4 Male Infertility Myths Debunked
Yes, infertility in men is real, and it happens more often than you think. An estimated 48.5 million couples (15%) struggle with infertility globally.
Starting a family is an exciting time for couples. However, that excitement can quickly turn to stress if it takes longer than expected to conceive.
Even with such a significant number of people dealing with infertility, many questions and misconceptions surround it. We’re here to debunk some of the most common myths and how to improve male fertility.
4 Myths About Male Infertility
Let’s clear up these four myths about male infertility.
Myth: Women are often the problem with infertility
Infertility can happen in both women AND men. In fact, nearly 40% of infertility cases are primarily due to issues in males. So the notion that it’s only a female issue is false.
Three main factors cause infertility in men:
A low sperm count lowers the possibility of a sperm connecting with the egg.
Motility deals with a sperm’s ability to move towards the egg efficiently. Poor motility will decrease the chances of getting pregnant.
Sperm often have a round head with a long tail. An abnormal shape makes it difficult to fertilize the egg.
Myth: Age does not affect the quality of sperm
Females are born with all the eggs they’ll ever have as their bodies cannot produce more of them. So, at a certain point, they are unable to get pregnant and get to enter the joyous phase known as menopause.
Men, on the other hand, can produce sperm throughout their life. The reason is that their bodies can produce millions of sperm cells every day. However, the quality begins decreasing after 40 years of age, with the percentage of a successful pregnancy dropping to 46%. So, regardless of gender, age plays a significant factor in conception.
Myth: Men’s health doesn’t affect fertility
If anything, health plays a huge role in male fertility. When trying to conceive, men should minimize smoking, alcohol consumption, and stress as they can decrease sperm count and quality.
Fortunately, improving fertility can be as simple as a lifestyle change. Here are ways men can be proactive and enhance their ability to produce healthy sperm:
Working out or going for a jog is a great way to raise testosterone levels and boost sperm quality.
Weight does affect sperm levels. A body mass index greater than 30 can make you 50% less fertile. That’s why it’s good to aim for a BMI between 20 to 25 to increase sperm quantity and quality.
It should go without saying but eat more fruits and vegetables. A healthy diet ensures that you get important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin D, and folate.
Yes, getting the right amount of rest has a positive effect on fertility. Make sure to get your 7-8 hours of shut-eye whether you’re trying to conceive or not. (That goes for mom too!)
Myth: Supplements aren’t necessary for improving male fertility
On the contrary, supplements are another means of enhancing fertility for both females and males. They contain many essential vitamins, most notably vitamin B12 and folate. Both are vital during pregnancy.
There are prenatal vitamins for men (that’s right, they’re not just for women). The nutrients in men’s vitamins are meant to encourage ideal sperm production.
Start Caring About Your Health Today
When starting a family, both partners must care about their health. It has benefits for conception, pregnancy, and postnatal as well.
Knowing the issues that can arise in men when trying to conceive, we developed Prenatals for Men, a vitamin with all the essential nutrients you need for fertility and overall wellness. Get yours today.