Lifestyle Issues that Impact Male Fertility
Abnormal Sperm Delivery
If your partner has received results of a semen analysis that indicate that things are normal, you may be experiencing problems with the delivery of sperm from the penis into the vagina, including:
Sexual Issues
Several problems during intercourse can impact male fertility, including erection difficulties (erectile dysfunction), premature ejaculation, dyspareunia, or psychological or relationship problems.
Retrograde Ejaculation
Caused when semen enters the bladder during orgasm rather than exiting out of the penis, retrograde ejaculation can result from various conditions such as bladder, prostate or urethral surgery, diabetes, and certain medications.
Duct Blockage
When the epididymis or the ejaculatory ducts are blocked, the male partner may have trouble impregnating his partner. Some men do not have tubes that carry sperm, called the vas deferens, from the testicle to the opening in the penis, which can also lead to problems conceiving. This is most commonly seen with men who have cystic fibrosis.
Misplaced urinary opening (hypospadias)
If the urinary (urethral) opening is located on the underside of the penis, sperm delivery can be hindered unless surgery corrects the issue.
General Health and Lifestyle Issues
Your overall health and lifestyle choices can contribute to conception problems. Consider these areas:
Emotional stress
When you experience a great deal of emotional distress, this situation can impact the hormones needed to produce sperm and influence sperm count. Fertility problems can contribute to overall stress and aggravate the situation.
Malnutrition
If you don’t get enough vitamin C, selenium, zinc or folate, you may have difficulty trying to conceive.
Obesity
Caring excessive weight can hinder male fertility.
Cancer and/or Cancer Treatment
Radiation and chemotherapy may impair sperm development and production; the closer treatment is to the testicles, the greater the chance of developing fertility issues. If one or both testicles must be removed, your fertility will probably be affected.
Alcohol and Drug Use
Dependency on alcohol or drugs can cause health issues and reduce fertility. Specific drugs, like anabolic steroids, can also play a part with infertility.
Age
Once you reach age 40, your fertility may decline.
Other Medical Conditions
Major surgery, a serious injury, and certain health conditions like diabetes, thyroid disease, Cushing’s syndrome, or anemia may lead to male infertility.
Overheating the Testicles
While trying to conceive, refrain from regular use of saunas or hot tubs because these activities can elevate your core body temperature, impairing your sperm production and lowering your sperm count.
Substance and tobacco use
Narcotics such as marijuana and cocaine may temporarily reduce the quality and number of sperm. If you smoke, you may have a lower sperm count then men who don’t use tobacco.
