Ejaculation and Male Fertility

By Jerry Kennard Updated on May 18, 2023
Medically reviewed by Chioma Ndubisi, MD
Fact checked by Sarah Scott

This article is a repost which originally appeared on verywell health

Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.

Key Points

‧ Semen is composed of different substances.

‧ Men can experience multiple orgasms.

‧ Seek out a medical professional if you suspect you may have fertility issues.

Ejaculation is the climactic point of male sexual arousal. During ejaculation, semen is ejected from the penis. How ejaculation occurs, what makes up semen, and how semen is produced are common questions.

This article looks at ejaculate, its composition and production, and its role in male fertility.

How Semen is Produced and What it’s Made Of

Ejaculation occurs when semen is released from the penis. It typically takes place during orgasm.

Before it occurs, a small amount of pre-ejaculate is usually released. This is sometimes called pre-cum. It drips from the head of your penis when you are aroused.

Pre-ejaculate is made up of one or two drops of alkaline fluid. This fluid comes from the Cowper’s glands, two small glands beneath the prostate. The alkaline fluid neutralizes acid that remains in the urethra after you urinate.3 The urethra is the tube that carries urine and semen to the outside of your body.

Orgasm is the final stage of male sexual arousal. During orgasm, semen flows from the urethra. It first comes out in a gush and then diminishes in volume.

Around 50% to 65% of the semen in an ejaculation comes from the seminal vesicles. These are two small glands located above the prostate. Another 20% to 30% comes from the prostate and gives semen its characteristic smell. The rest of your ejaculate is made up of other body fluids.

Sperm gives semen its milky appearance. The more sperm is in the semen, the more opaque it becomes.

Recap

Semen is produced in the seminal vesicles and prostate. Sperm is what gives semen its milky appearance.

What Happens When You Ejaculate

When you ejaculate, semen is expelled out of the penis through the urethra. The word “ejaculate” can also be used as a noun meaning “semen.”

Most males ejaculate an average of 2 ml to 3 ml of semen. This is roughly equal to a teaspoon.

How Common Are Multiple Orgasms?

Multiple orgasms are rarer for males than for females. The ability to ejaculate repeatedly varies greatly from person to person. It also begins to decline almost immediately after puberty.

Most males can have only one ejaculation within a period of one to two hours. This is called the refractory period.

Some can have a second ejaculation within two hours, and some can have three or four, though this is uncommon. The well-known sex researcher Alfred Kinsey recorded one male who was able to ejaculate six to eight times in a single session.

Ejaculation and Male Fertility

Depending on the underlying factors, the volume of ejaculate may affect your ability to get someone pregnant. That being said, conception can still occur with a small amount of semen. This is why withdrawing before orgasm may still lead to pregnancy.

Generally speaking, a sperm count of under 39 million per ejaculation or 15 million per milliliter reduces the chance you will get someone pregnant.

If you and your partner are trying to conceive, there are things you can do to improve your odds- including minimizing risk factors such as scrotal heat, cigarette smoking, and ensuring health dietary intake and optimizing management of any medical conditions. The female partner should also have a work-up with an OB/GYN to ensure her reproductive system is functioning normally.

If you’re struggling with fertility, ask your doctor about a semen analysis. This will help you understand if your semen is contributing to the problem.

Summary

Semen is primarily produced in the seminal vesicles and prostate. When you ejaculate, it is released from your body through your urethra.

It only takes a small amount of semen to get someone pregnant. If you are trying to conceive, a semen analysis can help you understand what your sperm count is, so you can take steps to improve your odds.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Alwaal A, Breyer BN, Lue TF. Normal male sexual function: emphasis on orgasm and ejaculation. Fertil Steril. 2015;104(5):1051-60. doi:10.1016%2Fj.fertnstert.2015.08.033

Killick SR, Leary C, Trussell J, Guthrie KA. Sperm content of pre-ejaculatory fluid. Hum Fertil (Camb). 2011;14(1):48-52. doi:10.3109%2F14647273.2010.520798

National Cancer Institute. SEER Training Modules. Accessory Glands.

Alwaal A, Breyer BN, Lue TF. Normal male sexual function: emphasis on orgasm and ejaculation. Fertil Steril. 2015;104(5):1051-60. doi:10.1016%2Fj.fertnstert.2015.08.033

Lawrentschuk N, Ptasznik G, Ong S. Benign prostate disorders. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth, Mass: MDText.com, Inc.; 2021.

Wibowo E, Wassersug RJ. Multiple orgasms in men-what we know so far. Sex Med Rev. 2016;4(2):136-148. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2015.12.004

Kinsey AC, Pomeroy WB, Martin CE. Sexual behavior in the human male. Indiana University Press; 1998.

Mahdi BM. Semen analysis and insight into male infertility. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2021;9(A):252-256. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2021.5911

International Planned Parenthood Federation. Myths and Facts About the Withdrawl Method.

 

 

 

Men’s Health: Dos & Don’t Of Diet For Better Fertility In Men

This article is a repost which originally appeared on DOCTOR NDTV

Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.

The ability of a person to reproduce naturally is referred to as fertility. When a man’s chances of getting his female spouse pregnant are poor, this is known as male infertility. Usually, it depends on how good his sperm cells are. Infertility can sometimes be related to sexual function, and it can also occasionally be related to the quality of the semen.

Male fertility really depends on a healthy sperm count. Sperm count can be affected by a variety of elements, such as nutrition and way of life. You can increase sperm count and overall fertility by incorporating particular nutrients into your diet. We’ll look at some fundamental dos and don’ts that have been demonstrated to have an impact on sperm count below.

Dietary do’s & don’ts to boost fertility in men:

Do’s

  1. Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
  2. You certainly already know that vitamin C can strengthen the immune system. According to some research, consuming antioxidants like vitamin C may increase fertility.
  3. Cut back on processed and fast food, as they contain high levels of unhealthy fats, sugars, and artificial additives that can negatively impact fertility.
  4. Increase your intake of antioxidants such as vitamin E, and selenium, as they can help protect sperm from damage.
  5. Fertility in both men and women can benefit from vitamin D. Another vitamin that might raise testosterone levels is this one. Men who were vitamin D deficient had a higher likelihood of having low testosterone levels, according to one observational study.
  6. Fenugreek is an appreciated herb for both cooking and medicine. Supplements containing fenugreek have been demonstrated to considerably raise testosterone levels.
  7. One of the foundational elements of male fertility is getting adequate zinc. Additionally, taking zinc supplements may prevent the lower testosterone levels linked to overdoing it on high-intensity exercise.
  8. Ashwagandha is a herb used for medical purposes which can be added to your diet. According to studies, ashwagandha may increase testosterone levels, hence enhancing male fertility.

Don’ts

  1. Avoid or limit foods that are high in saturated and trans fats, such as red meat, fried foods, and baked goods, as they can decrease sperm count and motility.
  2. Reduce intake of soy products. Soy is abundant in isoflavones which causes an oestrogenic effect that drops the levels of testosterone.
  3. Avoiding consuming predator fish such as tuna and swordfish. These fish are high in mercury which can negatively affect our reproductive health and lead to fertility issues.
  4. Reduce your caffeine intake, as high levels can negatively impact sperm quality.
  5. Avoid or limit alcohol intake, as excessive consumption can decrease testosterone levels and impair sperm production.
  6. Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke, as they can damage sperm DNA and decrease sperm count.
  7. Don’t skip meals, as it can negatively affect hormone levels and overall sperm health.
  8. Foods in cans and tins are lined with a substance called bisphenol (BPA). Since bisphenol mimics oestrogen in the human body, it can have consequences akin to too much soy.

Follow these dietary dos and don’ts to improve your fertility and increase your chances of conceiving.

 

Do men have biological clocks? It’s not just women who have to worry about age and fertility, experts say.

Kaitlin Reilly
January 30, 2023

This article is a repost which originally appeared on yahoo!life

Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.

Key Points

‧ There is not as much data on male fertility compared to female fertility.

‧ Certain birth risk factors go up as men age.

‧ Increased medication use as men age can contribute to fertility problems.

When it comes to fertility, the focus tends to fall on women and their (loudly ticking) biological clocks. Yet it’s not just women who have to take age into account when considering when to have children. Experts agree that men’s fertility also depends on their age.

According to Dr. Jane L. Frederick, a reproductive endocrinologist, women get most of the attention because they have a finite number of eggs at birth and must contend with changes in egg quantity and quality starting at age 35.

“Women play an obvious role in reproduction, leading us to believe that the topics of fertility, pregnancy and childbirth are women’s issues, void of male involvement after they provided sperm,” she explains. “However, older men over the age of 45 are much more likely to have children than four decades ago, and yet few men recognize their biological clock is ticking as well.”

A 2017 study from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School looked into IVF patients and found that while women of age 40 to 42 had the most difficult time conceiving, the chance of a live birth decreased with older men — even those whose parters were younger women. Exactly why that is, however, remains to be researched.

Dr. T. Mike Hsieh, the director of UCSD Men’s Health Center and professor of urology, tells Yahoo Life that although there is “not as much data” on male fertility as for females, it’s clear that “increased paternal age is associated with decline in sperm count, sperm quality, semen volume, testosterone and ability for sexual activity or erectile dysfunction.” While there isn’t a “specific cutoff,” what’s generally accepted as advanced paternal age starts at around 45.

Dr. Paul Turek, a urologist and expert on fertility in men, adds that men in their late 50s and 60s experience a “definite decline” in fertility compared with younger men. The cause of this decline, he says, may not only be a body’s biological clock, but also the fact that certain risk factors go up as men age. As he notes, “a body has to be very healthy to be normally fertile.” He adds that the “quality of the DNA package” is “altered or reduced” as men age.

“That means that when the DNA payload gets delivered to the egg at the time of fertilization, it is broken into single strands, rather than intact, in double strands,” Turek explains. “Eggs try as hard as they can to ‘fix’ the DNA early on after fertilization, but if the load of damage is in excess of the egg’s capacity to repair it, then there will be no pregnancy or possibly a miscarriage — another case, at a biological level, of women cleaning up the messes that men make.”

Frederick also points out that “the risk of developing a medical condition or being exposed to environmental toxins increases with age for men,” which may make them less fertile.

“A history of chronic illness, such as sickle cell disease, chronic kidney failure, liver conditions like cirrhosis or malnutrition may have an effect on sperm production,” she notes. “Men who develop medical problems later in life may be taking medications that can affect sperm function in an adverse way.”

Men’s testosterone levels steadily decline over time, which can also affect their ability to father a child.

“Declining testosterone levels in men may cause a decline in sexual desire, problems with erection and difficulty in achieving ejaculation — all contributing to the couple’s infertility,” Frederick explains. “The level of testosterone does appear to influence the sexual function and desire in a man, and testosterone replacement improves erectile function, but also causes sperm production to go down and lead to infertility.”

Ultimately, however, Frederick notes that this field has a long way to go. “Many unknowns remain with regards to the older male and infertility,” she says. “Further research will give us a better understanding of age and its impact on all areas of male infertility.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s Time to Believe Smoking Harms Men’s Sexual Health

Please Start Believing Smoking Harms Men’s Sexual Health

Tobacco products are linked to numerous issues, from ED to Peyronie’s and infertility.
Author: Kate Daniel
Published: January 09, 2023

This article is a repost which originally appeared on Giddy.

Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.

Key Points

‧ Smoking is no longer is portrayed in the glamorous way it was in the past.

‧ Smoking can have a serious impact on men’s sexual health.

‧ Smoking can cause a decline in fertility.

Male Fertility: Here’s How Diet And Exercise Can Help Boost Fertility In Men

Mild to moderate exercise helps in releasing feel-good neurochemicals from the brain, improves libido, improves sleep quality, and may enhance fertility and sexual function.

By: Dr. Uma Maheshwari M Updated: Nov 24, 2022 11:11 IST

This article is a repost which originally appeared on DOCTOR NDTV.

Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.

Our takes:

‧ Testosterone levels play a large part in sperm count.

‧ Obesity can decrease testosterone and increase estrogen in males.

‧ Regular exercise can improve testosterone levels and sperm count.

The sperm count, motility, structure, integrity of the DNA contained in the sperm and physicochemical properties of the semen are the determining factors of male fertility. The environment for sperm production must be improved as much as possible in order to maximize a man’s reproductive potential. Sperm count and quality are substantially impacted by factors affecting testosterone levels.

Sperm count can also be impacted by illness, including cancer and its treatment, infections and certain genetic abnormalities.

Obesity reverses the normal ratio of testosterone to estrogen in an estrogen-dominant milieu. Falling/reversal of testosterone to estrogen ratio brings about decreased libido, reproductive potential and sexual dysfunction in men.

However, healthy lifestyle choices like adequate sleep, regular exercise, maintaining optimum weight, and a balanced diet can boost the hormones that regulate sperm production and improve fertility.

Role of exercise in male fertility

Men can benefit from regular exercise by achieving and maintaining a healthy weight as well as improving their cardiovascular health. There are certain limitations, but mild to moderate exercise can help improve semen parameters and increase male reproductive potential. Before beginning an exercise regimen, men with existing health issues must consult their doctor.

Mild to moderate exercise helps in releasing feel-good neurochemicals from the brain, elevates mood, improves libido, enhances metabolism, loses/maintains weight, improves sleep quality, enhances cardiovascular health, and may enhance fertility and sexual function.

The best exercises for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and optimising fertility involve a good mix of resistance and cardiovascular activity.

Exercises that can bother the prostate and strain the reproductive organs should be done in moderation, such as triathlons and competitive cycling. Excessive exercise & extremes of physical strain decrease testosterone. Moreover, methods of safeguarding fertility are also crucial, such as using crotch shields during contact sports, avoiding saunas, or upgrading to a better-quality ergonomic bicycle seat that relieves excess pressure on the male pelvic anatomy.

Exercising in sunlight will also provide the benefit of improving vitamin D levels in the body.

Role of diet in Fertility

Choice of a healthy source of complex carbohydrates, class 1 proteins & polyunsaturated fats are essential in consideration with individual dietary choices and preferences.

The ratio between carbohydrates, proteins, and fat should be maintained. Fiber is an essential part of each meal. It improves satiety.

Foods with low glycemic index should be favoured.

Antioxidant-rich rainbow diet with nuts, fresh fruits, and vegetables with adequate amounts of all essential minerals, vitamins & micronutrients is best for general health and fertility.

The calorie intake should be commensurate with the level of physical activity.

Adequate hydration is integral to a good diet.

Processed food high in fats, carbohydrates, sodium, and sugar, and poor in fiber is detrimental to health. However, enjoying an occasional indulgence will motivate you to follow a healthy diet.

Healthy snacking is to be encouraged. So, it is important to be disciplined in following a healthy diet.

Men should be advised to quit smoking and minimise alcohol intake.

A healthy lifestyle, weight management, adequate cardiovascular activity, and dietary support are crucial to guide the male partner in maximizing his fertility and attaining parenthood. It will take time, commitment, and dedication to making these lifestyle adjustments. These are minor adjustments that need to be adopted and adapted to. These measures will eventually navigate the path to general fitness and enhanced fertility.

Sperm counts are decreasing, study finds. What might it mean for fertility?

Karen Weintraub
USA TODAY

This article is a repost which originally appeared on USA TODAY.

Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.

Key Points

‧ A new study found men are likely to have lower sperm counts than 50 years ago.

‧ The reason? Experts say it’s hard to tell but may be due to environmental exposures, chemicals or changes in weight.

‧ Being healthy overall is important for reproductive health, experts said. Men should talk to their doctor if they’re concerned about their sperm count.

Sperm counts and concentration are down all over the world, according to a new study that updates previous research and raises questions about exposures and men’s health.

From 1973 to 2000, sperm counts dropped by 1.2% per year, “which is a lot,” said Hagai Levine, who helped lead the research. From 2000 to 2018, the decline was 2.6% per year, “which is an amazing pace.”

The United States is part of this larger trend.

“In the U.S., due to availability of good data, we have the highest certainty that there is a strong and sustainable decline, but it’s similar globally,” Levine said.

It’s unclear why sperm counts have been falling.

“We don’t understand why we’re seeing this pattern, so I think it’s hard to be alarmist for an individual,” said Dr. Michael Eisenberg, a urologist focused on male fertility and sexual function at Stanford University and Stanford Health Care in California. He was not involved in the new study.

“But at a policy level, this should be a wake-up call to try and understand,” Eisenberg said.

Experts say falling sperm counts might mean it takes longer to have children. Here’s what to know.

What’s the evidence?

The new study is a meta-analysis, which means it combined findings from more than 250 previous studies. It also updates a previous meta-analysis the team published in 2017, adding data on sperm counts from 2011 to 2018 and regions in South America, Asia and Africa, where data had been incomplete before.

Men in the global south have seen the same significant decline in sperm count and concentration as the team showed in 2017 among men in North America, Europe and Australia, whose sperm counts and concentrations continued to fall, according to the new study.

Sperm count is a imperfect measure of fertility, but there is a threshold below which a low sperm count affects the chances of reproduction. On a population level, the study suggests that median sperm counts have dropped from 104 to 49 million per milliliter over five decades.

That means more men are likely to have sperm counts below the fertility threshold than was the case 50 years ago, said Levine, an epidemiologist and public health physician at the Braun School of Public Health, at Hadassah University Medical Center.

What’s the impact on fertility?

But Amy Sparks, a reproductive physiologist at the University of Iowa, who was not involved in the research, cautioned that sperm counts are falling, but not enough to affect the human population.

The paper is not “suggesting that our sperm concentrations are crashing at a rate that is going to lead us out to every man needing to walk into an infertility center. Heavens to Betsy, no.”

People have raised questions about sperm counts for generations. Sparks said she found a 1974 study of 390 men at the University of Iowa that raised concerns about low sperm counts.

“We can’t ignore that things are changing. Lifestyles have changed. Dietary patterns certainly have changed,” she said. “Through these changes, we are exposing our body to altered conditions. In response to those altered conditions, we’re seeing a decrease in sperm concentration.”

Levine, however, sees the drop in sperm count as a problem for today’s families, not just future ones.

Although most American couples can manage to have the one or two children they want, it may take them longer now than in the past. In Israel, some religious families want 10 or more children. Slower fertility may mean they run out of time before they can have that many, he said.

It’s challenging to study sperm counts and fertility is even harder, said Dr. Bruce Redmon, a professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School, who was not involved in the research but studies male reproductive disorders.

It’s not really feasible, he said, to sample sperm in a randomly selected population of men every year for decades. And men who seek help for fertility problems are not reflective of the entire population.

But overall, Redmon said, the new study was a reasonable way to look at the issue.

“It’s probably something we have to continue to take seriously and look at,” he said.

Why are sperm counts falling?

Studies haven’t yet explained why sperm counts are falling, but Levine has a few ideas.

Total sperm capacity is determined during fetal development, so exposures to human-made chemicals, stress and poor diet during pregnancy might all be contributing factors, Levine said.

Environmental exposures of the father before conception may also be related to poor fetal outcomes. In a man’s adult life, his sperm count can also be reduced by exposure to pesticides, lack of physical activity, poor diet, smoking and obesity, he said.

Excess weight changes hormone levels, adding more estrogen to the male body, Sparks said. And extra fat around male reproductive organs could increase heat there, which will decrease sperm production.

Sparks doesn’t think any one thing is causing the drop. It’s happening too fast to blame on reproductive technologies. But the world’s population is carrying more weight, spending more time spent sitting at a computer, eating more processed foods and packing those food in plastic. Any or all of those could be driving the drop in sperm count, she said.

“We need to be motivated to invest in the research to work on this,” she said. “It points to a need.”

What can men do to boost their sperm count?

Men concerned about their fertility should to talk to their doctor, Eisenberg said. It’s important to be evaluated and determine whether there are specific treatments that may help.

Being healthy overall is important for reproductive health. Eisenberg suggests a healthy diet, regular exercise and smoking cessation.

“I always tell men there’s a strong link between fertility and health, so anything that’s good for your heart is good for fertility,” Eisenberg said.

A few other tips:

►Alcohol use: Moderate alcohol use is OK, Eisenberg noted, with studies suggesting that semen quality drops only after about 20 drinks a week.

►Avoid extreme heat: There’s no strong link between what kind of underwear men wear – boxers or briefs. But heat exposure isn’t good, so he advises avoiding hot tubs and saunas while trying to conceive.

►Taking testosterone: He also discourages his patients from using testosterone, which has been tested as a contraceptive, because it reduces sperm production.

 

 

 

 

 

 

How Men Can Boost Their Fertility For Better Odds Of Conception – Exclusive

By Brynna Standen/Updated: Oct. 7, 2022 12:49 pm EDT

This article is a repost which originally appeared on Health Digest.

Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.

Our Takeaways:

· Only 30% of fertility complications are due to complications in the woman alone.

· There’s a cultural stigma against infertility in men.

· Male fertility can be caused by a number of factors.

While in theory, the idea of trying to get pregnant sounds like a whole lot of fun (wink, wink), for some couples it can start feeling a little more like one of the Sphinx’s riddles — difficult to navigate and laden with pressure and high stakes. In the U.S., one in eight couples have difficulty conceiving (per Fertility Answers). While fertility experts agree that only 30% of these cases can be attributed to a complication in the woman alone, society often seems to be in silent agreement that fertility issues start and end with women.

This unspoken consensus seems to point toward a gender bias within the medical field. A 2006 review published in Medical Anthropology Quarterly found that out of 157 articles published on the topic of fertility, only one was centered around men. Adding to this, a 2016 study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reports that in federally funded clinics that offer family planning services, 81% of them educate women on preconception care, while only 38% of them provide the same education opportunities to men.

Health Digest sat down for an exclusive interview with Dr. Justin Dubin — a urologist and men’s health specialist practicing in South Florida, and co-host of the men’s health podcast “Man Up: A Doctor’s Guide to Men’s Health” — who gave us the scoop on the stigma surrounding male fertility and offered advice on how men can boost their fertility, giving them and their families the best chance at conception.

Shifting the focus

Well aware of the societal bias surrounding fertility struggles, Dr. Dubin wants men to understand their role in family planning. “When it comes to fertility and family planning, it’s important for guys to remember that it takes two to tango,” he asserts. While there are certainly times that fertility issues solely fall on the female, Dr. Dubin points out, “In couples struggling with fertility, 50% of the time there is a male factor component to the couple’s fertility problems. In fact, 30% of the time, a couple’s fertility issues are strictly due to the male! Despite these statistics, there continues to be an unfair focus and pressure on female partners when it comes to family planning issues.”

When it comes to examining why a couple is having trouble conceiving, Dr. Dubin notes, “Women are often the only ones to see a doctor for a fertility workup. Guys need to know that if their partner is getting evaluated for fertility, they should too. Not only does it take some pressure off your partner, there is a chance that getting evaluated by a urologist can help you achieve your family planning goals. It’s time we shift the focus of fertility away from women and back to the couple as a whole,” he declares, adding with encouragement, “Guys, see a doctor!”

The stigma of infertility in men and how to get tested

Women aren’t the only ones who face stigmas surrounding infertility. “Most men don’t like seeing a doctor, especially when it comes to discussing topics like fertility that they often associate with masculinity,” says Dubin. “Fortunately, the fertility workup is fairly straightforward. Typically, when you see your doctor there are three components to a male fertility workup.” He explains that it starts with semen analysis. “A semen analysis is a test in which you provide a semen sample. It is the gold standard for a male fertility evaluation. Basically, we look at the amount and quality of the sperm in your sample to assess your fertility status.” For men still intimidated by the process, Dr. Dubin offers, “Based on both your comfort level and access to facilities, the sample can be collected either at home or in a lab.”

Next, Dr. Dubin explains that blood work is useful. “Like female fertility, there are certain sex hormones that play a role in male fertility and sperm creation. Testosterone is an example of a common hormone we look at.” Men should also get a physical exam, and give their doctors a detailed medical history, while they’re at it. “Male fertility can be impacted by so many different things that it is important for your doctor to hear your story,” Dr. Dubin says. “In addition to a good history, getting a physical exam helps with the big picture of what is going on.”

Expert tips on boosting male fertility

When it comes to male fertility, it’s not as simple as playing with the cards you were dealt. “Male fertility is interesting because lifestyle choices can actually make a big difference on some men’s fertility. When it comes to overall health, it is important to remember: what’s good for your heart is good for your parts. Men who smoke cigarettes, are overweight, inactive, and eat poorly are more likely to have low testosterone and fertility issues. Eating healthy, exercising, and losing weight can help improve fertility.” While low testosterone can play a role in the struggle toward conception, Dr. Dubin reveals, “One important medication that can compromise your fertility is taking testosterone. If you are considering having kids at any point, I would not recommend starting without talking with a doctor.”

While we may have assumed this one was an old wives’ tale, Dr. Dubin clarifies, “If you are actively trying to conceive, you should avoid exposure to wet heat, [like] saunas and hot tubs. The heat can create a less favorable environment for sperm and temporarily cause a decline in sperm numbers.” Last but not least, let’s talk lube. “If you are a couple who uses lubrication during intercourse, the kind of lubricant that you use can make a difference. Most lubricants do not provide favorable environments for sperm and can potentially compromise fertility. When it comes to lubricants that are good for family planning, we recommend using Pre-Seed.”

Finding support at home

Because of the sensitive nature of fertility — especially when it is proving to be an issue — Dr. Dubin stresses the importance of communication between couples. “Fertility is a sensitive topic for men to discuss as most guys associate it with their masculinity and what they consider makes them a man. At the same time, conception and family planning is a two-way street and if there are concerns about their sexual health or fertility status, it is important that their partner talks with them about it. Communication is key for couples struggling with fertility.” Offering one final tip to couples who may be having a hard time, Dr. Dubin says, “Focusing on the fact that this is a couple’s issue, not a male or female issue, should help relieve specific pressures and should motivate both partners to be active in the process and hopefully each get evaluated.” Teamwork makes the baby-dream work!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Breakthrough into the cause of male infertility

Scientists at Newcastle University have identified a new genetic mechanism that can cause severe forms of male infertility.

Our Takeaway:

  • Scientists collected and studied DNA from 185 infertile men and their parents. They identified 145 rare protein-altering mutations that are likely to negatively impact male fertility.
  • As many as 29 of the mutations affect genes directly involved in processes related to spermatogenesis — the process of sperm cell development.
  • Experts have found that mutations occurring during the reproduction process, when the DNA of both parents is replicated, can result in infertility in men later in life.
This article is a repost which originally appeared on ScienceDaily
Newcastle University - JANUARY 10, 2022
Edited for content and readability - Images sourced from Pexels
Source: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/press/articles/latest/2022/01/maleinfertilitystudy/

This breakthrough in understanding the underlying cause of male infertility offers hope of better treatment options for patients in the future.

The study, published today in Nature Communications, shows that new mutations, not inherited from father or mother, play a major role in this medical condition.

Improving understanding

It is hoped that this new knowledge will help to provide more answers in the future about the cause and best treatment options available to infertile couples.

Professor Joris Veltman, Dean of Newcastle University’s Biosciences Institute, UK, led the research which involved patients from Newcastle Fertility Centre and Radboud University Medical Centre in the Netherlands.

He said: “This is a real paradigm shift in our understanding of the causes of male infertility. Most genetic studies look at recessively inherited causes of infertility, whereby both parents are a carrier of a mutation in a gene, and the infertility occurs when the son receives both mutated copies, resulting in problems with their fertility.

“However, our research has found that mutations which occur when the DNA is replicated during reproduction in parents plays a significant role in the infertility in their sons.

“At present, we don’t understand the underlying cause in the majority of infertile men, and this research will hopefully increase the percentage of men for whom we can provide answers.”

Scientists collected and studied DNA from a global cohort of 185 infertile men and their parents. They identified 145 rare protein-altering mutations that are likely to negatively impact male fertility.

As many as 29 of the mutations affect genes directly involved in processes related to spermatogenesis — the process of sperm cell development — or other cellular processes related to reproduction.

Experts identified mutations in the gene RBM5 in multiple infertile men. Previous research carried out in mice has shown that this gene plays a role in male infertility.

Importantly, these mutations mostly cause a dominant form of infertility, where only one mutated gene is required. As a consequence, there is a 50% chance that infertility caused by these mutations will be passed on to the man’s child (if assisted reproductive technologies are used) and this may result in infertility, particularly in sons.

Millions of children have already been born through assisted reproductive approaches as a result of infertility. This research indicates a significant proportion of these children may inherit infertility from their father.

Professor Veltman said: “If we are able to obtain a genetic diagnosis, then we can start understanding better male infertility problems and why some infertile men still produce sperm that can be used successfully for assisted reproduction.

“With our information, and the research others are doing, we hope clinicians can improve counselling for couples and recommend what is the best course of action in order to conceive, either by proposing an appropriate medically-assisted procedure or in cases where none is suitable, provide appropriate alternatives.”

Infertility problems

It is estimated that up to 7% of men are affected by infertility and 50% of fertility problems within a heterosexual couple are due to the man. In around half of male infertility cases, the cause is unexplained.

Moving forwards, the scientists want to expand their work by studying thousands of patients and their parents in a large international consortium.

They will follow-up their research by conducting further studies into the role these newly identified mutated genes have on the impact of spermatogenesis and on the overall fertility in humans.

Does testicular cancer affect fertility?

Testicular Cancer Will Not Stop You From Experiencing Fatherhood: Tips From Fertility Expert Treatment of testicular cancer may affect hormone levels in men and cause infertility. So, it is advisable to consider consulting a fertility expert before you go for any treatment.

Written by Editorial Team | Updated : December 24, 2021 6:16 PM IST

This article is a repost which originally appeared on TheHealthSite

Edited for content

Cancer impacts the body physically and mentally in many ways. Treatment of cancer can also impact fertility among both men and women. While breast cancer and cervical cancer are common among women, men are affected by testicular cancer. With the correct treatment, testicular cancer can still be cured and, you may still have a chance to become a father.

What is testicular cancer?

Testicular cancer is a condition in which cancerous cells develop in testicles among men. In most cases, men only develop cancer in one testicle. However, in rare cases, both the testicles can be affected.

Symptoms of testicular cancer

  • Heaviness in the scrotum
  • Painless lump or swelling in either of the testicles
  • Fluid in scrotum
  • Dull pain in lower abdomen/groin
  • Chest pain, phlegm, and breathlessness (in later stages)

Risk factors of testicular cancer

  • Age: Testicular cancer mainly affects younger men between 15-35 years of age.
  • Family history: If anyone in your family has a history of testicular cancer, you stand at a higher risk.
  • Race: Testicular cancer is much more common among white and non-Hispanic men.
  • Infertility: Infertile men are more likely to develop testicular cancer.

Does testicular cancer affect fertility?

Treatment of testicular cancer can affect hormone levels in men and cause infertility. If cancer develops only in one testicle, the other one works normally and releases enough testosterone to lead a healthy life. However, if both the testicles have to be removed, you will have to take testosterone in the form of monthly injections to maintain normal levels in the body. Therefore, removing one testicle does not usually cause infertility among men. However, chemotherapy can cause infertility for some time during and after the treatment. It may also cause permanent damage to fertility among a few men. Chemotherapy can also reduce your sex drive for some time. Usually, if there is one testicle left, men can conceive after cancer has been treated or two years after chemotherapy is finished.

What options do men have?

According to a study, most men who suffer from testicular cancer can conceive biologically. Sperm banking is a good option for men in case of infertility caused by testicular cancer. Even if your chances of getting infertile are low, your physician will advise you for sperm banking, if you wish to conceive later in life. Before any cancer treatment, you can store your sperms so that they are not damaged due to radiation or chemotherapy.

Sperm banking is also a great option for boys who have passed puberty and wish to conceive a few years later. Sperms can be stored for longer periods.

Also, orchidectomy or removing a testicle will not affect your chances of conceiving, until your other testicle is healthy.

Whether you have less or high chances of being infertile after treatment of testicular cancer, you should always consider consulting a fertility expert before you go for any treatment. A fertility specialist will suggest you options like using a donor sperm.

How to prevent testicular cancer?

Many of the known risk factors of testicular cancer cannot be prevented. Because of this, testicular cancer cannot be prevented. Also, most of the cases are found accidentally. Therefore, men should examine their testicles, starting from puberty. See what feels normal, especially after a shower and bath. Consult with your physician if you notice any signs and symptoms of testicular cancer.

The article is contributed by Dr Lavanya R, Fertility Specialist, Nova IVF Fertility, Whitefield, Bangalore.

Human sperm count dwindling, penis shrinking at alarming rate, scientist warns

Human sperm count dwindling, penis shrinking at alarming rate, scientist warns

This article is a repost which originally appeared on

Edited for content

Amid the many global problems we are facing today, one of humanity’s biggest issues comes relatively unnoticed: the decline in reproductive health, especially for males.

Specifically, the sperm count of males in the West has significantly decreased by 59% between 1973 and 2011 due to chemicals found in everyday items, a study co-authored by Dr. Shanna Swan in 2017 has found.

In the study, which has been making headlines around the globe, scientists noted that sperm count is of considerable public health importance for several reasons including the decline of male fertility and the rise of other health issues, such as testicular cancer.

“If you look at the curve on sperm count and project it forward—which is always risky—it reaches zero in 2045,” Swan said in her new book titled “Count Down: How Our Modern World Is Threatening Sperm Counts, Altering Male and Female Reproductive Development, and Imperiling the Future of the Human Race,” as cited by Axios on Feb. 24.

In the book, Swan also noted that aside from the decline in sperm count, penis size and testes volume have been decreasing among humans in the past few decades.

“The current state of reproductive affairs can’t continue much longer without threatening human survival,” Swan writes in the book.

Swan has since doubled down on her warning via Scientific American on March 16, where she co-wrote with Stacey Colino that the decline in reproductive health is happening to females as well.

They found that reproductive problems in males have been increasing by 1 percent every year, while the miscarriage rate for females in the United States is also increasing by 1 percent annually.

Swan and Colino noted that while 1 percent may not seem like a big number to the public, it actually is as this means a 10% increase every decade and a 50% increase in just 50 years.

This increase in reproductive health problems is faster than the rate of global warming, but the public has not been as vocal or informed regarding the issue, which threatens humanity’s existence.

Hormone-altering chemicals

This decline in reproductive health is largely due to the hormone-altering chemicals found in items found all around us: from plastic containers, food packaging, water bottles to electronic devices, pesticides and many others.

These items contain chemicals such as phthalates, bisphenol A and flame retardants, among others. It is no coincidence that the decline in reproductive health began in the mid-20th century when these items started being produced in large numbers, the researchers noted.

“Exposure to these chemicals is especially problematic during pregnancy because what happens during pregnancy doesn’t stay in pregnancy. Rather, an expectant mother’s exposure to toxic chemicals in the air she breathes, the water she drinks, the foods she eats and the products she slathers on her skin can enter her body (and hence the fetus) and influence her baby’s reproductive development,” Swan and Colino explained.

“This is particularly true early in pregnancy—in what’s called the reproductive programming window—and it’s especially true for male babies,” they added.

Among the many health issues, these chemicals’ effect on reproductive health has also been associated with premature death.

The researchers urge humanity “to shift our collective focus” and prioritize demanding the replacement of the said chemicals from our everyday items with chemicals that do not affect our hormones.

” It’s also time to establish better testing methods and regulatory actions so that only safe chemicals can enter the market and our bodies. In other words, we need to stop using each other and our unborn children as lab rats for EDC exposures,” Swan and Colino stressed.

“The health and the future of the human race really do depend on it,” they added. Ian Biong /ra