Improving Fertility In Men

Studies show many women are unable to get pregnant after a year of trying. However, couples in which the male partner is 40 years old or older are more likely to report difficulty conceiving. Before attempting conception, the male partner should have a working knowledge of factors impacting fertility including age, testosterone and estrogen levels, and underlying health conditions.

Getting your levels right

Testosterone levels have notably dropped over the past 40 years. As a result, an estimated 30% of infertility in couples is due to male factors. Some men produce sperm less than optimal for creating a pregnancy during peak reproductive years. While fertility problems occur in both men and women, a full assessment of both partners by a gynecologist can quickly get to the heart of any issues. From a malfunctioning pituitary gland to enlarged veins, male infertility comes from various sources. A quick assessment confirming the potential father’s testosterone levels speeds up conception by directly identifying any problems with sperm production.

Managing male infertility

However worrying, a few fundamental lifestyle changes help improve sperm morphology in male patients. Keeping alcohol consumption under a certain amount per day negates the impact the substance can have on fertility. In cases of excessive drinking, men may experience reduced testosterone production, impotence, and decreased sperm production. By sticking to 1-2 drinks per day at a maximum, men raise the likelihood of conception while limiting the possibility of risks. Along with maintaining a healthy weight, and minimizing exposure to toxins in cleaning supplies, lowering tobacco use can help boost sperm production.

How does ART work?

Advanced reproductive technology (ART) manages infertility via cutting-edge family planning strategies. The treatment incorporates fertility medicines that focus on at least 2 eggs and sperm. Reproductive technology works by independently fertilizing eggs taken from the ovaries with the selected sperm. The viable embryos are then returned to the parent or surrogate’s body. The success of the reproductive procedure largely depends on the individual patient. Other common procedures include using surrogates, donor eggs, donor sperm, or previously frozen embryos.

Don’t smoke, please

The overall health of sperm can be easily damaged by outside influences including smoke and other toxic chemicals. Cutting down on cigarette use before trying for a baby or attempting in vitro fertilization (IVF) can minimize tobacco’s negative impact on fertility. In addition to a low sperm count, smoking can cause breathing problems, limiting oxygen in the bloodstream. Healthy patients focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and body weight can enjoy improved sperm morphology.

A successful conception

At least a third of the population have experience with IVF treatments, which means infertility is a common, treatable issue. American families experiencing difficulty getting pregnant can use reproductive technology to determine viable sperm and increase the likelihood of conception. While no method guarantees pregnancy, male patients can boost sperm morphology via healthy habits and leveraging reproductive technology. While infertility can be frustrating, painful, and exhausting, ART provides hope for countless men looking to become fathers.