Male infertility and you

By Daily News Reporter

Infertility is an issue that can deeply affect an individual and their relationship. Advice is most often focused toward women, so in this Spotlight feature, we focus on infertility in men and provide some science-based tips for dealing with it.

Male infertility can be a heavy burden to bear. When the word “infertility” rears its worrisome head, most people first think about female infertility.

However, males are responsible for 20–30 percent Trusted Source of cases of infertility and “contribute to 50 percent of cases overall.”

Men and women tend to respond to the experience of infertility differently: historically, women have thought that men deal with the issue easier, but in reality, men are simply less likely to open up about their emotions.

Finding out that you are infertile can be a devastating experience. A man might feel less male and as if they have failed. Some men believe that their masculinity is wrapped up in their ability to give their partner a child, and so feeling that they have lost that ability can produce strong negative emotions.

Let see what causes male infertility?

Firstly, it is worth defining infertility. The World Health Organization Trusted Source (WHO) define it as “the inability of a sexually active, non-contracepting couple to achieve pregnancy in 1 year.”

In the majority of cases, male infertility is due to abnormal sperm. Sometimes there are low numbers of sperm, while sometimes there are none at all. Or, the sperm may not be great swimmers or be deformed in some way.

These issues can be caused in a number of ways, including:

Testicular infection

Testicular surgery

Varicocele, or varicose veins in the scrotum

Hypogonadism, or testosterone deficiency

Mumps

Radiotherapy

Cystic fibrosis

The list goes on. But often, there is no well-defined reason for the defective sperm. And in many cases, despite healthy sperm and no obvious issues with the partner’s reproductive health, conception remains difficult to achieve.

In some cases, it is impossible for a man to impregnate a woman, but this is relatively uncommon. In most situations, there is still a chance. If you have been trying for a particularly long time, it might feel as though there is no hope — but, generally, there is.

If you haven’t been to see an infertility specialist yet, you should consider it. They can pin down where the problem might lie and give general tips and advice. Talking with an expert also helps you to realize that you are not alone.

Also, there are options. For instance, many couples now conceive through in vitro fertilization (IVF).  According to the WHO’s of 2023 Rport stated that Large numbers of people are affected by infertility in their lifetime, according to a new report published today by WHO. Around 17.5% of the adult population – roughly 1 in 6 worldwide – experience infertility, showing the urgent need to increase access to affordable, high-quality fertility care for those in need.

The new estimates show limited variation in the prevalence of infertility between regions. The rates are comparable for high-, middle- and low-income countries, indicating that this is a major health challenge globally. Lifetime prevalence was 17.8% in high-income countries and 16.5% in low- and middle-income countries. It is vital to remember that there are other roads to be taken as you go through this troubling time.

Infertility is a disease of the male or female reproductive system, defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. It can cause significant distress, stigma, and financial hardship, affecting people’s mental and psychosocial well-being.

And According to 30 years old George Phiri of Kaunda Square in Lusaka shares with us the tips to deal with the emotional and practical side of infertility.

1. Get the facts

First and foremost, find out what’s going on. If you just think that you are infertile, or making a baby hasn’t happened despite a year or so of trying, it’s time to get checked. There is no point beginning a journey into sorrow without knowing if it’s even justified.

Go to an expert, and get your sperm tested. Ask questions. Read as much as you can. Understand what your particular issue is, and what that means for your chances of conception.

2. Make plans

One of the toughest parts of dealing with male infertility is not knowing how long it will last. Making plans where possible can help you to feel that you are still in charge.

Set targets and limits. With your partner, discuss what procedures you are prepared to go for, and what emotional and financial levels you can both handle. Pregnancy is often the result of repeated efforts, whether through natural intercourse or fertility treatment. It will help no one if you both end up as financially ruined, desiccated emotional husks.

3. Take control

There are some scientifically proven ways to improve sperm quality. Often, the simple act of taking back some control can go a long way to help deal with infertility; it fights off that creeping sense of helplessness.

Eating right can improve both sperm quality and general well-being.

Eat right. In short, lay off meat products and stock up on veg. Understanding the exact impacts of overall food intake is difficult, but a diet including lean meats, vegetables, legumes, and grains seems to improve sperm motility.

Maintain the right weight. There are fairly strong links between being overweight and male infertility.

Reduce stress. No, I’m not kidding, even though it sounds like a joke. Infertility is stressing you out, which, in turn, might be making infertility worse. The section on coping strategies below offers some advice on minimizing the impact of stress…and breathe.

Get active. Although the link between physical fitness and sperm quality has not been definitively proven, being physically active will prevent obesity, which is certainly linked. Exercise also helps to relieve stress, so it’s worth getting sweaty. According to one study, bicycling for just 5 hours per week could do the trick.

He added that some of the family members and the community used to laugh at that he failed to produce a baby because of his infertility “ they used to laugh at me that am not a man enough to have a baby now with the help of the doctors am able to produce as a man” Phiri said.

Speak with a doctor about medications that could interfere with sperm production, such as calcium channel blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, and anabolic steroids.

“You know in life you can’t force it, and it may feel like the last thing on earth that you want to do — but it can help. It counts as exercise and stress relief at the same time. Put on a movie that you know will tickle you, or hang out with your friends for a bit. Don’t hide away in a darkened corner” He added.

The last word Infertility affects people in a range of different ways — both physically and emotionally. However you are dealing with it, it is important to remember that you are not alone and that there is help available. Keep active, talk, and treat your mind and body well.