Skip to content

Tag: sperm

  1. Home
  2. Tag Archives: sperm

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.

 

 

 

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.

Smoking has been portrayed, at times, as glamorous and cool, sexy and sophisticated. Elegant women and rugged, handsome men appeared in magazines and on billboards with cigarettes. “Smoke,” they said. “It’s a good thing,” they implied.

Science paints a very different, not-so-sexy picture. Multiple studies across decades show smoking wreaks havoc on the skin, teeth, heart and lungs. Some of that research shows smoking affects sexual health and the reproductive system, too. Smoking and men’s sexual health most definitely do not go hand in hand, with issues including erectile dysfunction (ED) and damaged sperm.

It’s time for men to start believing these facts about the negative association and the consequences:

Fact #1

Smoking is a significant cause of erectile dysfunction

About 30 years ago, Laurence Levine, M.D., a professor of urology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, was among the first healthcare professionals to sound the alarm about smoking’s impact on men’s sexual function.

“To me, the number one most common single cause of erectile dysfunction is smoking,” he said.

That’s because cigarette smoking damages blood vessels. Most erectile issues, especially in men ages 40 and older, result from diminished blood flow to the penis.

“What I’ve always called the erection busters would be things which accelerate vascular aging or atherosclerotic changes in the blood vessels,” Levine explained.

Atherosclerosis is a hardening and narrowing of the arteries (blood vessels) caused by plaque buildup on the inner lining. Levine and Darshan Patel, M.D., an assistant professor of urology at University of California San Diego Health in La Jolla, California, explained that smoking contributes to such plaque accumulation, inhibiting the vessels from expanding and dilating as they usually would.

In turn, Levine said, they can’t fill with blood and provide the “hydraulics” necessary to produce an erection. And because the penile arteries are so small, people who smoke may experience erectile difficulties long before cardiovascular symptoms.

Other conditions known to contribute to vascular issues and ED include diabetes, high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol. The latter two are more prevalent in smokers.

Evidence also suggests that at a molecular level, smoking inhibits the nitric oxide pathway, which is crucial for blood vessel dilation, Patel wrote in an email.

Though atherosclerosis develops over time, smoking—even a single cigarette—immediately causes some degree of constriction or acute vasospasm, Levine said. In 1990, he led a groundbreaking study that demonstrated these effects, and multiple subsequent studies have supported the results.

Fact #2

Smoking can impair libido, sensation and stamina

Smoking can also impact your sexual performance because of its effects on the heart and lungs. It decreases stamina and causes shortness of breath during sex. But you might not be in the mood anyway because of its impact on hormones and the central nervous system.

Substances such as nicotine influence the central nervous system. That can impact pathways involved in sexual stimulation, including those responsible for libido and sexual arousal, according to Michael Eisenberg, M.D., a fertility scientific advisor at twoplus Fertility and the director of male reproductive medicine and surgery at Stanford University Health Care in Palo Alto, California.

Smoking can also diminish libido and sexual function by lowering testosterone levels, said Scott Miller, M.D., a urologist at Wellstar Urology in Atlanta. If that weren’t bad enough, vascular damage can blunt sensitivity, Patel and Miller said, affecting arousal and pleasure, and by proxy, your sex life.

Fact #3

Sperm are negatively affected by smoking

Smoking’s effect on fertility is less clear-cut than its impact on sex, Levine said. But tobacco byproducts can be found in seminal fluid, and there’s ample evidence smoking can affect multiple semen characteristics, including concentration, motility (movement) and shape.

“I always encourage my patients who are smokers and are concerned about their fertility to stop smoking,” Levine said.

One cohort study of 1,786 men, including 655 smokers, found smoking was associated with a 15.3 percent decrease in sperm density, a 17.5 percent decrease in sperm count and a 16.6 percent decrease in total motile sperm. Other studies have suggested that assisted reproductive technology is less effective for smokers.

“Smoke typically contains over 30 chemicals that can directly damage dividing and maturing sperm,” Patel wrote.

Levine noted that research also shows washed sperm, when placed in the seminal fluid of a smoker, become less motile (less capable of reaching an egg). This suggests tobacco affects both the sperm and the seminal fluid it’s in.

Even if sperm does successfully fertilize an egg, smoking’s side effects could pass on to the smoker’s child, according to Patel. Research shows tobacco products can damage sperm DNA and induce epigenetic changes that increase the risk of conditions such as chromosomal abnormalities, intellectual disabilities and cancer.

Fact #4

Smoking can change the shape of the penis

Smoking can even make the penis shorter and, like excessive alcohol consumption, may increase the risk of Peyronie’s disease, according to Miller.

“When deprived of adequate oxygen and other nutrients, the penis becomes less elastic, thereby leading to shortening in both the erect and flaccid [non-aroused] states,” he wrote in an email. “For similar reasons, smoking is also a risk factor for Peyronie’s disease, a condition resulting in scarring and curvature of the penile shaft during erections.”

Fact #5

No amount of smoking is safe

The damage from smoking begins at the onset, and research indicates that even social smokers are more likely to have ED than nonsmokers, according to Miller, Levine and Patel.

“Since the blood flow occurring during arousal is easily affected by smoke damage, men can start experiencing a decrease in the quality of their erections within weeks of starting this self-destructive habit,” Miller wrote. “The good news is that quitting can lead to some reversal of erectile dysfunction, even in men who have smoked for longer periods.”

As for fertility, it’s uncertain how much stopping smoking will improve outcomes, but it can prevent problems from worsening.

“I tell [patients] if you stop smoking, I can’t tell you the effects of the tobacco are going to go away in time. But it will certainly take your foot off the accelerator of atherosclerotic changes happening to you now,” Levine said.

“We all age. If you’re not aging, you’re not here. And with aging, there are changes to all tissues,” he continued. “As I like to say, we can thank our parents for how we age. That’s simply going to happen regardless. But if you smoke, are diabetic or obese, or do other bad things to your body, you’re going to accelerate that aging process. If we take tobacco off the table, we’re probably going to at least take our foot off the accelerator that much more and maybe have fewer problems down the road.”

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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Micro-Robotic Swimmers Inspired by Bacteria, Sperm Cells Could One Day Be Used For Targeted Drug Delivery

Engineers are finding inspiration from nature to build new technologies that could help people. Some find inspiration in the mechanics of bird flight and the intricate architecture of bee nests, Now, scientists from Cornell University led by Professor Mingming Wu are taking inspiration from smaller organisms.

This article is a repost which originally appeared on The Science Times
Margaret Davis - September 24, 2021
Edited for content and readability Images sourced from Pexels
DIO: http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/D1LC00575H

According to Phys.org, the team created cell-size robots that can be powered by ultrasound waves to move. These micro-robotic swimmers are inspired by the movements of bacteria and sperm, which could be used as a new tool for targeted drug delivery.

Micro-Robotic Swimmers Mobility Inspired by Microorganisms

Wu’s lab had been studying the ways microorganisms, such as bacteria and sperm, move, communicate in their environment. Their main goal is to develop micro-robotic swimmers that can navigate inside the body.

Wu said that they were inspired by how microorganisms are doing much better than humans after undergoing billions of years of evolution. Among their notable attributes are their ability to swim 10 times faster than their body’s length in one second, while sperm cells can swim against the flow.

They designed and 3D-printed the micro-robots that mimicked how bacteria would use their flagellum to propel themselves. These can help send medicine to specific areas in the body, like cancer cells, without harming the healthy cells and cause side effects.

Using Ultrasound Waves to Power Micro-Robotic Swimmers

In their paper, titled “Biologically Inspired Micro-Robotic Swimmers Remotely Controlled by Ultrasound Waves” published in the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Lab on a Chip, researchers reported that they used ultrasound waves to remotely power them.

Wu said that sperm and bacteria consume organic material in their surroundings to move, but for these engineered micro-robots it is challenging to make them move because a battery would be too heavy for them to carry.

According to Nano magazine, the team thought of using high-frequency sound waves because ultrasound is quiet and easily used in an experimental laboratory setting. More so, the US Food and Drug Administration has deemed it safe for clinical studies.

Former postdoctoral researcher Tao Luo collaborated with the Cornell NanoScale Science and Technology Facility (CNF) to create a triangular micro-robotic swimmer that resembles a cross of an insect and rocket ship. It has a pair of cavities etched in its back where a tiny bubble of air is trapped when submerged in a solution.

Using the ultrasound transducer, the air bubble oscillates and generates vortices or a streaming flow that pushes the micro-robotic swimmer forward. The team from Cornell is the first to demonstrate a micro-robotic swimmer that uses two bubbles, unlike previous swimmers that only use one.

The researchers can trigger either of the two air bubbles by varying the resonance frequency of the sound waves, Technology Networks reported. That way they can control which direction the micro-robotic swimmers will move.

Now that they found a way to make it move, the next challenge is to make them biocompatible for them to navigate among blood cells. Researchers also said that future micro-robotic swimmers should be made with biodegradable materials so they can be dispatched at once, much like how many sperms are released for fertilization to be successful. So if one failed during its journey, that will not be a problem.

 

Why more men are suffering from infertility than ever before

Why more men are suffering from infertility than ever before

By Susannah Cahalan

February 20, 2021 | 8:28am | Updated

This article is a repost which originally appeared on NEWYORKPOST

Edited for content.

Men’s average sperm counts are down globally and testosterone levels have plunged, while erectile dysfunction is, cruelly, on the rise.

Sperm counts in Western countries have dropped by more than 50 percent since the 1970s. At the same time, men’s problems with conceiving are going up: Erectile dysfunction is increasing and testosterone levels are declining by 1 percent each year.

“The current state of reproductive affairs can’t continue much longer without threatening human survival,” warns Mount Sinai fertility scientist Dr. Shanna Swan in her book, “Count Down” (Scribner), out Tuesday. “It’s a global existential crisis.”

Dr. Swan should know — she’s been researching fertility for thirty years. She studied a miscarriage boom in Santa Clara, Calif., in the 1980s, which she eventually linked to toxic waste dumped into the drinking water by a local semiconductor plant. She moved on to sperm rates in 1997 and they’ve been her “canary in a coal mine scenario” since. In 2017, she sounded the alarm with a meta-analysis of 40,000 men that showed that sperm count fell a whopping 59 percent between 1973 and 2011.

Environmental, chemical and physical factors point to men's low sperm count.
Author Shanna Swan is warning of a global infertility crisis — and urging men to change their habits.
Shutterstock

We are already seeing the effects. Worldwide fertility has dropped by 50 percent between 1960 and 2015. The United States has a total birth rate that is 16 percent below what it needs to replace itself. Though there are obvious factors at play (couples are conceiving later and opting to have smaller families), Swan argues that the issues run deeper than personal choice.

Rates of miscarriages are on the rise and girls are experiencing earlier and earlier puberties (in some cases before the age of 8). “In some parts of the world, the average twenty-something woman today is less fertile than her grandmother was at 35,” Swan writes.

Binge eating in front of the tv may negatively impact men because of long periods of sitting.
Sitting for too long in one place can hurt sperm production, Swan warns.
Getty Images

It’s no wonder then that the assisted reproduction technology market is worth about $21 billion and is projected to increase by 10 percent annually until 2025.

Still, fertility issues have been focused on women for too long.

“If women want to have a baby, they are often told, ‘Clean up your act,’ ” Swan writes. “But it’s probably more important for men to do so.”

Normal sperm count ranges from 15 million sperm per milliliter to 200 million per milliliter. Though the World Health Organization deems a rate below 15 million as “low,” Swan argues that anything below 40 million creates challenges for reproduction. Today the average male is nearing that number at 47.1 million sperm per milliliter. Compare him to his father, who had an average of 99 million sperm per milliliter, and it’s clear that this is a deeply worrying trend.

Not only do men today have less sperm than their fathers, but they also have lower testosterone levels. A 2006 study showed that a 65-year-old man in 2002 would have testosterone levels that are 15 percent lower than a 65-year-old man in 1987. A similar drop has been noted in young adults and adolescents, according to a 2020 Urology Times Journal article.

Saunas are notorious sperm overheaters.
Saunas are notorious sperm overheaters.
Getty Images

As a result, prescriptions for testosterone replacement therapies doubled between 2010 and 2013, according to Forbes, but there was one troubling side effect: “90 percent of men can have their sperm counts drop to zero while they’re on it,” Swan writes.

Sexual desire has followed a similar path. “A massive sexual slump is underway, due to declines in people’s sex drives and interest in sexual activity,” Swan writes. Men now seek help for erectile dysfunction on average seven years earlier than they did in 2005 and 26 percent of men who deal with it are under the age of 40.

A massive sexual slump is underway, due to declines in sex drives.

fertility scientist Dr. Shanna Swan

On the more extreme end of things, there have been overall increases in genital abnormalities, including higher documented rates of undescended testicles and unusually small penises. These issues have been mirrored in the animal kingdom. Baltic gray seals have reduced reproductive abilities, polar bears have smaller genitals and lower-than-average testosterone levels, and alligators, panthers and minks have all shown increases in reproductive and genital abnormalities.

So, what is going on?

Many of us simply eat too many things that are not good for us, move too little, drink too much alcohol, and engage in habits that are actively hindering our reproductive abilities, Swan writes.

But other things are out of our control.

Men who cycle for ninety minutes or more per week had 34 percent lower sperm concentrations than those who didn’t ride bicycles at all.
Men who cycle for ninety minutes or more per week have 34 percent lower sperm concentrations than those who don’t ride bicycles at all.
Getty Images

Swan points to the plastics and chemicals in our immediate environments, compounds that disrupt the hormonal systems of both men and women and make it harder to reproduce. One example she cites, for example, phthalates — near ubiquitous chemicals that make plastic more flexible and cosmetics and beauty products better able to absorb scent. These chemicals have been linked to the decreased production of hormones, like testosterone, and “male reproductive outcomes,” according to a 2018 review of research.

Flame retardants found in mattresses and foam furniture also seem to alter the same hormones that cause infertility in men, according to a 2016 study in the Reproductive Toxicology journal. In addition, chemicals used as stain, water, and grease repellents in fast-food packaging, paper plates, and stain-resistant carpeting, among other household items, have been linked to a reduction in semen quality, testicular volume, and even penis length.

Pesticides also seem to have negative effects on male fertility. One herbicide in particular called atrazine, used to prevent certain weeds from growing in corn and sugarcane on lawns and golf courses, has been linked with lower sperm quality.

Plastics in our immediate environments (like shower curtains), compounds that disrupt the hormonal systems of both men and women.
Vinyl shower curtains may contain hormone-disrupting chemicals, Swan writes.
Alamy

Infertility doesn’t just alter a man’s ability to make children, it also increases his mortality risk. Infertile men die younger than their infertile peers, according to a Stanford University study. Men with sperm concentration lower than 15 million per milliliter had a 50 percent greater chance of being hospitalized for any medical reason at all, and poor fertility has been linked with higher rates of diabetes, heart disease and cancers.

But there are some things we can do to help tip the scales.

The first step is to quit smoking, cut down on drinking, and maintain a healthy weight. Cigarette smoke is associated with reduced sperm count and increased sperm defects. Drinking heavily (more than 25 units per week) is also hazardous to sperm. (Interestingly, though, keeping to seven drinks a week seems to increase sperm production compared to those who don’t drink.)

Non organic fruits and vegetables, like strawberries, tend to be most contaminated by pesticides and herbicides that may mess with male hormones.
Swan advises men to buy organic to avoid pesticides and herbicides that may mess with male hormones, especially items that tend to be most contaminated, like strawberries.
Shutterstock

Meanwhile, men who cycle for ninety minutes or more per week had 34 percent lower sperm concentrations than those who didn’t ride bicycles at all, according to one study. And saunas are notorious sperm overheaters. Binging on TV also reduces sperm count (perhaps because sitting for too long in one place can hurt sperm production), while men who work out vigorously tend to have higher sperm counts, according to a Chinese study on potential sperm donors. So stay out of the sauna, get off that bicycle, and find other ways to exercise.

Also, cut down on stress. A Danish study showed that men who reported the highest levels of work stress had 38 percent lower sperm concentrations. Swan’s own research supports this. “Men who’ve experienced two or more recent stressful life events — such as the death or serious illness of a close relative, divorce or serious relationship problems, moving, or a job change — were more likely to have below-normal sperm concentration,” she writes.

Banishing air fresheners and using nontoxic household cleaners can steer you away from those hormone-disrupting chemicals.
Banishing air fresheners and using nontoxic household cleaners may also help men’s sperm counts.
Shutterstock

A high intake of full-fat dairy foods, especially cheese, has also been linked with greater sperm abnormalities. “These unfortunate effects might be due to the large amounts of estrogens in dairy products or to the presence of environmental contaminants such as pesticides and chlorinated pollutants in these products,” Swan writes.

In addition, men who eat a lot of processed meats (hot dogs, bacon, sausage, salami) tend to have lower sperm counts and a lower percentage of normally shaped sperm. The theory is that “the curing of meat produces chemicals . . . that can cause cancer and also damage DNA, including DNA in sperm,” writes Swan.

Research shows that couples who follow the Mediterranean diet (whole grains, good fats, lots of veggies) while undergoing IVF treatments had a 40 percent higher likelihood of conceiving than those who didn’t.
Research shows that couples who follow the Mediterranean diet (whole grains, good fats, lots of veggies) while undergoing IVF treatments had a 40 percent higher likelihood of conceiving than those who didn’t.
Shutterstock

Research shows that couples who follow the Mediterranean diet (whole grains, good fats, lots of veggies) while undergoing IVF treatments had a 40 percent higher likelihood of conceiving than those who didn’t. Swan also urges people to buy organic to avoid pesticides and herbicides that may mess with male hormones, especially items that tend to be most contaminated, like strawberries, spinach, kale, apples and grapes. She also suggests that people avoid any animal product that is not organic and try to buy animal products labeled as “raised without antibiotics” or “no added hormones.”

"Count Down" by Shanna Swan

She also urges people to avoid cleaners and skin-care products that are antibacterial, and favor products labeled “paraben-free” and “phthalate free.” In addition, she urges ditching vinyl shower curtains, banishing air fresheners and using nontoxic household cleaners to dodge some of those hormone-disrupting chemicals. Swan also advises that dusting more dutifully will help relieve your house (and body) of a nasty buildup of chemicals. A 2017 study showed that 45 potentially harmful chemicals, including phthalates and flame retardants, were found in dust buildup in 90 percent of the homes sampled in one study in the United States.

The goal here is to be more proactive about our reproductive health.

“We can no longer afford to behave as though it’s business as usual,” Swan writes. “The time has come for us to stop playing Russian roulette with our reproductive capacities. It’s up to us to heed the message and take steps to protect our legacies.”

Men’s Health Month – Testicular health

Men’s Health Month – Testicular health

Leigh Day

This article is a repost which originally appeared on LEXOLOGY

Edited for content

United Kingdom November 23 2020

We have reached the end of Men’s Health Awareness Month and we are now heading towards our first Coronavirus Christmas. My November has been spent in lockdown, glued to the US election whilst growing a tashe for Movember, a month-long charity event set up to highlight and fundraise for men’s health causes that include mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

Did you know that in the UK, men visit their GP on average half as many times as women? On top of this worrying statistic is the fact that we are currently stuck in a global pandemic that has no end in sight. In April 2020, NHS England found that four out of 10 people were not seeking help from their GP because they were afraid of being a burden during a pandemic.

Being a burden should never be a consideration for not visiting your GP if you are worried about your health, regardless of how big or small you perceive the problem to be. The sooner a problem is shared, the quicker it can be solved.

One area that is important for men not to ignore is testicular health. Testicles are responsible for the production of sperm and also testosterone so it is vital we look after them.

Problems with your testicles can start when you develop a lump or a swelling. Whilst both these are not usually caused by anything serious, you should always speak with a doctor and get them checked.

The longer a problem with your testicles is left untreated, the worse it can get. With some testicular problems, time is very much of the essence and if you don’t act fast, there can be serious consequences.

In my role as a healthcare solicitor at Leigh Day, I have come across three different types of testicular problems where early discovery and diagnosis is vital to having the best long-term outcome. It is important that we all know the early signs of these problems, so that we seek GP advice if we are worried.

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is where a tumour forms on or inside one of the testicles. Typical symptoms of testicular cancer include:

  • A painless swelling or lump in one of the testicles,
  • A change in shape, texture, firmness or appearance of a testicle,
  • A dull intermittent ache or pain or the feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.

Testicular cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer of men between the ages of 15 and 49 years old in the UK. It is also one of the most treatable types of cancer and it has a survival rate of above 95 per cent. However, if undiagnosed, the cancer can spread further than your testicles and become far more complicated to treat.

Testicular Torsion

Testicular torsion is when the testicle twists around the spermatic cord. When this happens, it cuts off the blood flow to the testicle. Symptoms of a testicular torsion include:

  • A sudden, severe pain on one side of the scrotum,
  • Swelling of the scrotum,
  • Abdominal pain,
  • Nausea and vomiting,
  • A testicle that’s positioned higher than normal or at an unusual angle,
  • Frequent urination,
  • Fever

A testicular torsion can happen at any time – during exercise, sitting, standing or even sleeping. It is a medical emergency and should be treated within four to six hours of the onset of pain. If the blood supply is not restored quickly, it will cause the testicle to shrink and die.

Testicular Infection

Epididymitis is a testicular infection where the tube at the back of the testicle becomes painful and swollen. Symptoms of epididymitis include:

  • A sudden or gradual pain in one or both testicles,
  • The scrotum feeling warm, tender and swollen,
  • A build-up of fluid around the testicle that feels like a lump or swelling

Whilst epididymitis can be treated easily with antibiotics, if it is ignored it can spread to the testicle and can lead to chronic testicular pain, the growth of an abscess, infertility and the loss of your testicle.

Examining yourself

It is important to examine your testicles once a month to check for any changes, swellings or lumps. The best time to do this is after you have taken a bath or shower by resting your testicles in the palm of your hand, and gently rolling each one between a finger and your thumb. For further information on examining yourself, please visit the Movember “guide to checking your nuts”. (https://www.bismillahrestaurant.com/)

If you find something strange, are experiencing swelling or sudden and unexplained pain in one or both of your testicles, don’t stew over whether it’s serious or not – get checked out by a doctor. The earlier a problem is diagnosed, the better the chance of successful treatment will be.

Conclusion

I understand that for some men, the idea of sitting and talking with a doctor about your testicles can be embarrassing, worrying or stressful. I also appreciate that whilst we are in a middle of a global pandemic, people want to avoid visiting the doctor. However, if there is a problem or you are worried about your testicles, go see a doctor and tell them what is worrying you.

The earlier the problem is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can be given and the better your chances will be of a full recovery will be.

8 Penis-Friendly Foods to Boost T-Levels, Sperm Count, and More

The best way to boost penis health? Food.

Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo, LDN, RD — Written by Tiffany LaForge — Updated on October 23, 2018

This article is a repost which originally appeared on HealthLine

Edited for content

We often eat with our hearts and stomachs in mind, but how often do we consider how foods affect extremely specific body parts?

First things first though: no matter what we eat, the benefits are holistic — it goes where our bodies need it.

But, let’s say, if you know, that apples and carrots are good for your prostate and penis health, wouldn’t you be inclined to eat these foods more often?

That’s the goal of our below-the-belt food list.

Instead of eating as if your penis needs special attention, fill your day with foods that optimize your whole body, and in turn, help your blood bring the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals your penis needs to function. (Erectile dysfunction in younger men is rising and about 1 in 9 men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime.)

On the plus side, enhancing your diet just might help with other concerns, such as heart disease, hormonal imbalances, fat burn, and more.

From prostate cancer, low T-levels, ED, and possibly infertility, these foods are here to help.

1. Spinach to boost testosterone levels

Spinach worked for Popeye, and it’ll help you, too.

Spinach is a super source of folate, a known blood flow-booster. Folic acid plays a critical role in male sexual function and a deficiency in folic acid has been linked to erectile dysfunction.

Cooked spinach contains 66 percent of your daily folic acid requirement per cup, making it one of the most folate-rich foods around. Additionally, spinach contains a fair amount of magnesium, which also helps improve and stimulate blood flow and has been shown to boost testosterone levels.

Spinach for penile health

  • A good source of folic acid which may help prevent erectile dysfunction.
  • Contains magnesium which has been shown to boost testosterone.
  • Pro-tip: Try our favorite spinach recipes for your next date night.

2. A daily cup of coffee for better sex

Your morning cup of java can be a below-the-belt pick-me-up, too!

Studies have found that drinking two to three cups of coffee a day may prevent erectile dysfunction. This is thanks to coffee’s most beloved ingredient: caffeine.

Caffeine is shown to improve blood flow by relaxing penile arteries and muscles, leading to stronger erections. Cheers!

Caffeine for penile health

  • Caffeine has been shown to prevent erectile dysfunction.
  • Improves blood flow by relaxing penile arteries and muscles.
  • Pro-tip: Not a fan of coffee? You can get your daily caffeine fix from Yerba Mate or matcha instead.

3. Apple peels to prevent prostate cancer

Apples have some great all-around health benefits, but one of their lesser known advantages pertains to penis health.

Apple peels, in particular, contain the active compound ursolic acid. This compound has been shown in cell studies to stop the growth of prostate cancer cells by “starving” the cells. Still, you should always follow a medical professional’s treatment plan when faced with prostate cancer.

Eat more fruits and veggies Grapes, berries, and turmeric also have similar effects. Studies suggest that men who consume more fruits and vegetables in general have better odds at beating prostate cancer.

Apples for penile health

  • Contain an active compound that may starve prostate cancer cells.
  • Men who consume more fruits and vegetables have a better prostate cancer survival rate.
  • Pro-tip: The cancer-fighting compound is contained in the peel so be sure to eat your apples with the skin on. You can also make dried apple chips or apple peel tea.

4. Supercharge your libido with avocados

The Aztecs were on to something when they named the avocado tree the “testicle tree.”

An excellent source of healthy fats, potassium, and vitamins, avocados are great for getting you in the mood.

This toast-topper favorite has vitamin E and zinc, both of which have positive effects on male sex drive and fertility. Zinc has been suggested to increase levels of free testosterone in the body, while vitamin E may improve sperm quality.

Avocados for penile health

  • Contain zinc which increases testosterone levels.
  • Are a good source of vitamin E which improves sperm quality.
  • Pro-tip: Out of ideas beyond guacamole and toast? Find inspiration with our 23 delicious ways to eat an avocado.

5. Chili peppers to spice up the bedroom

Can you handle the heat? Studies have found that men who consume spicy foods have higher-than-average testosterone levels.

While this doesn’t mean spicy food gives you testosterone, the chemical capsaicin has been shown to have bedroom advantages.

Found in hot sauce and chili peppers, capsaicin triggers the release of endorphins — the “feel good” hormone — and can rev up the libido.

Chili peppers for penile health

  • Men who eat spicy foods have higher-than-average T-levels.
  • Capsaicin found in chili peppers triggers the release of endorphins.
  • Pro-tip: There’s more health benefits to spicy foods than a healthy libido. Read about our top five here.

6. Carrots keep your sperm healthy

Looking to improve your sperm count? Science says to eat more carrots.

This fertility superfood may improve both sperm count and motility (the movement and swimming of sperm).

Research suggests this is due to the chemical carotenoids found in carrots, which is also responsible for giving the vegetable its orange color.

Carrots for penile health

  • Research finds that carrots can improve male fertility.
  • Carotenoids found in carrots may improve sperm quality and motility.
  • Pro-tip: Another vegetable high in carotenoids is sweet potatoes, which makes our list of the 14 healthiest vegetables on earth alongside carrots.

7. Oats for a bigger O

Oatmeal might not come to mind when you think of the world’s sexiest foods — but maybe it should!

Oats can be beneficial for reaching orgasm and Avena Sativa (wild oats) is considered an aphrodisiac. The amino acid L-arginine found in oats has also been shown to treat erectile dysfunction.

Like Viagra, L-arginine helps penile blood vessels relax, which is essential to maintaining an erection and reaching orgasm.

Oats for penile health

  • Wild oats are a known aphrodisiac.
  • Amino acids found in oats relax blood vessels and can help with erectile dysfunction.
  • Pro-tip: New to oats? Try our quick and easy 10-minute overnight oats, made three ways.

8. Tomatoes are a penile health trifecta

Want all the benefits in one punch? Start with tomatoes.

Tomatoes include several of the benefits listed above and can be eaten in a variety of ways.

Research shows lycopene-rich foods, like tomatoes, may help prevent prostate cancer.

Tomatoes might also be beneficial to male fertility and sperm quality — as tomatoes seem to significantly improve sperm concentration, motility, and morphology.

Tomatoes for penile health

  • Help prevent prostate cancer.
  • Are beneficial to male fertility and improve sperm concentration, motility, and morphology.
  • Pro-tip: Too busy to make your own marinara? You don’t just have to cook with tomatoes. Try drinking tomato juice for a quick and healthy way to get your daily lycopene.

Looking for more ways to ensure below-the-belt health? Check out our best tips to prevent prostate cancer and non-penile advice on improving your sex life.

After all, your health is more than one body part.