Maximizing Male Fertility

It Takes Two to Make a Baby!

Dr. Berger is the only reproductive surgeon who specializes in and limits his practice to tubal reversal surgery and has the highest credentials.

Lori Chrisco, RN
Recovery Room Nurse

You are a woman who thought she was finished having children, so you had a tubal ligation. Now you realize that was a mistake, so you had or are planning to have a tubal reversal from Dr. Berger. If you have trouble getting pregnant after surgery, it must be all your fault, right? Not necessarily. Your male partner might have a problem with his fertility.

In the general population, for couples that are unable to conceive, the reason is male infertility in at least 25% of cases. For about half of these couples, both the male and female have impaired fertility and so they are unable to conceive together. Of course, most men are fertile. But, if your partner has never fathered a child, or you are having difficulty conceiving, it is a good idea to determine his fertility status.

Semen Analysis

Male fertility can be evaluated with a semen analysis. A simple sperm count is not enough. A complete semen analysis checks not only the number of sperm, but the motility (how fast and how well they are moving), morphology (normal formation), white blood cells (a measure of infection) and many other factors. Ideally, the lab will have a private area so the man can provide the semen specimen for immediate analysis. (Specimens obtained at home begin to degrade very quickly; if this is the only option, make sure it gets to the lab within an hour). Yes, this test does involve him masturbating into a cup - but that's nothing compared to the major surgery or other invasive treatments you have gone through in your quest for another child.

If the semen analysis is abnormal, then the male partner should be evaluated by a urologist or fertility specialist. Treatment is effective in most cases.

Reasons for Impaired Fertility

Many factors may lead to reduced fertility in men. These include:

Varicocele (varicose veins of the testicle)
Certain medications or treatments
Medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure
Drug abuse (marijuana, cocaine, PCP, others)
Alcohol abuse
Excessive heat to the scrotal area
Previous infections including sexually-transmitted diseases (chlamydia, gonorrhea and others)
Environmental or workplace toxins such as radiation, pesticides and other chemicals

Improving Male Fertility

There are many lifestyle changes a man can make in order to ensure he is as fertile as possible while you are trying to conceive. These tips are useful for all couples who want a baby, not just for men with fertility problems:

Avoid excessive heat to the testicles. Sperm need to be kept below his body temperature (which is the reason men have a scrotum!). Avoid the following:

Hot tubs, saunas, and other sources of excessive or prolonged heat.
Tight underwear. Wear boxers and other looser clothing.
Sitting for more than 3 hours a day if possible, especially with legs crossed.
Use of a laptop computer for long periods of time.
Prolonged bicycle riding or other excessive exercise.

Reduce or eliminate harmful substances. These have wide-ranging effects on the hormones, including testosterone, and may sharply reduce the number and quality of sperm, reduce sex drive, and cause DNA abnormalities to sperm, making miscarriages and birth defects more likely to occur. Avoid or reduce the following:

Smoking or any other tobacco products.
Illegal drugs (marijuana, cocaine, PCP, barbiturates or "downers," amphetamines or "speed", LSD, others).
Exposure to environmental toxins (radioactive materials, anesthetic gas, lead, pesticides, solvents, other chemicals).
Alcohol consumption (limit to 2 drinks a week if possible).
Caffeine (limit to 2 cups of coffee a day).
Any substances containing steroids or testosterone, including some "muscle-building" products. Taking steroids can result in testicular shrinkage and infertility, because these cause the man's body to stop producing testosterone!
Stress.

Treat underlying medical problems. Medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure may affect circulation, impairing sexual response and fertility. Infections including STDs must be cleared up. A varicocele may require surgery.

Evaluate medications. Many prescription and non-prescription drugs can interfere with fertility and sex drive. Make sure your doctor is aware you are trying to father a child, and together, review your medicines with that in mind. Never stop taking medication without telling your doctor. Medications known to have sexual or fertility side effects include some antidepressants, antibiotics, blood pressure, heart and gout medicines.

Additional Fertility Tips

Eat a nutritious diet. This is very important for overall health and may improve sperm quality. Eat plenty of whole grains, vegetables and fruit, enough but not too much protein (meat, fish, eggs, dairy products), limit fat to 30% of your diet, and reduce or eliminate sweets, chips, and other "junk food." Try to reduce intake of processed foods (from packages and cans rather than fresh) since these contain food additives and other chemicals that might impair fertility. Take a good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement daily, but do not take large doses of any vitamin. Avoid "dietary supplements" advertised on the internet and available in stores - these are completely unregulated, so there is no way to be sure what ingredients they contain.

Take care of your relationship. Trying to conceive may become stressful to a couple if pregnancy does not happen quickly. Both of you need to relax and remember that intimacy can still be pleasurable. Be creative, and enjoy yourselves!

More About Sperm

Special Report

Answers to seven important questions to find out if tubal reversal is right for you.

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for a free consultation -
(919) 968-4656

http://www.tubal-reversal.net/male-fertility.htm was last modified on November 1st, 2007 19:17:14

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