Male reproductive health is a crucial aspect of men’s overall wellbeing, and it is vital to have regular check-ups with a qualified male reproductive doctor. A male reproductive doctor, also known as a urologist or andrologist, specializes in diagnosing and treating male reproductive health issues. They deal with a range of conditions, including infertility, erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, testicular cancer, and microphallus (small penis).
One of the essential things a male reproductive doctor will do is take a medical history and perform a physical examination. They may also perform blood and urine tests, imaging studies, or biopsies if needed. Here are some things you should do when visiting a male reproductive doctor:
Do’s
1. Eat a healthy and balanced diet- Consuming a diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins can contribute to overall reproductive health.
2. Maintain a healthy weight- Obesity can decrease fertility, so it’s essential to maintain an ideal weight range.
3. Exercise regularly- Exercise is beneficial for your overall health, and it can also improve your sperm count and quality.
4. Practice safe sex- Using condoms can prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which can cause male infertility.
5. Attend regular checkups- Regular check-ups can help detect any potential issues before they become serious problems.
Don’ts
1. Do not smoke- Smoking can damage the DNA in sperm and cause infertility.
2. Avoid excess alcohol consumption- Heavy alcohol consumption can decrease testosterone levels and sperm production.
3. Do not take recreational drugs- Recreational drugs can negatively affect sperm quality and quantity.
4. Don’t wear tight clothing or use hot tubs- Heat can harm the reproductive organs, so it’s essential to avoid tight clothing or prolonged exposure to hot tubs.
5. Avoid long periods of sitting- Sitting for long periods can cause poor circulation in the pelvic area, which can negatively affect male reproductive health.
Foods and Vegetables to Eat
1. Leafy Greens- Leafy greens are full of antioxidants, which can help improve fertility.
2. Fruits- Fruits provide vitamins and nutrients that are essential for reproductive health.
3. Whole Grains- The fiber and nutrients in whole grains can help improve sperm quality.
4. Fish- Fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help boost sperm motility.
5. Nuts- Nuts are an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and minerals, which can help improve overall reproductive health.
Lifestyle and Habits
1. Manage Stress- Stress can negatively affect fertility, so it’s essential to manage stress through activities like yoga, meditation, or therapy.
2. Sleep Well- Getting good quality sleep is essential for overall health, including reproductive health.
3. Avoid Environmental Toxins- Exposure to toxins like pesticides and chemicals can harm male reproductive health.
4. Limit Mobile Usage- Prolonged mobile usage can emit radiation that can harm sperm quality.
5. Avoid Hot Showers- Long, hot showers can damage sperm and reduce fertility.
IVF, IUI, ICSI and Surrogacy Treatment
IVF (in vitro fertilization) is a procedure where eggs are removed from a woman’s ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a lab. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the woman’s uterus.
IUI (intrauterine insemination) involves placing sperm directly into a woman’s uterus during ovulation to fertilize an egg.
ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is a type of IVF where sperm is injected directly into the egg.
Surrogacy involves a woman carrying and giving birth to a child for another person or couple.
In conclusion, male reproductive health is crucial, and there are numerous steps men can take to improve and maintain their reproductive health. These include eating a healthy diet, avoiding harmful habits like smoking, and alcohol consumption, managing stress, and attending regular check-ups with a qualified male reproductive doctor. For couples grappling with infertility, fertility treatments like IVF, IUI, ICSI, and surrogacy can offer hope for starting a family.