The journey between deciding to start a family and conceiving can be a long and arduous one. But, it’s a lot more common than you think. Up to 15% of couples trying to get pregnant face issues with fertility, and about a third of these cases are exclusively linked to male infertility. We spoke to Rajat Jadhav, Co-founder of Bold Care to help us with a simple guide to tackle fertility concerns that many men battle. He said,
With these discussions wrapped up in shame and social stigma, especially around men’s sexual health viewed through a limiting lens of virility, it can be hard to seek help to treat the problem. Yet, starting this conversation is an important aspect of dismantling the taboo surrounding male infertility, and it enables us to address the variety of problems that can cause difficulties in conceiving.
Here are five imperatives to understand in order to boost male fertility that Rajat recommends:
1. Identify The Issue
Male infertility, or the lowered chances of a partner’s sperm cells being able to penetrate and fertilise an egg, could be the result of myriad problems. Oligospermia—or a low sperm count of around 15 million sperm cells per millilitre of semen—abnormally shaped sperm cells and lowered sperm motility can all contribute to fertility issues.
Other causes include problems with libido, testicular health, testosterone levels, erectile dysfunction, and hormonal imbalances. Self-diagnosing these diverse issues can be tricky and even unhelpful. That’s why it’s essential that a doctor be consulted to devise a treatment plan that effectively addresses the patient’s unique concerns.
2. Consider Dietary Supplements
Thanks to decades of research, today we have access to dietary supplements that offer a concoction of ingredients formulated to tackle specific problems that contribute to male infertility.
Look for ingredients like D-Aspartic acid (an amino acid that fights fatigue, strengthens muscles, and increases testosterone levels), Ashwagandha (an Ayurvedic root extract that improves testosterone levels, sperm count, and motility), or fenugreek extract (an ingredient that boosts libido, and betters sperm health).
3. Get Your Antioxidants
Opt for an antioxidant-rich diet to fight oxidative stress, which is the imbalance of free radicals in your body that can cause cell and tissue inflammation or damage. Whether through supplements, dark chocolate, walnuts, or fruits rich in vitamin C, ensure you consume a good amount of antioxidants that will counteract the risk posed by free radical and, in turn, significantly improve semen quality.
4. Alleviate Stress
Anxiety is known to affect libido, but an increase in the levels of the stress hormone cortisol can even reduce testosterone.
So, make time for your hobbies! Read a book. Meditate. Socialise safely even in the midst of a pandemic. And for more severe cases of anxiety, speak to a doctor if you need medication.
5. Make Some Lifestyle Changes
Ditch tight clothes for looser fits and boxers since tight clothing can cause the crotch to stay too warm and limit the production of sperm.
Regularly exercising also has a markedly beneficial impact on the quality of sperm cells and testosterone levels of men, when compared to more inactive men. You should note that excessive exercising, however, can potentially reduce testosterone levels. Add more zinc to your diet, or in the form of a supplement, since the ingredients help repair tissues and can even mitigate the risk that comes with excessively working out.
In making healthier lifestyle choices, you should also quit smoking and binge drinking since they can contribute to erectile dysfunction, affect testosterone and sperm quality negatively, and even interfere with IVF procedures.
Realising one’s dream of starting a family is a right everyone has. But putting a bun in the oven can feel unnerving at times. A specialised consultation with the right doctor can help in addressing and treating the distinct issues a man might be facing in the bedroom. So don’t delay scheduling your appointment and get the attention, medication, and regimen you deserve.
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