The problem of infertility affects women and men equally

In approximately 40% cases, infertility affects women and in 40% cases it affects men. In the remaining cases, the cause is impossible to determine. Therefore, when a couple turns up at an infertility clinic, tests are ordered for both partners.

Men who plan to become fathers need to bear in mind that libido, potency, erection and male fertility are not the same thing. If, after a year of regular efforts to have a child, a couple is still not expecting a child, the partners are considered to be facing an infertility problem. This also applies to those men who have not had any problems with intercourse. In such a situation, tests need to be carried out to pinpoint the reasons for the failure.

According to observations, men are less likely to decide to see a specialist. Sometimes they are driven by fear of the test result and sometimes by an unfounded certainty that, since they do not have potency problems, they are certainly fertile. However, this is not true. A man who has no problems in the bedroom may have semen quality problemsand thus with fertility. It is important to remember that infertility is neither a judgment nor a sign of a lack of masculinity. It should simply be treated as a medical problem and receive treatment.

What semen quality depends on

In the vast majority of cases, the cause of infertility is insufficient sperm quality. In 1 ml of sperm there should be at least 15 million healthy sperm.

The second important factor is their motility. In order to reach and fertilise the egg, the sperm must move - wriggling and flowing through the woman's cervix, uterus and fallopian tubes. In the sperm of a fertile man, at least 40% sperm are in motion.

Fertility can also be affected by the structure of the sperm. Normal sperm have oval heads and long tails that work together to propel them. The more sperm with the correct shape and structure, the more likely a man is to be fertile.

Age can also play a role. The ability of sperm to move and the percentage of normal sperm tends to decrease with age, which affects fertility, especially after the age of 50.

How to improve semen quality

To improve semen quality, sometimes a change in lifestyle is all that is needed. Active rest, a low-fat diet rich in vitamins A, C, E and zinc can work wonders. Choose plenty of fruit and vegetables, which are rich in antioxidants - and can help improve sperm health. Recommended foods include: Brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, oily sea fish, tomatoes, oranges, green vegetables, red meat and full-fat dairy products. At the same time, it is advisable to avoid processed products and fast food in the diet

Limiting alcohol and smoking also improves fertility. Heavy alcohol consumption can lead to reduced testosterone production, impotence and reduced sperm production. It is also advisable to avoid a sedentary lifestyle and overheating of the testicles (professional drivers are particularly prone to this). It is important to remember that sperm can be particularly sensitive to environmental factors such as excessive heat or toxic chemicals. Exposure to pesticides, lead and other toxins can affect sperm quantity and quality.

It is also very important to maintain a healthy weight. An increase in body mass index (BMI) can have the effect of reducing sperm count and sperm motility. It is also advisable to drink plenty of water.

Prevent sexually transmitted infections. Conditions such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea can cause infertility in men. To protect yourself, limit the number of sexual partners and use a condom every time you have sex - or stay in a monogamous relationship with a partner who is not infected.

Dealing with stress is another important point. Stress can decrease sexual function and interfere with the secretion of hormones needed for sperm production.

Male infertility - research

Talk to your doctor about the medications you are taking or the treatment you are undergoing for other conditions before taking the test. Calcium channel blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, antiandrogens and other medications can contribute to fertility problems. Anabolic steroids can have the same effect.

It is also important to bear in mind that chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer can impair sperm production and cause infertility, which can be permanent. If you are in this situation, you should consult your doctor about the possibility of collecting and storing sperm before starting treatment.

In cases of suspected male infertility, doctors commission researchthat will help find the cause - these include a semen test, testicular biopsy, testicular and scrotal ultrasound, SCD test, HBA® test.

Sometimes the problem is more complex and treatment is a long and complicated process. This is because other diseases or hormonal disorders may be responsible for infertility. For example, there may be a problem with the hypothalamus or pituitary gland - the parts of the brain that signal the testes to produce testosterone and sperm. Some abnormalities, such as obstruction of the vas deferens or varicocele, are removed surgically. Infections and inflammations of the genitourinary tract, on the other hand, are treated with antibiotics. If tests reveal abnormal hormone levels, then hormone treatment will be recommended.

If, despite treatment, the man's body still produces fewer sperm or the sperm are too weak, there is still the in vitro method. With slightly reduced sperm parameters, sometimes an insemination procedure is sufficient.