Does Smoking and Drinking affect fertility in men?

Does Smoking and Drinking affect fertility in men?

It is not always that the females are the infertile ones who cannot conceive. Just as men are equally responsible for conception and the gender of the embryo, they are equally capable of infertility.

What is male infertility?

Male infertility is the condition where the man is incapable of fertilizing the eggs of a normal, fertile woman for conception.

In the era of a fast paced lifestyle health is bound to be affected adversely. Lifestyle means the daily routine of rushing around with no thought or time for rest, rejuvenation, exercise and even a health providing diet. Add smoking and drinking to this lifestyle and the human becomes a ticking bomb. Smoking and drinking are so prevalent that one wonders what is so beneficial for a person to pursue this habit- because smoking and drinking not only affect the person partaking it but is also harmful for their progeny. Children bear the consequences of the parents’ vices. Unhealthy lifestyle is one of the main reasons for infertility. It is a myth that only females suffer from infertility. Men equally have fertility disorders. The increase in infertility in men and women has been a reason for establishing Fertility Centres.

Smoking and drinking are detrimental to male fertility because they have long term effects on the sperm which is the main factor for fertilising the female ovum or egg. Thousands of sperm are present in the semen normally produced but only one reacts and fertilises the female egg. Long term health effects include damage and reduction in the production of sperm. Men who want their partners to conceive, or those who wish to protect the health of their sperm for the future, should avoid alcohol and tobacco. Smoking and drinking also impact the success of assisted reproduction technology like In Vitro Fertisization (IVF).

There are many causes of male infertility :

• Tumours
• Undescended testicles( lack of development)
• Genetic defects
• Diabetes and other health problems
• Infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, mumps or HIV
• Varicocele (swelling of veins in the testicles)
• Smoking and drinking

Signs / Symptoms of male infertility

• Changes in hormonal health and sexual desire
• Swelling or pain in the Testicles
• Problems in erection and ejaculation
• Small, firm testicles

Treatments for Male infertility include

• Stop smoking and drinking
• A good diet and exercise regimen
• Medical intervention may be required like antibiotics for infections of the reproductive tract
• Treatments at a Fertility Centre for sexual intercourse problems.
• Medication or counselling from expert fertility Centres can greatly help improve fertility in conditions such as erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation.
• Hormone medications and treatments

Here are few natural ways to boost fertility

A good diet to boost fertility should include

1. Eat foods that are rich in antioxidants
2. Eat a sumptuous and healthy breakfast
3. Avoid Trans Fats
4. Cut Down on Carbs and refined carbs
5. Increase fiber intake
6. Eat high Protein foods.
7. Consume High-Fat Diary products
8. Exercise-Inactivity is detrimental to fertility
9. Stop smoking and drinking

Home treatments or over the counter medications may or may not help in treating male fertility. It is always the best option to visit a renowned fertility centre with your partner for effective treatment and expert advice. Fertility Centres have a panel of medical experts dealing with different infertility issues and are equipped with the best facilities for assessments and treatments.

Take heart. Do not lose hope. With advances in medical Science even miracles are possible.