Indian urologist Pramod Mehta, a specialist in fertility cases at Sahara Hospital in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, India, highlighted 8 facts that many might not consider regarding male infertility, according to the medical site "onlymyhealth."
1. **Increasing Infertility Cases Over 35**
In India, approximately 7% of men suffer from infertility issues, especially those over the age of 35. The precise reason for this is unknown; however, their sperm count decreases by nearly 52% and continues to decline each year.
2. **Biological Clock in Men**
Men's fertility rates decline after the age of 40, making it more challenging for them to become fathers. Having a child after 40 or during any type of infertility issue can affect the child and may lead to autism, schizophrenia, or childhood cancers. Therefore, consulting a doctor is advised.
3. **Clothing**
Studies conducted by researchers at Harvard University found that men who wear light clothing, such as loose shorts, have a higher sperm concentration. In contrast, tight clothing increases the temperature of the scrotum, which leads to reduced sperm production.
4. **Sense of Smell**
Kallmann syndrome causes hypogonadism and loss of the sense of smell. This genetic condition affects some individuals who either have a reduced sense of smell or cannot smell at all, often accompanied by delayed puberty, meaning that sexual growth hormones do not develop, which can lead to infertility if left untreated.
5. **Immune Infertility**
This is a rare condition that does not occur naturally, where the immune system mistakenly targets the sperm in a man's semen as a virus or foreign body attacking the body. This usually occurs when a person is severely ill or has sustained an injury.
6. **Sleep Duration**
Men who sleep more than 9 hours a day have a greater decrease in sperm count compared to those who sleep for 7 hours. The optimal sleep duration recommended for young adults is about 7 to 7.5 hours.
7. **Diet**
Individuals who consume meat almost daily tend to have a lower sperm count than those who do not. In this context, doctors recommend avoiding excess fats, sugar, red meat, and soy to increase sperm count. Therefore, one should consume more fruits rich in antioxidants, as well as whole grains, leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, fish, and lean animal proteins.
8. **Mobile Phones**
This concern extends beyond just phones; any devices that generate heat or may affect sperm production should be avoided, as this can impact the scrotum by causing heat, which reduces sperm count.
