Male Infertility Risk Factors

ArkLaTex Fertility helps hopeful parents understand male infertility risk factors

ArkLaTex Fertility helps hopeful parents understand male infertility risk factors

Many people only consider female infertility when they’re struggling to conceive. However, male fertility issues can also make it more difficult to have a baby. Some male infertility causes are outside of your control, such as genetic disorders and hormonal conditions. However, it is possible to avoid some male infertility risk factors.

As a North Louisiana fertility specialist, David T. Vandermolen, MD, diagnoses and treats both female and male infertility. He believes that education is important for all hopeful parents. As a result, he takes time to explain how lifestyle choices affect male fertility.

Is male infertility common?

Male infertility is more common than most people realize.

The Cleveland Clinic reports that 186 million people around the world have infertility. Male infertility plays a role in about half of these cases. Additionally, The Cleveland Clinic explains that male factor infertility affects 10% to 15% of U.S. men.

Research in the National Library of Medicine also shows that male infertility increased by 76.9% from 1990 to 2019. Some specialists blame this increase on the rise of male infertility risk factors.

What are male infertility risk factors?

Many issues can cause male infertility, including a low sperm count, genetic disorders, hormonal imbalances and cancer treatment. These male infertility causes are typically outside of someone’s control. However, it’s possible to take steps to avoid or reduce exposure to the following risk factors.

  • Being overweight or obese (having a body mass index, or BMI, over 25)
  • Having exposure to radiation or toxins, such as lead, pesticides or mercury
  • Using alcohol, marijuana or tobacco
  • Taking medications, such as spironolactone or testosterone
  • Using anabolic steroids or certain supplements to increase muscle mass

Understanding these risk factors can help you and your partner make choices that can protect fertility.

How can you reduce your risk of male infertility?

Our North Louisiana fertility specialist believes in the power of education as part of male fertility treatment and prevention. As a result, Dr. Vandermolen often recommends the following lifestyle changes to protect and even improve male fertility.

  • Reach and maintain a healthy body weight (BMI of 18.5 to 24.9) by eating a healthy, nutrient-rich diet and getting regular physical activity.
  • Avoid smoking, vaping and cannabis.
  • Limit alcohol consumption.
  • Keep the scrotum cool by avoiding hot tubs, sauna and tight-fitting underwear and pants.
  • Minimize exposure to environmental toxins and heavy metals.
  • Review your medications and supplements with your doctor and make changes as necessary.

If you find that these measures aren’t enough to help you welcome a baby, ArkLaTex Fertility can help you find the best path forward.

If you would like to learn more about male infertility risk factors and treatment options, we invite you to contact us. Our North Louisiana fertility specialist looks forward to supporting you on your path to parenthood.

Yes, lifestyle choices can contribute to male infertility. For example, using tobacco, marijuana or alcohol can negatively affect male fertility. Anabolic steroids and certain supplements to improve muscle mass can also have an effect.

While it’s not always possible to remove all male infertility risks from your life, you can often manage some of them. Examples include avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy body weight.

Yes, male infertility is often treatable with the right care plan. Depending on your diagnosis, your doctor may recommend treatments, such as lifestyle changes, medications, artificial insemination or IVF.