In 2019, Statistics Canada revealed that the nation’s fertility rate had hit an all-time low, averaging approximately 1.5 children for each woman of childbearing age. While there are a lot of personal and socioeconomic reasons for this abnormally low birth rate, one crucial factor is seldom discussed earnestly in academic circles.
Declining male fertility is actually one of the most common denominators when it comes to understanding why more couples don’t have kids or are unable to conceive. Keep reading to learn more about male infertility counselling and tips to produce healthy sperm.
How Male Infertility Affects Conception Rates in Canada
Signs of female and male infertility differ widely. Women typically exhibit certain physical symptoms caused by conditions like endometriosis that make it difficult for them to conceive. Men, on the other hand, often don’t realize that there might even be a problem until they actually try to have a baby with their partners.Sperm quality, motility, and volume are all important factors in determining whether a man is fertile enough to impregnate his female partner. A semen analysis performed by a reputable fertility clinic in Kitchener-Waterloo can help determine whether a man has viable enough sperm to conceive.
Although there are a number of medical and lifestyle-related reasons for a man to have low-quality sperm or a low sperm count, about 25% of male infertility in Canada is unaccounted for. Generally speaking, health and consistent sperm production depends heavily on taking care of your overall health.
Identifying Sperm Quality Using Semen Analysis
A semen analysis reveals potential health risk factors and other causes that can lead to inflated male infertility rates. This is the most accurate way of determining whether a man’s sperm are the culprit behind their inability to conceive a child with their partners. Semen analyses are very thorough and determine the quality, motility, and volume of the sperm being produced. If any of these important factors are compromised or diminished for any reason, then this can have a negative impact on the man’s ability to conceive a child with their partner.Medical issues such as fibromyalgia, testicular cancer, and even certain medications can also negatively impact sperm quality, volume, and motility rates. All of these factors must be taken into consideration when formulating an effective male fertility treatment plan that includes infertility counselling for men. Men with a low sperm count, quality, and slow movement shouldn’t be immediately discouraged, however. Semen analyses only reveal the current state of your sperm, but you can make some lifestyle and health improvement changes to boost the virility of your sperm.
Tips for Improving Male Fertility and Producing Healthy Sperm
As mentioned, there are a number of health and lifestyle-related reasons why your sperm may be inadequate for conceiving a baby. While some of these factors are completely within your control, others are medical conditions or traumatic injuries that can result in long-term but not necessarily irreparable damages. Here are a few things you can and should do to improve your fertility and chances of producing healthy sperm:Exercise Regularly
Oftentimes, infertility is correlated with excessive stress either for professional or personal reasons. The inability to conceive a child after trying for a long time can also cause depression, anxiety, and stress for many couples. Physical activity such as exercise is a great way to relieve a lot of the stress and pressure you may be feeling. Cardio, strength building, and restorative workouts such as yoga or meditation can all have a positive impact on your overall well-being, which also helps increase fertility.Get Good Quality Sleep
Good quality sleep and exercise go hand in hand. Sleep is when your body and mind are fully at rest. Studies have shown that men who don’t get enough sleep (less than six hours a night) typically have lower sperm counts than those who get a full night’s restful sleep. Lack of proper sleep has also been linked to other serious health problems like constant fatigue, diabetes, and obesity.Maintain a Healthy Diet
When it comes to healthy sperm production, diet is just as important as exercising regularly and getting enough sleep. Maintain a diet that includes lots of healthy inflammation-reducing fats, vitamin D (when staying out in the sun isn’t an option), and leafy green vegetables.Get Tested for STDs and STIs
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia or gonorrhea lead to inflamed testicles, which stunts the male reproductive process. Untreated chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease in both males and females. Not only do STDs and STIs negatively impact your sexual health, but they also affect your partner as well.Take Important Supplements
Certain vitamins and minerals such as folate, zinc, and magnesium promote healthy sperm production. Although you can get these vitamins and nutrients in food as well, the quantities are often limited. Vitamin and nutrient concentration in supplement form is much higher and can therefore improve your sperm health and boost your chances of conceiving.Things to Avoid for Better Male Fertility and Sperm Health
Avoid doing and consuming the following things if you want to improve your male fertility and sperm health.- Smoking. Cigarettes contain over 4,000 harmful toxins. When they get into your blood stream, these toxins prevent red blood cells from delivering oxygen to organs throughout your body, causing inflammation and other issues that are correlated with infertility.
- Alcohol. Limit your alcohol intake or stop it altogether if you want to increase your fertility. Studies have shown that men who drink alcohol generally have lower sperm counts and survival rates than sober men.
- Soy. Soy contains phytoestrogens, which are known to destroy sperm concentration and decrease male fertility.
- Hot tubs, saunas, and other high heat sources. Men who are trying to conceive a baby should steer clear of any heat source as these have been known to destroy sperm.
