Feritility Blog: Male Fertility

Showing posts with label Male Fertility. Show all posts

Friday, 7 December 2012

Sperm Count

Sperm disorders account for most common male infertility and are often symptomatic of other diseases or disorders. To that end, a semen analysis is often critical in determining Male Infertility. The analysis looks at eight factors, including:

Semen volume

Normal volume is 1.0-6.5 milliliters (mL) per ejaculate. In very rare cases, there is an absence of semen, termed aspermia.

Sperm count:

Normal sperm count is defined by the World Health Organization as having over 20 million sperm per mL. A count of under 20 million/mL is termed oligospermia while the absence of sperm altogether is termed azoospermia.

Sperm motility:

This refers to the forward motion capacity of the sperm. 8 million sperm per mL with good motility is considered normal.

Sperm morphology:

Morphology refers to the shape of the sperm. 70% normally-shaped sperm indicates good morphology. Abnormally shaped sperm appear with malformed heads (two heads, tiny heads, round heads) and tails (two tails, short tails). These shapes tend to affect their motility.

Other Male Infertility causes include liquefaction time, pH levels, and fructose levels. An off-average number in any factor can signify infertility.

Cancer and Male Infertility

Cancer and Male Infertility may be linked as radiation and chemotherapy treatment for cancer can impair sperm production, sometimes severely. In general, the higher the dose and the longer the treatment, the greater the chance for reproductive problems. Your age, the type and dose of drugs, the location and dose of radiation, the scope and location of surgery, your pre-cancer fertility status, and other factors can influence your risk.

Varicocele

A varicocele is mass of enlarged and dilated veins in the testicle that essentially feels like a bag of worms. It is generally not harmful and usually not painful. A varicocele can be found in 42% of infertile men. About 15% of normal, fertile men also have a varicocele, a fact which complicates the relationship between infertility and varicoceles. Approximately 15 percent of males have this condition which almost always occurs on the left side.

Azoospermia

Azoospermia is a condition in which a semen analysis shows an absence of sperm in a man's semen, although azoospermia is sometimes diagnosed even if as many as 500,000 sperm are found.
All told, this may be a testicular problem, where the testes simply aren't producing any. It's also possible that the testes are producing sperm, but they aren't being delivered. In this case, the problem is in either the ductal system carrying the sperm, or in the process known as emission, in which sperm moves to the urethra prior to ejaculation.

Oligospermia

Defined as having a sperm count of under 20 million spermatozoa per milliliter, in short what this means is that there is an insufficient amount of sperm in the semen to make fertility likely. However, oligospermia does not automatically indicate Male Infertility.

Improve Male Fertility

No one knows exactly why but many researchers agree that sperm counts have been declining for decades. Problems with fertility can range from hormonal imbalances, to physical problems, to psychological and/or behavioral problems. Fertility reflects a man's "overall" health. Men who live a healthy lifestyle are more likely to produce healthy sperm and increase male fertility.

Increase Male Fertility–Get a Checkup

Make sure there's no underlying infection getting in the way. A clean bill of health gets you off on the right start.

Don't Ditch the Dentist

Who knew? Men with fertility problems (identified as sub-fertile) have had improvement in sperm motility, morphology and density after participating in regular dental cleanings! Oral bacteria can create a bacterial infection in the male reproductive system and lead to a problem with male fertility. There's a good reason to regularly brush and floss!

Weigh In

Increased body mass may be associated with decreased male fertility. Obesity creates relatively high levels of the female-associated hormone estrogen.

Eat Right

Deficiencies in nutrients such as protein, vitamin C, selenium, zinc and folate may contribute to male infertility. Eating and drinking right can increase male fertility.

Eat fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, poultry, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
Drink half of body weight in ounces of water daily (e.g., a 150 lb man would drink 75 oz of water).
Eliminate processed and refined foods (e.g., white flour, junk food, sugars).
Avoid saturated fats and hydrogenated oils (e.g., margarine); use olive oil.
Pumpkin seeds are naturally high in zinc and essential fatty acids which are vital to healthy functioning of the male reproductive system. Eat 1/4 to 1/2 cup a day of pumpkin seeds to help maintain a healthy reproductive system. All helpto increase male fertility.

Calm Down

No, you don't have to learn yoga. But stress does lead to the release of adrenalin and other hormones which can restrict blood flow to the testes and inhibit sperm production. Plus, it leads to the release of chemical by-products called free radicals, which damage sperm. Take an anti-oxidant supplement with zinc, selenium and vitamin C to increase male fertility.

Keep 'em Cool

Frequent use of saunas or hot tubs can elevate your core body temperature. This may impair your sperm production and lower your sperm count. According to the Mid-Missouri Reproductive Medicine Surgery Center, long-haul truckers frequently have quite depressed semen parameters; this may be due to the fact that they sit in constrained positions in hot cabs for long time periods.

Don't Light Up

The American Society of Reproductive Medicine studied the effects of smoking on men and the results are clear: Quitting smoking has many benefits.
Men who smoke will have a lower sex drive, poor sperm quality, poor male fertility and are less likely to participate in sex. Dr. Panayiotis Zavos, professor of reproductive physiology and andrology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, writes, "The cheapest and most efficient way of improving male fertility is to quit smoking. And if couples stop smoking immediately, that would probably be the first gesture they could take to increase male fertility and towards treatment for infertility."

Stop the Steroids

Anabolic steroids can permanently shrink the testes and cause infertility. They trick the body to stop producing testosterone – which you need for baby-making.

Too Many Toxins

Exposure to environmental hazards and toxins such as pesticides, lead, paint, radiation, radioactive substances, mercury, benzene, boron, and heavy metals are all proven to impact male fertility. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and endocrine-disrupting chemicals from normal, everyday plastics are reported cause reproductive damage. Limit your exposure to environmental pollutants to whatever extent possible.

Increasing Low Sperm Count and Improving Male Fertility…

Low sperm count and infertility in men is more prevalent than most couples think. There is an equal chance that male factor infertility can be the cause of not getting pregnant as much as a fertility issue being with the woman. While women have many tests to undergo to try to find out the cause of infertility, men have only a couple, the sperm test being the easiest.

Getting Tested

If you have been trying to get pregnant for more than a year, make sure that both of you should go and begin getting testing. There are at-home sperm count tests available in, or you can have a complete semen analysis performed at your doctor’s office.
The results of a good test would be a sperm count of 20 million or more sperm with healthy mobility, motility and morphology. Suboptimal levels are less than 20 million sperm. If you find that your sperm levels are low or are having issues with mobility, motility or morphology, this article will share with you some natural therapies you can use to help improve sperm count and health.

Causes of Low Sperm Count

The causes of low sperm count and male infertility are many, but a many of them we do have control over and you can reduce your exposure to them.
Here is a list of the top culprits which many have been shown through studies to be the cause of low sperm count and male infertility.

EMF’s – Electromagnetic frequencies (EMF’s) have been shown through studies to lower sperm count due to the heating of the testicles from the EMF’s. Do not keep your cell phone in your pocket and do not place your laptop computer on your lap.
Cigarette smoking – Smoking damages the sperm. Period. The good news is the damage done from smoking can be reversed… As long as you quit smoking.
Pesticides and hormones in foods – The pesticides found on produce and the hormones added to the dairy and meat have a HUGE effect on men’s hormonal balance. Pesticides mimic estrogens in the body while the added hormones to meat and dairy are actual hormones (like estrogen) you do not want in your system.
Soy foods – Soy foods mimic estrogens in the body also. As a man these xenohormones can match up with the receptor sites that testosterone is supposed to go. And create hormonal havoc.
Alcohol- In a study of men with poor sperm quality, excessive alcohol consumption was associated with decrease in the number of normal sperm.
Plastics – When plastics are heated they release xenohormones which mimic estrogen in the body.
Briefs/ boxers – The testicles need to keep the sperm at a healthy temperature (which is less then the bodies temperature). Tight underwear like briefs can keep the testicles from being able to hang and regulate there temperature. (Plus women like boxers on men more anyways)
Hot tubs/ bike riding – This again is to help keep the integrity of the sperm by allowing the testicles to regulate the temperature.
Stress – Stress can have a big impact on hormonal balance which can have an affect on sperm production.

Diet & Nutrients for Healthy Male Fertility

Diet has a big impact on sperm health and male fertility. What you are eating today is impacting the sperm that will be swimming 3 months from now.
Study findings show a range of 42 to 76 days from the time of sperm production to ejaculation in normal men.
So the changes that you make today are impacting the sperm you will be using two to three months from now. So that is the amount of time it will take for diet, herbs and supplements to have an effect.
Here are the nutrients specifically needed for healthy male fertility diet, they should be added to the diet as well as supplemented:

Zinc

Food sources: Calf liver, oysters, beef, lamb, venison, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, yogurt, turkey, green peas, shrimp. Zinc can be damaged by cooking so it is important to eat some foods high in zinc in their raw forms.

Selenium

Food sources: Liver, snapper, cod, halibut, tuna, salmon, sardines, shrimp, crimini mushrooms, turkey

CoQ10

Food sources: Found in seafood and organ meats. Amounts in the body decline with age.

Vitamin E

Food sources: Sunflower seeds, almonds, olives, spinach, papaya, dark leafy greens.

Folic acid

Food sources: liver, lentils, pinto beans, garbanzo beans, asparagus, spinach, black beans, navy beans, kidney beans, collard greens

B12

Food sources: Clams, oysters, muscles, liver, caviar (fish eggs), fish, crab, lobster, beef, lamb, cheese, eggs.

Vitamin C

Food sources: Abundant in plants and fruits including red peppers, broccoli, cranberries, cabbage, potatoes, tomatoes, and citrus fruit.

L-Carnitine

Antioxidants

Hormone Balance

Hormone imbalance is not just something that is reserved for women only. Men can also have imbalanced hormones. Hormones play a large roll in semen production and men’s fertility. One of the main hormones being testosterone. Due to our modern lifestyles and many of the culprits mentioned above, men’s hormones can become imbalanced.
There are pollutants that “mimic” estrogens (xenohormones) in the body which means less testosterone. Excess estrogen in men produces erectile dysfunction, low/lack libido, low sperm count, and lowered production of seminal fluid.
These xenohormones can come from:

soy foods
pesticides on food
hormones added to dairy and meat
plastics

5 steps to balancing your hormones:
1. Reduce your exposure to xenohormones
2. Eat only organic meats and dairy
3. Do not eat soy foods.
4. Cleanse the body of excess hormones and toxins. This can be done with a Male Fertility Cleanse
5. Eat lots of fiber and cruciferous vegetables. These vegetables contain a special element that helps the body to rid itself of excess estrogens. You can also take the supplement DIM to have the same effects.

Herbs for Male Fertility & Sperm Health

Photo by Forest & Kim Starr

These traditional herbal tonics have been shown through studies and hundreds of years of use to help men have healthier sperm and increased fertility. Most of these herbs are adaptogen which help to nourish the endocrine system so all of the hormones are working properly. For best results use these herbs for at least 3 – 6 months.
American Ginseng root (Panax quinquefolius)
American Ginseng may support healthy sex drive, erectile dysfunction and enhance sexual performance in men. Strengthens the HPA (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal) axis, aiding hormonal balance, stress management, immune function.
Ashwagandha root (Withania somnifera)
Traditionally used to improve sex drive and low sperm count. Supports overall endocrine system function for overall hormonal balance.
Epimedium, also known as horny goat weed (Epimedium grandiflorum)
Aphrodisiac, increase in sexual desire and performance. The active ingredient Icariin has been shown to increase nitric oxide; increasing circulation to the extremities. Has been shown useful in aiding sustained erection.
Fo-ti, also known as Ho Shou Wu or He Shou Wu, root (Polygonum multiflorum)
Fo Ti has been traditionally used for men who have low libido, low sperm count, erectile dysfunction and poor sperm motility. Supports fertility longevity.
Ginkgo leaves (Ginkgo biloba)
#1 remedy for erectile dysfunction, increases circulation and is high in antioxidants.
Goji berry, dried fruit (Lycium barbarum,L.chinense)
Goji berries protect sperm from hyperthermia (overheating), increasing hormone levels, sperm quantity and quality through its high antioxidant content. Goji berries support hormonal balance through improved liver function support. Extremely nutritious as well.
Maca root (Lepidium meyenii)
Men who use maca have been seen to have an increased libido and healthy sperm. Increase seminal volume, sperm count per ejaculate, and sperm motility. Maca is wonderful superfood which can be taken in capsules or added to fertility smoothies in powder form.
Saw Palmetto berries (Serenoa repens)
Traditionally use for improving prostate health, impotence, testicular atrophy and improved sex drive in men.
Schisandra fruit and seed (Schisandra chinensis)
Supportive and protective of liver health. Shown to support immunity, endocrine and nervous system function. Studies have shown may increase in sperm count. Aids stress related infertility.
Tribulus, aerial parts and fruit (Tribulus terrestris)
Shown to be effective in aiding sex hormone production, increase in LH and testosterone in men. Tribulus may help to increase in sperm count, motility, and health.

Have Sex at The Right Time

There is a right time to have sex to optimize your chances of conception and to give sperm an extra boost.
Here are some fertility/sex tips:

Know her cycle – Know when she is ovulating. Become interested in knowing the timing of her fertility cycle. If she does not know, find out when her period is. Roughly 12 -14 days after the first day of her period is when she may ovulate. This is a rough estimate because women are all different in there cycles. Some other signs that she is ovulating is she is way more interested in sex and she has some cervical mucous equivalent to egg whites. You can learn more about fertility charting here.
Timing is everything. You will not want to have sex 2 -3 days before ovulation so that your sperm supply is built up.
Use sperm friendly lubrication.
Don’t have sex standing up. This makes it harder for the sperm to reach the cervix.

Summary

If you are experiencing low sperm count there are many natural therapies that have been shown to increase sperm count and health. Here is a summary of steps you can take to increase your sperm health:

Male Fertility

More than 2.5 million men in Britain may be suffering from fertility problems, with high rates of smoking, stress and drinking believed to be contributory factors. But many men are in denial about the risk of infertility and tend to believe that problems in conceiving are more likely to be the "fault" of the woman.

A recent survey of GP's and male patients found that while doctors were worried about the extent of the problem, many men were unaware that they could have problems fathering a child. More than 30 per cent of the GP's said they were concerned about the decline in male fertility. More than a quarter said that low male fertility could have a detrimental impact on the population, unless men changed their lifestyles. Asked to name the biggest causes of male infertility, GP's listed smoking, excess alcohol consumption and stress. Research for the survey also suggested that 9 per cent of the male population in Britain could be suffering from low fertility. The quality and number of sperm that men produce has declined in the past 30 years, with male infertility accounting for about a third of couples' problems conceiving.

But when almost 1,000 men were questioned for the report, only 12 per cent said they were concerned about their own fertility, and only 5 per cent were aware that they could be suffering from a low sperm count. More than half - 59 per cent - believed women were more likely to suffer from fertility problems. One in three men believe their partners will be able to conceive within two months of trying, while three-quarters of GP's said they expect an average couple to take between three and six months to achieve a pregnancy.

Despite the lack of awareness, 12 per cent of men who had children said it had taken longer than they anticipated for their partners to conceive

Infertility Defined

Infertility itself is generally defined as the inability to achieve a pregnancy after one year of regular intercourse without contraception.

This means that a doctor will usually send a couple away if they have been trying for less than one year and tell them to 'let nature take its course'. Whilst medically justifiable this can be quite distressing for couples who often become concerned when trying for only a few months without success.

Men that are investigated for infertility have to send a sample of their semen to the laboratory for semen analysis. Results usually take a few days. Fortunately you can now do a simple screening test at home and so not have to wait until your doctor is prepared to test you. This also has the advantage of being discreet and less stressful because it is done in your own home and no-one else need know about it.

The FertilCount™ Male Fertility home test and our information will help you make a start.

A man is considered at risk of infertility if his sperm count is less than
20 million per ml and probably sterile if his sperm count is less than 500,000 per ml. There are other parameters looked for by the laboratory and for more detailed information read Semen Analysis.

Men should consider testing themselves if they have taken body building drugs, smoke excessively, drink alcohol excessively, take extreme exercise, have hazardous and stressful jobs (for example deep sea diving), use DDT metabolite pesticides as part of their jobs (fruit farmers and flower growers), have had a sexually transmitted disease, had mumps as a child, or have had a traumatic injury to the testicles.

Infertility Causes

It was previously thought that mumps could cause sterility in men but in fact it is now known to be extremely rare for mumps to lead to sterility. Infected semen can be a cause of infertility. Heat can reduce sperm production. This is why the testicles are outside the body in the scrotum rather than in the abdomen like the ovaries. Medical opinion is divided on how important the following are but we would suggest you take account of whether they might apply to you - Some men soak themselves in a bathtub full of scalding water, some obese (overweight) men can become sterile because the sagging layers of fat can overheat the testicles, some men whose jobs involve long hours of sitting may also have a reduced sperm count because of overheated testicles.
Very frequent intercourse can lead to a dramatic reduction in sperm count and cause the man to be effectively infertile. If you ejaculate as much as 2-3 times a day you are likely to have a problem. If you want to be at your most fertile you have to wait at least 3 days between each ejaculation! Smoking over 20 cigarettes a day has been shown to reduce both the sperm count and the sperm motility. Excessive alcohol intake can lead to low sperm counts for a variety of reasons. The workaholic man can find that fatigue can have similar effects on his interest in intercourse as well as stimulate a desire for excessive alcohol intake.
The presence of excessive fluid around the testicle, known as a hydrocele, is a known problem. There can occasionally be anatomical defects in the development of the penis. Consequently, during intercourse and ejaculation the sperm cannot be deposited within the vagina very easily. Retrograde ejaculation is a rare condition when some men ejaculate backwards into the bladder. This could be the result of earlier surgery to the urethra (the outflow tube from the bladder).
A rectal examination can help determine whether the prostate gland may be a source of chronic infection

Semen Analysis

Semen analysis is always done when assessing male fertility.

A semen sample is evaluated for;

Sperm count, percentage of active sperm (often called motility), sperm shape (usually called morphology) and the presence of elements other than sperm, for example blood cells or white cells which can provide evidence of damage and/or evidence of infection.

Who needs semen analysis ?

Any couple concerned about their fertility should ensure that the man is tested. This is particularly important for the following men;

Men with a history of reproductive tract infections or STDs

Men concerned about exposure to environmental pollutants

Men exposed to workplace hazards

Male athletes exposed to conditions which might lower sperm counts

Why bother with semen analysis ?

The male partner contributes to almost half of all infertility problems that couples face yet often refuses to think he may be the possible cause of the couples failure to conceive.
10-20% of all men have sperm counts below the WHO cut-off level.
1-2% of all males are completely infertile and produce no sperm at all.

Why Test?

Male fertility contributes to at least 40% of all infertility problems that couples face.

Recent research suggests that nearly 10% of the male population in Britain could be suffering from low fertility. The quality and number of sperm that men produce has declined in the past 30 years, with male infertility accounting for about a third of couples' problems conceiving.
Sadly, many men resist being tested and in some cases this means that the woman can go through years of unnecessary treatment. This also means that the couple can go through a lot of unnecessary emotional turmoil and anxiety.

Male fertility screening is done by collecting a fresh sample of semen and either taking it to a laboratory for evaluation or performing a simple home test.

How can I get my semen tested?

The FertilCount Male Fertility Home Test is a good starting point for couples planning a pregnancy and has all the advantages of being discreet and private. The Test is 97% accurate and will indicate whether the sperm count is above or below the WHO cut-off levels defining the fertility status of a man. A simple semen test can prevent a lot of unnecessary time, investigation of the female partner, and the associated costs. Alternatively you can arrange a semen test through your doctor. This should certainly be done if you come up negative with our home screening test. The doctors laboratory will also be able to assess other important aspects of the sperm quality such as sperm motility and morphology.

Azoospermia

Azoospermia is the medical condition of a male not having any measurable level of sperm in his semen. It is associated with very low levels of fertility.

Azoospermia has two forms:
Obstructive Azoospermia, where sperm are created, but cannot be mixed with the rest of the ejaculatory fluid due to a physical obstruction, and;
Non-obstructive Azoospermia, where there is a problem with spermatogenesis, as in the condition of hyperprolactinemia.

The diagnosis of Azoospermia is sometimes still made even though as many as 500,000 sperm per ml of semen may have been seen in a sperm sample because it is extremely unlikely that the man will be able to father a child naturally with this number of sperm.

This means that if you are diagnosed with Azoospermia that you must ask your doctor whether you have either (i) a very low sperm count so that you know you do at least make some sperm or (ii) absolutely no sperm at all which is the worst case scenario for any man to face.

So, if the doctor says you have Azoospermia make sure you ask for a copy of the semen analysis results so that you can understand the situation.

Azoospermia occurs in about 2% of men in the general population. So whilst not common, there are plenty of infertile men around and in the UK alone we would expect to find at least 300,000 men with Azoospermia and many of these would appear extremely healthy and have no indication that any problem might exist !

Aspermia

Aspermia is the complete absence of sperm in the semen and as such means that a man will be completely infertile, this is a very rare condition.

Aspermia is the complete lack of semen (not to be confused with Azoospermia, the lack of sperm cells in the semen). Naturally, it is associated with infertility. One of the causes of aspermia is retrograde ejaculation, which can be brought on by excessive drug use, or as a result of prostate surgery.

Oligospermia stands for low semen volume and is often mistaken for;

Oligozoospermia, which means few "animals" (spermatozoa) in semen, a medical symptom of low sperm count affecting men. Oligozoospermia is now related to samples with less than 20 million spermatozoa per ml of ejaculate.

Oligozoospermia has many different causes, as many different medical conditions can reduce sperm concentration. The effects of these causes may be temporary or permanent.

Teratospermia or teratozoospermia is a condition characterised by the presence of sperm with abnormal morphology that affects fertility in males.

Asthenozoospermia (or "asthenospermia") is the medical term for reduced sperm motility. It decreases the sperm quality and is therefore one of the major causes of infertility or reduced fertility in men.

Varicocele

If the doctor identifies the presence of a Varicocele (it is like a varicose vein on the testicles). The man might be considered fortunate in some ways since it is possible that the condition, and hence the mans fertility, may be corrected.

The presence of a Varicocele is probably the most commonly identified, correctable abnormality, that is associated with male infertility.

A Varicocele is an abnormal dilatation of the testicular veins and around 15% of healthy fertile men in the general population have a detectable Varicocele.

In the infertile population, up to 40% of men have been found to have a Varicocele, so there seems to be an association with infertility. Evidence suggests that varicoceles cause progressive damage so whilst a young man with Varicocele may be fertile it is possible that his fertility will decline with time.

Statistics

Reproduction is a normal human event that is absolutely necessary for the survival of the human race. Infertility is therefore not meant to be the normal course of events and will have a cause even though we may not always find one.

Infertility affects at least 20-25% of couples who are of reproductive age.

This means that at least one in five of the couples you know will be affected by some degree of infertility ! Statistics vary but it would seem that around 35% of men are sub-fertile and at least 2% of men are totally infertile. Furthermore there is a great scientific debate going on just now about evidence suggesting that male fertility is decreasing markedly as a result of modern lifestyles.

The advent of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and the Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) have helped several thousand otherwise infertile couples to have children over the last few decades. Even so as many as 10% of couples will be left with an inability to have children because IVF does not work for everyone.

For all these reasons, the number of couples seeking medical attention for infertility related problems has rapidly grown in recent years. This has also provided the push for new home-testing technology which provide the chance for more control, more privacy and also results that are useful if couples find it necessary to involve doctors.

One of the main advantages of home tests is that they will help fertile couples conceive more quickly and they will help others to identify that there might be a problem.

Treatment

If you are reading this page you have probably been told that you have a low sperm count. If so the first thing you must remember is that sperm count is a poor test in terms of predicting whether you will actually be fertile or not. So, unless you have almost zero sperm count you should not give up..... There are also plenty of men around who have normal sperm counts but unfortunately no children. The fact is that we still are unable to predict precisely which couples will be fertile and which couples will not!
New clinical trial offers hope for infertile men.
Results of a clinical trial have been published in the USA suggesting that a treatment for sub-fertile men can give results within 3 months. The clinical trial involved 300 men who had low sperm counts or motility and were in relationships suffering from long term infertility where the male factor was thought to be the cause. One group took a dummy pill and no improvement was seen in sperm quality. However the group taking high doses of two naturally occurring Carnitines showed significantly improved sperm quality and 28% pregnancy rate. This is the first clinical study to show improved pregnancy rates and therefore strongly suggests that couples might improve their chances of achieving conception naturally. ProxeedPlus contains the same dose of carnitines used in the study above and can be purchased in our shop

NEW fertility aid for men......www.fertilmate.co.uk
Testicular temperature is affected by numerous issues, some of which are medical problems and some of which are man made. Driving and sitting for hours at work increases testicular temperature, as does sleeping and particularly if you sleep on your side.
FertilMate™ helps reduce testicular temperature in these 'warm' working and 'warm' sleeping periods.".

Attitude

Obviously no-one wants to have a fertility problem but there is no doubt that taking some time to find out more about the things that control your fertility can help. Not only will the information help you control the powerful emotions that can surface during this time but also the additional knowledge can give you a much better chance of success...

So, please give some honest time and energy to try to understand basic fertility concepts.

Some of the advantages are summarised below;

You may have a better chance of conceiving without a doctors help by making sure that you know how to maximise your fertility.

You will be able to stay much closer to your partner during the whole process of trying for a family.

You will be able to communicate with your doctor much more effectively.

You will understand more about what the doctor is trying to do to help.

You will be able to understand the alternative treatments and options that you face.

You will be able to improve the chances of conception by understanding and cooperating with the chosen strategy.

There are many options but all require the close coordination with your partner and a fertility specialist.

Male Fertility Myths

When a couple is diagnosed as infertile, initial thoughts are often directed toward the woman. She can’t conceive. She is somehow incomplete. But the reality is that infertility factors are equally shared between men and women. What’s more is that men’s infertility is a common concern, with 2.1 million married couples being identified as infertile in the U.S. alone in 2007, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The idea that infertility is entirely a women’s issue is just one of a few recycled myths regarding the ability to conceive. Here are a few more.

Having sex daily will increase your chances of conception

For many men out there, debunking this common myth may be cause for commotion (warning: may result in less sex). The truth is that conceiving is all about timing. Generally, the best time to conceive is from the 11th to the 17th day of a woman’s menstrual cycle. Since a man’s sperm can live for 48 to 72 hours in a woman’s reproductive tract, having sex daily will therefore do little to improve fertility -- a notion confirmed by a recent study that found no difference in pregnancy rates between couples that had sex daily and those who had sex every other day. Another study suggests that daily sex may improve the quality of sperm, so while it may not increase your chances of conception, it might not hurt either.

Men don’t have fertility cycles

Generally speaking, the time of year and time of day can affect a man’s sperm count. Sperm counts are higher in the winter and lower in the summer, possibly because sperm production is increased in cooler temperatures. Sperm counts for men are also highest in the morning, mirroring the time when male hormone levels are also at a daily high. Despite these observations, experts do not really agree whether the time of day or year have an effect on fertility rates when looking at the big picture.

Bicycling doesn’t affect fertility

Before you take a crowbar to your bike in anger, this myth needs a little explanation. Sitting on a bicycle saddle for more than 30 minutes at a time -- especially if wearing tight bicycle shorts -- raises scrotal temperatures and temporarily affects sperm production. It’s the raising of scrotal temperatures that is mostly to blame. This is why it is ill-advised for men to frequent the hot tub or sauna when hoping to conceive. Even sitting with a laptop on your lap for prolonged periods may decrease sperm counts. The key is to take frequent breaks from sitting, and when cycling, choose a seat that's not too hard or narrow and adjust it so that the weight is on your butt bones.

Lubricants won’t speed up sperm

Lubricants decrease friction, which increases the pleasure of sex, but they won’t help you get pregnant. In fact, using lubricants can actually be counterproductive as they can interfere with sperm motility and may have ingredients that are toxic to sperm. The same is true for lotions and even saliva. Despite this, many couples rely on lubricants for sex; steer clear of all such products when attempting conception. If an alternative is needed, vegetable oils or Pre~Seed Intimate Moisturizer are sometimes recommended to couples, but a doctor should be consulted in determining the best available option.

When it comes to weight, only an excess affects sperm

Most men know that obesity can affect sperm production, but the lesser-known fact is that being too thin can reduce sperm count as well. Being underweight is believed to affect sperm because it is linked to hormonal imbalances as well as malnutrition. Findings from the 2008 European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology conference in Barcelona showed that men with an optimal BMI (Body Mass Index) of 20 to 25 had higher levels of normal sperm than those who were either overweight or underweight. If you have a low BMI then it may not be a bad idea to discuss healthy ways of gaining weight with a nutritionist or doctor.

get busy with the facts

Infertility is a topic shrouded in myth and misconception. The few misconceptions presented here only scratch the surface and it should therefore be the prerogative of any prospective parent to get their facts straight before attempting conception. Because, contrary to popular belief, getting pregnant is not always easy.

6 Ways To Boost Male Fertility Naturally

The presence of couples unable to conceive is an increasingly common scenario in my clinic compared to two decades ago. About 15 percent of couples experience conception problems, and this percentage is growing. Infertility is defined as the absence of conception after one year of regular intercourse without the use of any contraceptive. Men are responsible for this problem at least 40 percent of the time. Where modern medicine has developed its own technical solutions for assisting infertile couples in getting pregnant, complementary medicine can also offer its own assistance in increasing male fertility. Before attempting natural remedies, it is important to rule out any underlying treatable
medical conditions.

1. Improve sperm count

The average sperm count is between 120 and 350 million per cubic centimeter. A low sperm count is below 40 million per cubic centimeter. Low sperm counts or poor sperm motility may be due to environmental toxins such as chemicals, radiation, drugs, heavy metal exposure, cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol use, street drug use and pollution.
Heat can also reduce sperm production. Hot baths, sitting for long periods of time and tight-fitting underwear that constricts the testes can all elevate temperatures long enough to suppress sperm production.
The anti-ulcer drugs cimetidine and ranitidine have both been reported to decrease sperm count and produce impotence.

2. Reduce chemical exposure

The semen of the average man today has half the sperm, and of poorer quality, than 50 years ago.
This is believed to be caused by exposure to xenoestrogens (PCBs, DDT, dioxin, other pesticides, plastics and industrial pollutants) that mimic the effects of estrogen. You can prevent or minimize the impact of xenoestrogens on your health by doing the following:

Avoid plastic containers for food storage, plastic bottles, wraps and utensils.
Use office paper products whitened without chlorine.
Use only non-bleached coffee filters, paper, napkins and toilet tissue to reduce dioxin exposure.
Avoid chlorinated tap water, chlorine bleach and other chlorinated products; use hydrogen peroxide as an alternative.
Eat organic food as much as possible to avoid pesticides and herbicides.
Avoid synthetic deodorants and cosmetics; use only organic products whenever possible.
Avoid animal products with a high fat content that contain hormones, especially conventional milk and dairy products, chicken, beef and pork.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
Avoid fried, charcoal-broiled or barbecued forms of cooking.
Eat lots of foods high in antioxidants (carotenes, vitamins A, C, E and selenium) such as green leafy vegetables, kale, carrots, citrus, broccoli, cauliflower and yams.

3. Improve diet

Getting plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes can help boost fertility. Also avoid tobacco, refined carbohydrates, coffee, tea, alcohol and foods with artificial additives.
Maintain your ideal weight. Food deprivation in men leads to a loss of sex drive and structural changes to reproductive tissue leading to infertility.
Obesity, on the other hand, can be associated with a low sperm count and impotence, possibly because of higher temperatures caused by excess fat near the testes.

4. Exercise regularly

According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, regular exercise (five times a week for at least 45 minutes) and a healthy diet enhance fertility by keeping body weight at normal levels and relieving stress and anxiety.
Excessive amounts of exercise (marathon running and associated training) can be a cause of infertility because it can lead to amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) in women and a lowered sperm count in men.
If you are not sure what type of exercise is best for you, get yourself a personal trainer. He or she can give you an exercise program to bring your weight and fitness levels into the ideal range.

5. Take nutritional supplements

For men, the most important supplemental nutrients to enhance fertility are vitamin C and zinc. Vitamin C (2,000 to 6,000 milligrams daily) helps prevent sperm from clumping or sticking together, thus improving the chances for fertility.
Zinc supplementation (100 to 200 mg daily) has been shown to increase testosterone levels, sperm count and sperm motility. High zinc sources include oysters, organ meats, lean beef, turkey, lamb, herring, wheat germ, legumes and nuts.
Arginine is an amino acid the body produces from the digestion of protein. It is found in high amounts in the head of the sperm. Although not available as a supplement in Canada, arginine has been shown to help low sperm counts and poor motility. In high doses, arginine is also a potent dilator of arteries, leading to better erections. Food sources of arginine include nuts, chocolate, meat, poultry, fish and dairy.
Other nutrients that have been shown to improve sperm counts include essential fatty acids (9 to 12 grams daily), chromium (1,000 mcg daily), selenium (200 mcg daily), copper (2 mg daily), vitamin E (800 IU daily), coenzyme Q10 (400 mg daily) and B-complex vitamins (50 mg daily), especially vitamin B12 (1,000 mcg daily).

6. Try herbal helpers

The herbs listed below may be effective for improving erections, sexual desire, blood flow to the sexual organs and general sexual health with virtually no side-effects:

panax ginseng (Korean ginseng): 500 milligrams, 1 to 3 capsules daily
saw palmetto berry: 80 mg, 1 to 2 capsules daily
muira puama: 500 mg, 3 to 6 capsules daily
ginkgo biloba extract: 250 mg, 1 to 3 capsules daily
rhodiola rosea: 500 mg, 1 to 3 capsules daily
nutmeg: 500 mg, 1 capsule daily
horny goat weed: 500 mg, 1 capsule daily
elk antler velvet: 500 mg, 1 to 3 capsules daily
Tribulus terrestris: 500 mg, 1 to 3 capsules daily

Since sperm formation takes almost three months, it will take at least this amount of time before experiencing the benefits of a nutrient supplementation program.

Causes of Male Infertility

inadequate sperm production by the testes
poor sperm motility
varicocele (dilated veins in the scrotum)
undescended testis/testes
excessive xenoestrogen (environmental estrogen) exposure
infectious disease of the epidydimis (storage tube for sperm), testes, seminal vesicles, urethra, prostate or vas; benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlargement)
endocrine (glandular) diseases affecting the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, adrenals and the testes (e.g. low DHEA and low testosterone levels)
congenital abnormalities
urethral stricture
malnutrition, especially protein deficiency

Infertility Statistics

Ten to 20 percent of all men have low sperm counts.
Two to three percent of all men are completely infertile, producing no sperm at all.
Infertility affects at least 15 percent of the reproductive age population, with roughly 40 percent of the cases attributable to men.
Eighty-five percent are treated with conventional medications (synthetic hormones) or surgery to repair diseased reproductive organs.
Less than five percent of infertile couples attempt in vitro fertilization, which has a 10 to 20 percent success rate at a cost of $10,000 per attempt.

Infertility (Male)

What is Male Infertility?

Men are often astounded to discover that they have reproduction problems which may be affecting their ability to father a child. Reproductive problems in men such as the poor quality or quantity of sperm being produced, hormone disorders, reproductive anatomy trauma, obstruction and sexual dysfunction can all prevent conception from taking place.

Infertility is defined as the inability to achieve a pregnancy (impregnating a woman) after one year of well-timed, unprotected intercourse. It is estimated that male infertility is involved in about 40% of the 2.6 million married couples in the United States who cannot conceive.
As many as one-half of these men experience irreversible infertility and cannot father children at all, while a small number of these cases are caused by a treatable medical condition. A combination of both male and female factors is responsible in about one-third of cases.
The signs and symptoms of male infertility are not always obvious. In most instances, intercourse, erections and ejaculation will usually happen without difficulty. The appearance and quantity of the ejaculated semen would also appear normal to the naked eye. Some signs of hormonal problems such as changes in hair growth or sexual function may indicate infertility.
Coping with male infertility is extremely difficult. Men often see infertility as a failure which brings about a number of negative emotions such as guilt, depression, anger, stress and frustration. Today, however there are various treatment options that can help infertile men become fathers.

Diagnosing Male Infertility

A couple who have had well-timed, unprotected intercourse for a year should consult their doctor for a fertility evaluation. In the case of men, a thorough physical examination will be performed. Certain tests such as semen testing will determine the number, movement and shape of the sperm in the ejaculate.
Blood tests will be able to check if hormone levels that control sperm production are normal or if there may be a genetic problem. In addition, urine is also tested to check for retrograde ejaculation in men who produce low volumes of ejaculate. A testicular biopsy may be performed to ascertain whether there is an obstruction in the testicular reproductive tract or a sperm production problem is present.

What Causes Male Infertility?

The most common causes of male infertility involve abnormal sperm production, the way in which sperm is delivered, lifestyle and health issues. These causes may include:
Abnormal sperm production - One of the most common causes of infertility in men is as a result of the sperm production process in testes. If the shape and structure of sperm is hampered, sperm may not be able to reach the egg.
Low sperm concentration - Low sperm concentration, known as sub-fertility, is defined as 10 million or less sperm per milliliter of semen. The count for normal sperm concentration is greater than or equal to 20 million sperm per milliliter of semen.
Blockage of sperm delivery - Obstructions that occur in the tubes leading sperm away from the testes to the penis can cause a total lack of sperm in the ejaculated semen.
Testicular Varicocele - A varicocele is a dilated or varicose vein and when it occurs in the scrotum it may prevent normal cooling of the testicle. This leads to reduced sperm count and motility
Undescended testicle or testes - Undescended testicle or testes is the term used when one or both testicles fail to descend from the abdomen into the scrotum during fetal development. Because the testicles are exposed to the higher internal body temperature, compared with the temperature in the scrotum, sperm production may be affected.
Hormonal problems - If the pituitary gland, which is situated at the base of the brain, does not send the correct signals to stimulate the testes, low testosterone levels may be caused. Because of this sperm cannot be produced.
Sexual problems - Sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction, ejaculation difficulties, low libido or lack of sex drive can prevent a couple from conceiving.
Underlying medical conditions - An existing medical condition such as thyroid disease, diabetes or Cushings syndrome may also affect fertility.
Genetic defects - In the genetic defect Klinefelter's syndrome, a man has two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome instead of one X and one Y. This causes abnormal development of the testicles, resulting in low or absent sperm production.
Risk factors that affect male infertility - There are several risk factors that may affect male infertility - some of which can be avoided.
Age - A man’s fertility declines as he ages. It has been estimated that the amount of semen ejaculated and sperm motility begins to slowly decrease in men or from the age of 37 years.
Tobacco smoking - Smoking tobacco is believed to affect the quality of semen. Not only does smoking pose a health risk to the smoker but a larger number of birth defects have been found in the children of men who smoke.
Alcohol - Drinking large amounts of alcohol can have negative effects on the reproductive system. It is also detrimental to your liver and general health.
Recreational drugs - Drugs such as anabolic steroids, generally used by athletes, reduce sperm production by stopping the hormones made by the pituitary gland. Other drugs such as cocaine or heroine also affect sexual performance and health.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) - Sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and genital herpes can affect sperm production and damage the epididymis, preventing sperm from passing from the testes to ejaculate. If you have an STD, seek immediate treatment from your health practitioner. Practice safe sex and make sure that you are tested for STD’s before planning a family.
Tight underwear - Research has suggested that tight underwear can decrease sperm counts. Wear loose boxer shorts to reduce the chances of heat stress on sperm production.
Hot baths, saunas and spas - Men should avoid hot baths, saunas and spas because the body temperature, especially around the testes, can reduce sperm production. Sperm require a cool environment to develop.

Help for Male Infertility

Research has shown that up to one-half of male infertility can be corrected. Treatment options depend on the severity and the cause of the infertility. There are a number of treatment options such as drug therapy, surgery and assisted reproductive therapy. While these treatments can be effective they are often costly and may also have some serious side effects.
For centuries, natural and holistic treatments have used been to treat infertility as well as overall male reproductive health. Treatments such as herbal and homeopathic remedies are gentle enough to use, without the harsh side effects of allopathic medicine.
Fertility-enhancing herbs such as Epimedium grandiflorum (Horny Goat Weed) promote male potency and libido, while also acting as a natural aphrodisiac and increasing sperm production. Centella Asiatica (Gotu Cola) has a wide range of beneficial effects such as ensuring an adequate supply of blood and nutrition to the male organs and also helping to strengthen erections and sexual desire. In addition, Tribulus terristis (Gokshura) is also an excellent tonic for the male reproductive system.

8 Conception Myths

If you're trying to get pregnant, chances are you've been overwhelmed with tips and advice. Books, magazines, Web sites, and well-meaning friends and relatives are full of suggestions. But how do you separate the myths from the facts? Here are some common misconceptions about conception.

You'll have a better chance of conceiving if you relax and stop worrying about it. Even assuming this were possible, there's no clinical evidence that it makes a difference. While extreme stress can affect your ability to ovulate in very rare cases, "worrying about it" — especially if that worry takes the form of monitoring ovulation and timing intercourse to coincide with your most fertile time — can only help.
Drinking Robitussin before you ovulate will make you more fertile. The theory is that guaifenesin, the expectorant ingredient in Robitussin, will help thin your cervical mucus in the same way it thins the mucus in your lungs, making it easier for the sperm to swim through your cervix and reach the egg. While guaifenesin may, indeed, result in thinner mucus, it's not clear that thin mucus alone will make you more fertile. The quantity of mucus is as important as its consistency, and Robitussin will not affect this.
You'll conceive more quickly if you make love during the day, with the lights on. While studies have shown that sperm levels are somewhat higher in the morning, there's no clinical basis for keeping the lights on. (If you enjoy it, of course, that's another matter.)
Having sex every day increases your odds of getting pregnant. You can have sex 10 times a day and it won't result in pregnancy unless it's timed to coincide with ovulation. And even if you've timed things correctly, the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) reports that a major study found no difference in pregnancy rates between couples who had sex daily and those who had sex every other day.
If you have sex early in your fertile period, the baby will be a boy; later, a girl. There's an old wives' tale that "boy sperm" (those with Y-chromosomes) swim faster than their female counterparts, but the NEJM study found no difference.
Bike riding will reduce your husband's sperm count. If your partner is an Olympic-level, long-distance cyclist, it is theoretically possible (although not clinically proven) that the extra heat, jostling, and grinding on the testicular region will affect sperm count. Recreational cyclists need not worry, however.
Eating nonorganic bananas can make men sterile. This claim is based on a report that chemicals used in growing bananas had a negative effect on the sperm of farm workers. There is no clinical proof that men who eat the bananas could be similarly affected.
Cooling your husband's "jets" with an ice pack can increase his fertility. Like many conception myths, this one has a basis in fact: Sperm counts tend to rise in cooler temperatures. For this reason, men who are trying to conceive are advised to wear loose underwear (boxers instead of briefs), and avoid long, hot baths, saunas, and hot tubs. However, since it takes at least two months for a man's sperm count to be positively affected by cooler temperatures, using an ice pack on his genital area is hardly a practical solution.

Fertility

Having a baby is a pivotal and life-changing event in one’s life – for both women and men. While some couples seem to become pregnant at the ‘drop of a hat’, for others the quest to bring new life into the world can be less than easy (to say the least!).
Many factors can contribute to the delicate issue of conception, and while some couples prefer to leave creation up to fate, others may start on a long and arduous journey that will see them tackle a variety of factors and ‘roadblocks’ to conception while trying a multitude of different fertility treatments.
If you and your partner are struggling to conceive, there are certain fertility and pregnancy problems that you need to be aware of. Fertility is the term used to describe the natural ability of a man and woman to conceive and bring forth new life. In order to be able to conceive, the reproductive system of each party must function effectively.

Fertility in Women

Fertility in women refers to the ability to become pregnant and have a baby. A woman’s monthly menstrual cycle reflects her ability to conceive. Menstrual cycles usually start during puberty, around the age of 13, and begin to taper off at about 45 years old. It is however, possible to still become pregnant before your first period right up until the end of menopause around the age of 50 years old.
Women are born with about 400,000 immature eggs stored in the ovaries. When she reaches puberty and enters her reproductive years, her monthly menstrual cycle begins. The cycle begins on the first day of a woman's period and typically lasts about 28 days. The first day begins not when she is spotting, but when she experiences regular flow. By this time, only about 300 of these eggs will mature and be released.
During each cycle, the ovary releases one egg (or, less commonly, more than one), which may go on to be fertilized by a man's sperm cell forming the embryo. The development and release of the egg each month depends on an intricate balance of hormones: chemicals that signal the body's organs to do specific jobs. Some of these hormones are produced in the ovaries.
Others come from two glands in the brain, the hypothalamus and the pituitary. The hormones she needs for menstruation and to become pregnant are produced by her hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovaries. Because every step in the monthly cycle is controlled by hormones, the correct amounts of these hormones have to be produced at the right times to make it possible for a woman to conceive.

Fertility in Men

In men, fertility refers to the ability to impregnate a woman. An important part of male fertility involves the creation of normal, mature sperm. Sperm are produced in the testes and travel through the epididymis where they are stored and nourished. From there, they travel through the ejaculatory duct known as the vas deferens and further stored in the seminal vesicles.
When sexual arousal and stimulation reaches a climax, it causes contractions in the muscles within the penis, urethra and prostate gland. This results in semen been propelled through the urethra and out of the tip of penis. If the sperm are healthy and travel through a woman’s cervix and uterus into her fallopian tubes, one sperm may fertilize the egg. Men continue to produce sperm irrespective of their age.

Help for Fertility

Tips for enhancing fertility:

Eat healthily by adding lots fresh fruit and vegetables as well as protein to your diet
Women should watch their weight as being too thin or overweight minimizes their chances of conceiving
Increase your supplement intake by taking folic acid, Vitamin B6 and B12 both before and during pregnancy
Exercise regularly to maintain general health and well being
Keep a record of your basal body temperature to determine when you are ovulating
Work out your most fertile times and have sex regularly around those dates
Check your vaginal mucus, if it has a stretchy consistency, then you are at your most fertile
Stop smoking naturally – smoking reduces fertility and also affects the baby before and after birth
Reduce alcohol as heavy drinking affects sperm quality
Men should wear boxer shorts and take cool baths to improve circulation around their testicles
Reduce stress, as it causes hormonal changes in the body