Fertility issues are a widespread yet complicated dilemma for millions of couples across the globe. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infertility is defined as "the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse." It is a sensitive topic for all couples. A variety of factors, including genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors may cause infertility. While infertility is often attributed to women, male infertility affects around 1/3 of infertility cases.
Men's fertility is the subject of numerous myths, and much information is available, but it isn't easy to decide what to believe. Here are four myths about male fertility myths debunked:
Myth #1: Infertility is always a female problem
When a couple struggles to conceive, a woman's fertility is thought to be the cause. Unfortunately, for far too long, women have been held solely responsible when attempting to conceive doesn't work out as expected. Nevertheless, the truth is that about one-third of cases of infertility are caused by male causes, another third by female factors, and the remaining cases are caused by a mix of variables or are "unknown."
Therefore, the common impression that infertility is a 'female's problem,' isn't true at all. Infertility affects 48.5 million couples across the globe, i.e., 15% of all married couples. Among these, men are responsible for 20–30% of infertility cases, accounting for 50%. So infertility affects both men and women, but women are more open about their worries.
Men's fertility depends on the quality of sperm and the number of sperm. Therefore, it is difficult, rather impossible, to get your wife or partner pregnant if your sperm quality is low. About 2% of men struggling with infertility have low sperm counts or have issues with sperm motility or abnormal sperm morphology. Thus no doubt, infertility is an issue but not just a female issue.
Myth #2: Infertility is caused by tight underwear or pants
Another common myth about male infertility is that tight underwear or pants can cause infertility. While tight clothing may cause discomfort, there is no evidence to suggest that they cause infertility.
Tight underwear tends to restrict your scrotum from being cool and being able to breathe. For testicles to produce sperm, their temperature should be lower than your core body temperature. That's why the scrotum is present as an external organ. So wearing tight underpants may increase the temperature in the scrotum, which is true.
The actual causes of male infertility are much more complex and may include genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, and lifestyle habits such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. Certain medical conditions may also impact male fertility, such as varicoceles (enlarged veins in the testicles) and infections.
Myth #3: Age does not affect male fertility
We have heard and seen that a woman's fertility decreases with age and ends fully after menopause. We have also all heard stories of men having children in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s. Many continue to think that males can have healthy children for the rest of their lives. But, male fertility is not age-proof. Male fertility does drop with age, but the decrease is gradual and slow.
Experts claim that sperm quality starts to decline once a male turns 40. As men get older, their sperm quality and quantity deteriorate, making it more challenging to impregnate their spouses.
If the father is older than 45, the risk of miscarriage may increase regardless of the mother's age. In addition, children of older fathers may be more vulnerable to autism, mental health issues, and learning problems.
Myth #4: Infertility is untreatable
One of the most damaging myths about male infertility is that it is untreatable. This is simply not true. There are several treatment options available for male infertility, depending on the cause and severity of the issue.
Newer and more advanced medical technologies have made infertility diagnosis and treatment easier. Infertility specialists and urologists can help diagnose the cause of male fertility with the help of medical history, physical examination, standard hormone tests, and semen analysis, which count the number of sperm, and assess their quality and motility. Once the cause of infertility has been identified, a patient's specific customized treatment plan can be designed.
For example, if the infertility is caused by a hormonal imbalance, hormone therapy may be prescribed to help restore normal hormone levels. Similarly, if a varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum) is causing infertility, surgery may be recommended to correct the problem.
Men and couples need to seek medical help if they suspect a problem with fertility. Delaying treatment may decrease the chances of successful conception and may limit the available treatment options.
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If you are struggling with infertility, remember that you are not alone. There is help available, so don't be afraid to seek it out. With modern technology and treatments, the chances of successful conception may be high if a couple is willing to look into their options and make efforts to improve fertility.
Dr. Ashit Shah, chief urologist of Aashray Urology Institute, is an expert male fertility specialist. He can assist you in identifying any blocks to conception and provide treatments to help you get through them. Book an appointment with him today.
