Introduction
Infertility is a condition that affects millions of couples worldwide. In many instances, both partners can contribute to infertility, but male infertility accounts for around 40% of infertility cases. Male infertility can stem from a variety of causes, including hormonal imbalances, sperm production, and sperm delivery issues. When experiencing infertility, doctors who specialize in male infertility can often help couples conceive. This article will discuss male infertility, do’s and don’ts, best foods and vegetables to eat, and IVF, IUI, ICSI, and surrogacy treatments available.
Do’s and Don’ts for Infertility Male
Do’s:
1. Visit an infertility doctor to assess the fertility issue and take guidance on the next steps.
2. Consume a balanced diet that includes lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
3. Being physically active can increase testosterone levels, which can improve fertility.
4. Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or underweight can affect fertility.
5. Stress and anxiety can affect fertility. Keep stressors at bay by practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
6. Men who smoke should quit, as it can affect sperm quality and quantity.
7. Exposure to environmental toxins can harm sperm, so avoid exposure to pesticides, chemicals, or other pollutants.
Don’ts:
1. Avoid wearing tight clothing that can increase scrotal temperatures and affect sperm health.
2. Avoid alcohol consumption as it leads to reduced testosterone levels.
3. Drug consumption can also hamper sperm production and reduce fertility.
4. Fatty and sugary foods can also affect fertility. Eliminate trans fats found in fried foods and baked goods, and opt for healthier options.
5. Prolonged exposure to hot tubs or saunas can affect sperm production. Additionally, avoid exposure to radiation and X-rays.
Best Foods and Vegetables for Infertility Male
Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals essential for fertility can help fight infertility. Some of the recommended foods and vegetables include:
1. Oysters and shellfish (rich in zinc).
2. Salmon and sardines (rich in omega-3 fatty acids).
3. Nuts and seeds, such as sunflower seeds, almonds, and walnuts, which are rich in selenium and omega-3 fatty acids.
4. Green leafy vegetables, including spinach, kale, and broccoli, are rich in folate and antioxidants.
5. Citrus fruits, berries, and bell peppers (Vitamin C).
6. Legumes, such as lentils, peas, and beans, are rich in zinc, folate, and protein.
These foods provide a balanced and nutritious diet to improve fertility.
Lifestyle and Habits
Lifestyle and habits can also affect male infertility. A few tips to consider include:
1. Abstain from sex or masturbate 2-3 days before semen analysis.
2. Stay active, exercise regularly, and avoid excessive cycling or horse riding.
3. Practice good sleep hygiene and get 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
4. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol or caffeine.
5. Control health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or hyperthyroidism.
Infertility Treatments
Male infertility treatments vary depending on the cause and severity of the infertility. Some of the treatments include:
1. IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization): IVF involves removing the eggs from a woman’s ovaries and fertilizing them with sperm outside the body in a laboratory. IVF is one of the most successful fertility treatments, with a success rate of up to 40% per cycle.
2. IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): IUI involves depositing sperm directly into the uterus. The procedure is simpler and less expensive than IVF but has a lower success rate of 10-20%.
3. ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): ICSI is a more advanced form of IVF where a single sperm is directly injected into an egg. This treatment is useful for men with very low sperm counts.
4. Surrogacy: Surrogacy procedures involve another woman carrying the baby to term for the couple. This method may be an option for couples with severe infertility issues.
Conclusion
Seeing a doctor who specializes in male infertility can help couples overcome infertility issues and conceive. Fertility issues can be overcome by consuming a balanced diet, reducing stress levels, maintaining an ideal weight, and living a healthy lifestyle. IVF, IUI, ICSI, and surrogacy are some of the available treatment options. Understanding and taking care of one’s health is the first step in overcoming infertility problems.