However, the decline in male fertility can be brought about by various factors, including medical conditions, environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and age.
These include infections like epididymitis, anatomical problems such as varicocele (which is the swelling of veins that drain the testicle and can interfere with sperm production), and issues with sperm release.
Certain medications, including testosterone replacement therapy, cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, some antifungal medications, and ulcer drugs, can impair sperm production.
Lifestyle choices play a crucial role in male fertility.
While male fertility decline with age is not as dramatic as it is for women, it is still significant.
Unlike women, who are born with a limited number of eggs, men produce new sperm every day. The testes generate about 100-200 million fresh sperm daily, meaning men don't face the risk of running out of sperm as they age. However, the decline in male fertility can be brought about by various factors, including medical conditions, environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and age.
India Today spoke with Dr ArchanaDhawan Bajaj, Gynecologist, Obstetrician and IVF Expert, Nurture IVF Clinic, New Delhi.
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Various medical conditions can interfere with sperm production or the process of ejaculation. These include infections like epididymitis, anatomical problems such as varicocele (which is the swelling of veins that drain the testicle and can interfere with sperm production), and issues with sperm release. Chromosomal defects that cause abnormal development of male reproductive organs, problems with sexual intercourse or ejaculation like erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, or painful intercourse, and DNA fragmentation (where the DNA within sperm is abnormal, increasing the risk of failed conception or miscarriage) are also significant medical causes.
Environmental and medical history factors can also contribute to fertility decline. Certain medications, including testosterone replacement therapy, cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, some antifungal medications, and ulcer drugs, can impair sperm production. Previous surgeries, such as hernia repairs, scrotal or testicular surgeries, prostate surgeries, or vasectomies, can block the path of sperm. Additionally, overexposure to industrial chemicals, heavy metals, or radiation can negatively affect fertility.
Lifestyle choices play a crucial role in male fertility. The use of illicit drugs such as anabolic steroids, cocaine, or marijuana, and habits like alcohol use and smoking contribute to a lower sperm count. Obesity can directly affect sperm and cause hormonal changes that impact fertility.
While male fertility decline with age is not as dramatic as it is for women, it is still significant. Studies show that the time to achieve pregnancy increases as men age, and pregnancy rates decrease. For example, men over 40 are 30% less likely to conceive within a year compared to men under 30. The average time to pregnancy for men over 45 is five times greater than for men under 25. Men over 35 have a 25% pregnancy rate compared to a 52% rate for men under 35.
Published By: vaishnavi parashar Published On: Jun 14, 2024
