In recent times the problem of low sperm count and male
infertility have become so prevalent, and have led to unhappy homes and
unfulfilled hopes seemingly due to a myriad of often-ignored factors like environmental
toxins; lifestyle factors etc. which have all otherwise enormously affected
fertility in men, and their inability to get a woman pregnant.
According to WHO, in other for a couple to achieve a healthy
pregnancy the male partner's sperm will have to satisfy the data below:
-- Normal sperm count > 20 million sperm cells/mL
-- Sperm motility > 50%
-- Morphology (size and shape) of about 30%
The female partner also on her part must "ovulate"
a healthy egg (ovum) from either of her ovaries in a copulation-timely fashion,
for fertilization and conception to be achieved.
Ideally abnormalities of the male spermatozoa could be
described under the following headings:
- Oligospermia (
low sperm count): This accounts for about 10
-15% cases of male factor infertility.
- Asthenospermia (poor sperm motility): This is often
associated with DNA fragmentation and increase the risk of transferring a
genetic disease.
- Teratospermia (abnormal sperm morphology): This refers to
the shape and structure of the sperm.
The above sperm abnormalities can morbidly hinder a couple's
efforts at getting pregnant, hence early diagnosis usually will save you a lot
of time, so you can seek the right solution.
Sadly, a lot of men especially in this part of the world are
reluctant, and exhibit pride towards undergoing a sperm health checkup (seminal
fluid analysis) in other to pinpoint a predisposing infertility problem. This
attitude however, is changing as health education continues to reach out on the
web.
12 Common Risk Factors Associated With Low Sperm Count/Male
Infertility:
Like I earlier said, the problem of male infertility and low
sperm count became prevalent as a result of our changing lifestyle,
environmental degradation amongst others.
"A recent report by Dr. Cecil Jacobson of Reproductive
Genetic Center, Vienna, Virginia USA stated that sperm count has not declined
over the past 4 decades. The study used dates of 1951 for the first comparison
study. 1951 was well after the introduction of large amounts of chemicals into
society and was a year in which vehicle emissions contained both high levels of
lead and large amounts of toxic hydrocarbon and solvent combustion products.
Also, by 1951 pesticides use was making its way into consumer use."
The following are the leading risk factors of Low Sperm
Count in the tropics:
Cigarette Smoking:
Smoking lowers a couple's chances of conception up to 20%,
according findings, by reducing the male sperm production and also damaging the
DNA structure (genetic material) of the sperm. Smoking also can affect sperm
quality and overall male fertility health, hindering conception.
Drug/Substance Abuse:
Recreational drugs like cocaine, marijuana can temporarily
reduce sperm count and quality, affecting a couple's chance of conception
greatly by hindering the testicular capacity to create adequate sperm. And the
use of anabolic steroids have also been linked to low sperm production.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs):
Bacterial organisms like Chlamydia Trachomatis and Gonorrhea
are the commonest known causes of infertility related infections in men, even
in sexually active women. This group of microorganisms in men spread to the
testis and epididymis (a tube that conveys sperm from the testicles) hindering
the passage of sperm due to blockage caused by inflammation as a result of the
ensuing infection.
Environmental Factors:
Occupational or prolonged exposure to toxins and chemicals
(eg; pesticides, herbicides, insecticides etc) are otherwise identified as
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDC) by environmental toxicologists. Studies
have shown that the above chemicals reduce sperm production in male by
hindering the function of testosterone (male hormone) that creates new sperm.
Physical or Mental Stress:
Stress has been linked to reduction in sperm production in
males, as a result of hormonal imbalance created by stress hormones in the body
(cortisol and adrenaline), and indirectly affecting the function of
testosterone.
Overheating the Testicles:
The testicles (or testis) anatomically is located outside
the body. By the Creator's design, this is an indication that sperm production
requires a subnormal body temperature (<37 C) for formation. And so, using
hot bath tubs, wearing tight silk boxers; prolonged placing of laptops on your
thighs could potentially reduce the counts of your swimmers thereby affecting
your chances of getting your partner pregnant.
Obesity:
Obesity could affect your fertility health negatively by
creating hormonal imbalance in your physiology, reducing your testosterone
level and subsequently affecting sperm production. Maintaining an optimum BMI
within 20 - 24 kg/m2 (body mass index) is ideal when preparing for conception.
Bicycle Riding:
In recent times, some comparative studies have revealed that
cycling for a long time (more than 5 hours per week) can affect sperm quality
and lower a man's odds at getting a woman pregnant. It is believed that
pressure from the bike's seat could potentially injure blood vessels and nerves
responsible for Attention in the perineum (a region between the anus and
genitals). And so, the male partner is advised against cycling when actively
trying to get his partner pregnant.
Age:
Age has been associated with male infertility and low sperm
production. As a man advances in age (70 - 80 years), the longer it will take
him to get his partner pregnant, compared to when he is young and sexually
active.
Electromagnetic Field Radiation:
There is growing evidence that excessive exposure to EMF
radiation could affect male fertility and also reduce sperm count in the
process. Hence, reducing your exposure to X-rays and use of mobile devices
anywhere around your genitals is highly advocated.
Erectile Dysfunction:
Erectile dysfunction or weak Attention in layman's
understanding is the inability of the joystick to maintain and sustain an
Attention necessary for penetration. Many men suffer from this sexual health
dysfunction, and this has often been linked to reduced testosterone activity in
men leading to low sperm production.
Varicocele:
This condition is one of the commonest causes of infertility
in men. It is characterized by abnormal enlargement and twisting of the veins
that drain "de-oxygenated" blood from the testicles. Research shows
that it affects 15 out of 100 men. Theoritically, varicocele impacts male
fertility negatively by raising the temperature of the testicles, or through
excessive pooling of blood in the vein carrying blood from the testicles
resulting to reduced sperm production.
How To Assess Your Overall Sperm Health -- Total Sperm
Check-Up:
The standard laboratory test for analyzing sperm health
medically is called Seminal Fluid Analysis. Here are the guidelines, steps and
what to expect from your doctor or lab scientist during this evaluation
procedure:
Step 1:
You will be counseled and asked to abstain from sexual
intercourse for a maximum of 3 days before the test is done, to ensure adequate
collection of your Fluid.
Step 2:
On the said third day: You will be mandated to either Erupt
into a sterile plastic container via masturbation or through Withdrawal Method
with your partner, and hurriedly send the collection to the Lab within 30
minutes. I usually recommend the first option to avoid delays.
Step 3:
Therein at the Lab your Fluid will be stored at a suitable
temperature or analyzed at once, for findings. Ideally, this test should be
repeated at least 3 times over several months.
How To Prevent Low Sperm Count Condition - What To Do:
As long as you are concerned, preventing low sperm count
condition primarily will require a disciplinary and proactive approach on your
part. Hence, I strongly recommend you get an accountability partner, your woman
preferably to help you stay focused and track your efforts and progress.
Here Are Things To Stay Clear Off:
- Avoid smoking
- Aim to maintain an optimal Body Mass Index of <25kg/m2
- Abstain from alcohol
- Reduce exposure to environmental toxins, chemicals, heavy
metals at your home and workplace
- Learn to manage stress
- Limit or avoid self-medication. And always consult your
healthcare provider for the right drug prescription.
By Dr Gilbert Nnaji
