March 27, 2012 Clippings

Myths and facts about male infertility

Indian society mostly saddles women with the responsibility of bearing children, which means it's the women who are blamed for being infertile should there be a delay or absence in pregnancy. Today, we're destroying such myths by presenting a must-know list of myths and facts about male infertility. Here's a teaser - did you know that being overweight could harm the quality of sperms and overall sperm production? Here's Dr. Rashmi Sharma, Consultant at Moolchand Fertility & IVF, on the real causes behind male infertility. She says, "Male infertility can be treated, but first it is necessary to break taboos and certain myths and seek medical help." Over to Dr. Sharma...

Myth: The biggest myth surrounding infertility is that infertility is a female problem. Fact: "This is not true. Infact, in about 40% cases of infertility; the problem lies with the male. We do see so many cases where thousands of tests for females are done but not a single semen analysis is done for the male partner."

Myth: Stress is one of the major causes of infertility. Fact: "False. Actually, stress affects one's sex drive but not the semen quality or quantity and thus will not lead to infertility.

Myth: Keeping the testicles cold will enhance semen quality. Fact: "False. Cooling testicles by ice is not only dangerous but ineffective too. However, wearing tight undergarments, and prolonged driving should be avoided as it raises scrotal temperature and affects sperm quality.

Myth: Only older men have infertility problems. Fact: "No, even young men can have severe infertility problems. Absence of sperms or very low sperm counts can be encountered at ages as young as 20."

Myth: Does smoking and drinking cause infertility in men? Fact: "Agreed. Quitting smoking and drinking alcohol in moderation is beneficial as both are known to make sperm toxic."

Myth: Nutritional supplements don't help in enhancing the sperm quality. Fact: "Anti-oxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, zinc, selenium do help up to some extent."

Myth: Mobile phones kept in the pocket radiate electromagnetic waves, which damage sperm quality. Fact: "Well, this is not always true as these concerns are yet to be proven by larger studies."

Myth: Weight does not affect male fertility. Fact: "False. Men with an optimal body mass index (BMI) of 20 to 25 tend to have better sperm production and more normal sperm.

Myth: Can excessive cycling affect male fertility or sperm count? Fact: "Not true. Cycling does not affect sperm count. However, the problem that should concern cyclists is actually related to erections."

Source: www.timesofindia.com

27.03.2012

When nothing is certain, everything is possible

Margaret Drabble