence a couple’s fertility equally. In other words, in half of all infertility cases, the cause is related to the man — caused by various medical conditions, an unhealthy lifestyle, or a combination of these factors.
Let’s look at the most common ones!
Varicocele – a common cause of infertility
You’ve probably heard the term “varicose veins,” so you can deduce that varicocele is related to dilated (varicose) veins. In 30% of couples seeking medical help due to infertility, it is found that the man suffers from varicocele. (1)
This condition is characterized by dilated veins in the scrotum — the muscular skin sac that contains the testicles. In the case of varicocele, normal blood circulation in that area is impaired. One of the possible side effects is testicular overheating, and overheating is a serious factor that can affect spermatogenesis and, consequently, fertility.
An interesting fact is that varicocele is more often diagnosed in younger men than in those over 40. Some men are genetically predisposed to develop varicocele. In other patients, the condition arises due to certain lifestyle habits — for example, standing for long periods throughout the day.
Very few men go for preventive checkups for this condition, and in its early stages, it usually has no noticeable symptoms. But if a couple is struggling to conceive, it is essential that the man is examined for varicocele.
Diabetes is also a factor in male infertility
Diabetes, often referred to as the “sugar disease,” poses a serious health risk and can affect various organs and systems in the body. In men, the condition is also associated with an increased risk of infertility.
Why is that?
By damaging blood vessels and nerves, diabetes can lead to erectile problems as well as delayed ejaculation. In men with type 2 diabetes, a low testosterone level is sometimes observed, and they may also have a reduced sperm count.
All of this does not mean that men with diabetes cannot have children. It is very important that the condition is diagnosed early, and that the person takes care to manage it properly.
Finally, we address the topic of preventing type 2 diabetes — through a balanced diet, adequate physical activity, and good stress management.
Immunological infertility
In some men, their immune system attacks and damages sperm. This is referred to as immunological infertility, and it can also occur in cases of incompatibility between partners. That is, the woman’s immune system may react specifically to her partner, destroying his sperm. In such cases, it is medically possible for the woman to become pregnant naturally if she is with a different partner.
In general, science has established a link between autoimmune disorders and male infertility.
The exact way autoimmune diseases interact with male reproductive potential is still being investigated. A very interesting fact has been observed — men who suffer from infertility are more likely to be diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, thyroiditis, or Graves’ disease (Basedow’s disease). To this day, researchers face the challenge of precisely determining how these autoimmune diseases — or the predisposition to them — may lead to infertility.
Infertility caused by infections of the urogenital system
Several infections can affect a man’s reproductive health, especially if they are not treated on time.
Sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and gonorrhea, can sometimes block the spermatic ducts and damage sperm. Damage can also be caused by inflammation of the testicles or the prostate (prostatitis).
Another infectious disease that poses a risk to the male reproductive system is mumps, or as it’s colloquially known — rubella. This is an acute viral illness that inflames the salivary glands and is characterized by high fever and pain near the ear. If contracted after adolescence, it can affect a man’s fertility.
Other health problems in men that can lead to infertility
- Hormonal imbalances: disruptions in levels of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), LH (luteinizing hormone), prolactin, and other hormones.
- Urogenital abnormalities, which can be congenital or acquired. These include abnormal testicle position (cryptorchidism) and hypospadias (incorrect development of the urethra).
- Cushing’s syndrome – a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels.
- Genetic abnormalities, including chromosomal disorders.
- Oncological conditions. Some types of cancer can cause infertility, and damage may also result from certain chemotherapy or radiation treatments.
- Anemia.
Harmful male habits and the risk of infertility
We won’t surprise you here — cigarettes, alcohol, excess weight, unhealthy eating, and chronic stress can seriously affect male fertility.
We’ve written about these factors in other articles as well. The reason is that in the complex system of the human body, everything is interconnected. And if a habit is harmful, it usually causes damage in several ways and to multiple organs. The same goes for unhealthy habits and the so-called male factor.
- It has been proven that smoking reduces sperm count, motility, and morphology.
- Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to hormonal imbalances.
- Being overweight also alters hormonal balance and affects semen quality.
- An unhealthy diet, low in nutrients and high in processed foods, can negatively impact sperm production and quality.
To these, let’s add something less well-known: insomnia and its effect on a man’s reproductive potential. It seems many people don’t realize how important good sleep is in this area too! Scientific evidence shows that if a man sleeps less than the recommended 7–8 hours per night, it significantly affects sperm quality. (2)
Excessive stress is also harmful. (3)
Unfortunately, stress often becomes a constant presence in the lives of couples who struggle to conceive.
When pregnancy is delayed, attempts often turn into a duty and stop being enjoyable. Added to that is the frustration of not being able to calculate the exact ovulation day each month. This is where the Oview at-home ovulation test can be extremely helpful, as it provides accurate results and is very easy to use. Oview gives partners the priceless advantage of identifying the most favorable day in the cycle for conception — instead of feeling pressured into a random “marathon” of attempts.
For men who intend to become fathers
Regardless of age, limit harmful habits such as fast food, alcohol, and smoking. Try to maintain a healthy weight for yourself and eat a balanced diet. If you have chronic conditions, talk to your doctor about how they might affect any future attempts to have children.
There are many medical conditions that can pose a challenge. However, a large number of these issues can be overcome if you proactively seek specialized medical help. Being informed, seeking proper advice from a doctor, and living responsibly with regard to your health is always a good strategy!
Sources:
1 – https://radiology.ucsf.edu/patient-care/sections/ir/advanced-services/varicocele
2 – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1087079225000334
3 – https://www.news-medical.net/health/Do-Stress-and-Anxiety-Affect-Sperm-Quality.aspx
