Few common and surprising factors affecting male fertility

One of life’s biggest ironies for many adults across the world is that they try to avoid pregnancy for years, and when they are ready to start a family, they simply can’t. That’s the moment when panic settles in and you rush to physician to know what’s wrong with you.  The following are a few factors which may have an impact on fertility and conception. Here are a few factors which can cause fertility problems in men:

• Heat: The enzymes required for the production of sperm are very sensitive to heat. Men who frequently visit saunas or hot tubs, or wear tight pants, sit at the desk all day long, or stand in front of hot stove, may be causing trouble to their testicles with heat to such an extent that they cannot make sperm and get their partners pregnant. The reason why testicles hang away from the body is that it is about 4 degrees cooler than the normal body temperature. This cooler temperature is required for sperm to thrive. Here’s what you can do to avoid overheating: Stay out of hot tubs and saunas. Keep laptop and computers away from your lap. If your job requires you to sit for long periods, then ensure to get up in between and move around. Don’t sit with crossed legs and wear loose-fitting underwear and clothing.

• Sex at the wrong time: Does that stun you? But it’s true. Coming together at the right time of the month is important for you to conceive. What you can do is chart your body temperature or use an ovulation predictor kit so that you know when you are going to ovulate. A week before your ovulation date, have sex every other day. You can use babystart Fertilcount which can help you know your fertile period within minutes so that you can improve your chances of conception.

• Alcohol and smoking: Alcohol is called ‘gonadotoxin’, meaning it acts like poison in the testicles and adversely affects sperm production. Hence, men should ideally limit their drinks to two twice a week.  Both cigarette and marijuana affect the production of normal sperm. Hence, stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption.