Male Infertility Myths and Truths
As with any topic, there are always going to be myths abounding about sperm health and male infertility. The more that you get the facts and banish the myths, the better off you'll be. Here, we discuss a number of myths about male infertility so that we can shed light on the truths and help you to deal with your issues in an educated fashion.
Myth 1: Infertility isn't my fault, the man says. It's got to be an issue with my wife.
Truth: Approximately half of the time that there is a fertility issue that can be identified in a couple, the male is the one with the issue. In the Journal of Urology it explains that male infertility is the exclusive cause of about 20% of infertile couple's issues and it contributes to the issue in 30-40% of the cases.
Myth 2: We are just trying too hard. If I could just get my wife to relax, we would conceive with no problems.
Truth: It is true that stress can be a contributing factor to infertility. It is not, however, almost ever the sole factor. If you have been trying for a year or more to conceive and simply aren't succeeding, then it's more likely that there is something wrong. It's time to see a doctor and to have an evaluation done on you and your partner. Then, if you discover what the issues are, you can book your vacation and try to relax!
Myth 3: This is all my fault. If I had just worn boxer shorts instead of briefs my whole life, we would have kids now.
Truth: Researchers have speculated that very tight pants and heat issues can contribute to male sperm count issues. However, it is very unlikely that these factors alone will render a male infertile. While it is a good idea for you to start to wear boxers from now on, and to avoid over exposure to heat, you can not blame yourself for your infertility - and you certain can't do so on account of your briefs.
Myth 4: Well, that's it. I've been told that I have a low sperm count and now there is nothing that can be done to help me or to get us pregnant.
Truth: Often times, if you have a low sperm count, the doctor will find that you have a blockage or other treatable condition. There are many lifestyle changes that doctors will recommend to you including quitting smoking and drug use, losing weight, staying away from hot tubs, and other techniques. Just because you have a low sperm count, it doesn't mean that you won't be able to conceive children. You may just need some advice and intervention.
Myth 5: My fertility won't change as I age. Maybe we'll just wait a few more years and then try later.
Truth: Unfortunately, you fertility does age with you. Usually, after the age of 35, male fertility does begin to decrease. This decline is both slow and gradual, but it can speed up if something like an infection hinders sperm production. It's definitely not advisable to simply wait to have kids.
Myth 6: My wife is taking nutritional supplements to enhance her fertility - but I certainly don't need to do the same.
Truth: Research has shown a link between men who take 200 mg a day of selenium and 50 mg a day of zinc and the quality and quantity of their sperm. In addition, a low-glycemic diet for men has proven to help with sperm.
If you think that you may have fertility issues, there is nothing to be embarrassed about. It is important, however, for you to seek medical attention and assistance and to work with a professional on these issues.
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