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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How Common Is Erectile Dysfunction?

How Common Is Erectile Dysfunction?

By Katie Wilkinson, MPH, MCHES

Published on September 28, 2021
Medically reviewed by Matthew Wosnitzer, MD

This article is a repost which originally appeared on verywell health

Edited for content.

Erectile dysfunction (ED), or impotence, is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection for sexual activity. While the occasional failure to get an erection is not uncommon, if it happens consistently, or more than 50% of the time, it may be ED. It can be a temporary experience, or develop into a long-term condition that requires treatment.

Prevalence

On a global scale, ED affects 3% to 76.5% of all men. The wide range is due to the different measures used in studies to evaluate ED.

In the United States, it’s estimated that 30 million men experience ED.2 Worldwide, there are about 150 million men living with ED, and by the year 2025, it’s predicted that over 300 million men will have ED.

Common Causes

ED can be caused by a number of factors relating to physical and mental health, including:

  • Physical and health conditions that involve different systems in the body, such as the vascular, neurological, or endocrine systems; can include issues with nerve signals or blood flow to the penis
  • Side effects from medication, which can include antidepressants, medication to manage blood pressure, tranquilizers, sedatives, ulcer medication, and prostate cancer therapy
  • Psychological or emotional causes such as depression, anxiety, fear associated with sexual performance, general stress, or low self-esteem
  • Lifestyle behaviors and health-related factors that are associated with ED include smoking, being overweight, lack of exercise, and substance (alcohol or drug) use

Risk Factors

Certain risk factors have been found to increase the likelihood of experiencing ED. They can include:

    • Age: The chances of developing ED increases with age, particularly in men over 60 years old.
    • Tobacco use: Research has found that smokers are 1.5 times more likely to experience ED than nonsmokers.
    • High blood pressure (hypertension): About 30% to 50% of people living with hypertension also experience ED.
    • Type 2 diabetes: Between 35% and 90% of diabetic men will develop ED.
    • High cholesterol: Statins used to treat high cholesterol showed improved erectile function.
    • Hypogonadism: This is a condition where the body doesn’t produce enough sex hormones, including testosterone. Since testosterone is necessary for the ability to maintain an erection, people with hypogonadism who are treated with testosterone replacement therapy can see improved erectile function.
    • Obesity: Several studies have indicated that men with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 begin to experience a 1.5 to three times greater risk of ED than those with lower BMIs.
    • Depression: Men living with depression are two times more likely to experience ED. Treating depression with selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can also increase risk of ED.

Stress and anxiety, particularly performance-related anxiety, can also cause issues with sexual activity and erectile function.

Associated Conditions

In addition to diabetes, hypertension, and hypogonadism, the National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases also lists the following conditions and diseases as associated with ED:

  • Heart and blood vessel conditions, including atherosclerosis
  • Injuries of the spinal cord, penis, prostate gland, bladder, or pelvic area
  • Prostate or bladder surgery
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Peyronie’s disease, a condition where scar tissue develops and creates a bend in the penis

Treatment

Treatment for ED can take many forms and depends on the root cause of the individual’s ED. Because of ED’s impact on sexual relationships, it’s worth discussing treatment options with your sexual partner.

Lifestyle

Avoiding or stopping the use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs may help with ED.

Increasing physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can also be a way to improve erectile function.

Mental Health Counseling

Because emotional and psychological concerns can play a role in ED, speaking with a mental health professional can be beneficial. They can help identify ways to manage anxiety and work through stress that may be impacting sexual performance.

Medication

Oral (PDE5 inhibitors), injectable, or suppository medications can be prescribed to help achieve and maintain an erection. For those with low testosterone (hypogonadism), testosterone replacement therapy may be prescribed.

Treatment may also involve adjusting or changing current medications that hinder the ability to get an erection.

Devices and Procedures

The following devices and procedures can be used to treat ED:

  • Penis pump: This device uses vacuum action to pull blood into the penis to create an erection. It has a tube where the penis is placed and a pump that draws air out of the tube and creates suction. Once the blood is pulled into the penis, an elastic band is placed at the base of the penis to prevent the blood from going back into the body and to keep the erection for about 30 minutes.
  • Arterial repair surgery: Procedures to repair clogged blood vessels in the penis may increase blood flow to allow for erections. This treatment is usually reserved for patients under the age of 30.
  • Implantable devices: These include surgically placed devices that either inflate or include semi-rigid rods to help a person achieve an erection.

A Word From Verywell

While many men might feel embarrassed by their erectile dysfunction, it should be a comfort to know that it is a very common condition, affecting at least 150 million men worldwide. It is also a very treatable condition.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you experience issues achieving and maintaining an erection. Even though it may be uncomfortable to talk about, proper sexual functioning is a key part of your overall health and well-being.

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.
  1. Cleveland Clinic. Erectile dysfunction. Updated October 14, 2019.
  2. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Definition & facts for erectile dysfunction. Updated July 2017.
  3. Kessler A, Sollie S, Challacombe B, Briggs K, Van Hemelrijck M. The global prevalence of erectile dysfunction: a review. BJU International. 2019;124(4):587-599. doi:10.1111/bju.14813
  4. Kalsi J, Muneer A. Erectile dysfunction – an update of current practice and future strategies. J Clinic Urol. 2013;6(4):210-219. doi:10.1177/2051415813491862
  5. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Symptoms & causes of erectile dysfunction. Updated July 2017.
  6. DeLay KJ, Haney N, Hellstrom WJ. Modifying risk factors in the management of erectile dysfunction: a review. World J Mens Health. 2016;34(2):89-100. doi:10.5534/wjmh.2016.34.2.89
  7. Mourikis I, Antoniou M, Matsouka E, et al. Anxiety and depression among Greek men with primary erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. Ann Gen Psychiatry. 2015;14(1):34. doi:10.1186/s12991-015-0074-y
  8. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Treatment for erectile dysfunction. Updated July 2017.
  9. Urology Care Foundation. What is erectile dysfunction? Updated June 2018.
  10. Nguyen HM, Gabrielson AT, Hellstrom WJG. Erectile dysfunction in young men—a review of the prevalence and risk factors. Sexual Medicine Reviews. 2017;5(4):508-520. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.05.004
  11. International Society for Sexual Medicine. Can a vasectomy cause erectile dysfunction (ED)?
  12. Ssentongo AE, Kwon EG, Zhou S, Ssentongo P, Soybel DI. Pain and dysfunction with sexual activity after inguinal hernia repair: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Coll Surg. 2020;230(2). doi:10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2019.10.010