Male infertility refers to a man’s inability to cause pregnancy in a fertile woman. Men and women play equal roles in conception, but infertility is often considered as a “women’s problem.” The truth of the matter is that infertility affects men just as much as women.

Infertility affects approximately 7 percent of all men. Male infertility is commonly due to deficiencies in the semen, and semen quality is used as a surrogate measure of male fertility.

In this article, we are trying to debunk seven myths and truths about male infertility.

• Myth: Male infertility is genetic.

Fact: Some changes to chromosomes or gene mutations may cause abnormal sperm production or blockages to sperm flow that lead to male infertility. However, there are several other factors that can cause male infertility.

Factors like cancer, injury, repeated infections and immunity problems can result in male infertility. Also, a multitude of lifestyle choices such as diet, nutrition, smoking, drug use, alcohol consumption, lack of exercise and overweight or obesity can cause male infertility.

• Myth: Smoking doesn’t affect male fertility.

Fact: Many studies indicate that smoking increases the chances of male infertility by 30 percent.  Smoking damages sperm, making them less likely to fertilize eggs. Quitting smoking is an obvious health advantage, but many men do not realize how harmful smoking can be to their fertility.

The contents of cigarette smoke negatively affect sperm parameters, seminal plasma, and various other fertility factors.

• Myth: Medical conditions do not affect male fertility.

Fact: Chronic conditions like diabetes and liver cirrhosis can cause abnormal male ejaculation due to nerve damage and retrograde ejaculation (the entry of semen into the bladder instead of going out through the urethra during ejaculation).

Normally, muscles in the bladder close during ejaculation, preventing the entry of semen. During retrograde ejaculation, the semen is redirected into the bladder when these muscles fail to activate.

• Myth: Age does not affect male fertility.

Fact: Generally, the quality and quantity of a man’s sperm begin to decline after the age of 40 and declines more after the age of 50. Male fertility is not age-proof and it’s not impossible for an older man to father a child. Everybody has heard of men fathering children in their 50s, 60s and even 70s as men don’t lose the ability to produce sperm.

Fortunately, the decline is slow and gradual. However, it can speed up dramatically if the man develops a condition that hampers sperm production, such as an infection in the genital tract or varicocele.

• Myth: Cell phones and laptops don’t influence semen quality.

Fact: Extreme amounts of heat can damage the testes and decline semen quality. Using a laptop, especially with a Wi-Fi connection, can be a male fertility risk. A Fertility study examined nearly 30 sperm samples that were stored normally or under a laptop with a wireless connection. Sperm in the laptop sample had decreased motility and more DNA damage.

Cell phone emissions are also problematic. Eight of nine studies reviewed by the University of California-Berkley showed that cell phones, especially when kept in pant pockets, caused lower sperm counts.

• Myth: Weight does not affect male fertility.

Fact: Overweight and obesity present a range of health issues and can wreak havoc on male fertility. Obesity causes elevated estrogen and low testosterone levels, causing the sperm count to reduce. Overweight males also experience a decreased libido. On the other hand, men who are underweight can suffer with an abnormally low sperm count and poor sperm function.

Hence, maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best possible ways to prevent male infertility. Following a healthy and nutritious diet, doing regular exercise and staying hydrated will help keep a healthy weight.

• Myth: Diet does not affect male fertility.

Fact: Sometimes, sperm problems are linked to what a man eats or drinks. Men who consume high-fat diets have been found to have a decreased sperm count. Alcohol can also affect sperm quality by increasing estrogen production in the liver as well as poisoning cells in the testes.

Follow the below-mentioned dietary recommendations to preserve the viability of their sperm:

• Limit the intake of saturated fat
• Increase the intake of omega-3 fatty acids
• Include fruits and vegetables in diet