Here are 10 things that may cause male infertility.

(1) Keeping Mobile Phone in Pocket

A finding by some researchers at the University of Exeter England released earlier this June shows that keeping mobile phone in the pocket could affect sperm quality. They found out that exposure to cell phone radiation lowers sperm motility by 8% and viability by 9%. This finding is still a controversial one but it would be safer to keep away mobile phones from the pocket as much as possible.

Apart from radiation from mobile phones, other factors could also be responsible for infertility in males. In fact this was the argument of some scientists against the findings of the research from Exeter: that the singular action of phone radiation cannot be responsible for male infertility. Telegraph.co.uk outlined the following as other things that can also cause infertility.



(2) Heavy Drinking

It is said that alcohol affects the body’s ability to absorb zinc which is a nutrient vital for healthy sperm. It’s still unclear what quantity of alcohol is bad but it’s advisable to stay away from it as much as possible, especially heavy drinking.

(3) Oxidative Stress

Another thing that can cause male infertility is oxidative stress. This is linked to lifestyle factors such as obesity, diet, pollutants, smoking and alcohol. Taking antioxidant supplements such as vitamin E, vitamin C, folic acid etc. is said to increase fertility.

(4) Poor Diet

Diet should be holistic. A healthy diet will help maintain a healthy sperm count and an poor diet otherwise. It is advisable that one eats foods that will guarantee the general health of the body.

(5) Excessive Exercise

Exercise is good for the body but its excess especially when it is combined with body building steroids can decrease the production of testosterone and thereby lower sperm count.

(6) Frequent Sex

Too much sex can decrease the quality of sperm cells. It is advised that couples wishing to conceive should limit intercourse to every two or three days.

(7) Exposure To Heat

Heat from laptops, wearing tight underpants and other things that could increase the temperature around the testicles could cause low sperm count. As much as possible, it is advised that the general crotch area should be kept cool.

(8) Untreated Infection

When STIs are not treated on time, it could result in infertility. Chlamydia infection, Gonorrhoea, Mumps etc can affect fertility and even cause sterility.

(9) Exposure to Pesticides and other Chemicals

It has been found that exposure to pesticides and other harmful chemicals can affect sperm quality and quantity.  Men working with chemicals are advised to wear the appropriate protective gear and reduce their exposure to the chemicals as much as possible.

(10) Doping

Sniffing drugs like cocaine and cannabis can impair fertility in males. It is said that “cannabis seems to have a dramatic effect on sperm, making them swim too fast and “burn out” before they reach the egg”. Some prescribed drugs can also affect fertility; it is advised that a man seeking to conceive should consult the doctor before taking any drug.

Other things that could cause male infertility include stress, ageing, radiation (x-rays, radiotherapy etc.), and excessive weight.


via Telegraph.co.uk