Male infertility risk factors, both inheritable and avoidable, can motivate any forward-thinking man to take action. Everyday habits, enjoyable and innocuous in moderation, could destroy a man’s future fertility. Dr. James Douglas with IVF Plano routinely cautions men to think about sperm as a prized possession, especially when you are actively trying to conceive.
Like every physician, Dr. Douglas recommends adopting a healthful lifestyle to enjoy all of the disease-fighting benefits. When it comes to fertility, there are specific reasons to live the clean life.
• Quit smoking (cigarettes and marijuana).
• Strive for a body mass index ideal for your height and weight (typically <25).
• Use a condom, and don’t expose yourself to sexually transmitted disease (STD).
• Lower your cholesterol.
• Avoid hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms and hot baths.
• Cut back on alcohol consumption.
• Eat foods rich in antioxidants and vitamins C and A.
• Leave the laptop on the desk. Even a few minutes can elevate scrotal temps and harm sperm.
If you get diagnosed with male infertility, don’t beat yourself up about it. You’re not alone (1 in 7 couples faces infertility), and not to blame.
Sometimes genetics, infections or disease exposure attacks the reproductive system, and there’s nothing you could have done to prevent it. Dr. Douglas says the key is knowing when to seek help, and staying open to the possibilities of fertility treatment.
Taking action to improve fertility begins well before a man thinks about becoming a father. This year, on Father’s Day, share this information with someone you care about. Knowing the common male fertility risk factors can give them the gift of future fertility.
