The study had 61 participants: 30 infertile males and 31 males with sperm considered to be normal. Of the 30 infertile males, 23 had been exposed to toxins or pollutants at work. Of the 31 men with normal sperm, only 10 had been exposed to toxins occupationally. The toxins included glues, solvents, and silicones.
The results of the study suggest that occupational exposure to toxins may often be the cause or a contributing factor to male infertility. Other research has confirmed the findings of the previously mentioned studies and concluded that toxins also make the chances of IVF success much less likely.
The study found that the worst fertility disrupters are organochlorine compounds chlorinated pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, and dioxins , bisphenol A BPA , and organophosphate pesticides and herbicides. Other chemicals, metals, and air pollutants were also found to damage fertility. For men, environmental toxins cause infertility by disrupting the endocrine system and damaging the male reproductive system. Reducing exposure to environmental toxins can be difficult, especially if you encounter them at work every day.
Toxins are ev erywhere. They can be found outside, in the food we eat, and in the cookware and bottles in our kitchens. As you know, fruits and vegetables are often treated with pesticides to deter insects and other organisms from eating them.
These tainted water supplies cause fish and meat also to contain toxins. BPA is found in most food packaging, cans, and water bottles. BPA products contaminate the foods and water they contain. BPA and other chemicals within pesticides act as xenoestrogens chemicals that mimic estrogen. Research has shown that xenoestrogens cause a decrease in motile sperm counts and overall semen quality.
Minimizing exposure to toxic chemicals can be quite easy. Simply limit the use of products known to contain toxins and be mindful to consume foods that are a single ingredient as much as possible.
Also, avoid using non-stick cookware as it contains some of the same chemicals found in pesticides. Soy products contain phytoestrogens. Just like xenoestrogens in chemicals and pesticides, phytoestrogens are known to damage sperm concentration. A study of 99 men attending a fertility clinic found that a higher intake of soy is associated with lower sperm concentration.
The results of this study have been published and discussed in the Harvard Health Publishing by the Harvard Medical School. The adverse effects of dietary soy are of great interest because soy has been touted for its health benefits like lowering cholesterol. Soy is a main staple of many Asian diets and can be found in foods like edamame, meat alternatives, and soy products like soymilk.
Trans fat can be found in food either as naturally-occurring or artificial trans fats. Naturally-occurring trans fats are produced by animals and can be found in milk and meat products. Trans fats have been linked to a decrease in sperm counts. To reduce trans fat intake, the American Heart Association AHA recommends limiting the amount of foods you eat that contain hydrogenated vegetable oils. Be sure to check for them on the ingredient list on food packages. Stress is how the brain and body respond to any demand.
Over time, continued stress can cause serious health problems. Stress is one of the most complicated causes of male infertility because a diagnosis of infertility only makes the problem worse.
Stress can increase after diagnosis of male infertility, follow-up appointments, and failed in vitro fertilization treatments Studies have found that semen parameters and stress are linked. Stress can negatively impact luteinizing hormone LH and testosterone production causing complications in spermatogenesis and reduced sperm quality. Infertility related stress can be caused by social pressures, testing, diagnosis, treatments, failures, and the costs of fertility treatment.
Couples undergoing fertility treatment are known to experience distress, depression, anxiety, and decreased quality of life. Relaxation techniques like yoga, exercise, and meditation are great ways to combat stress, especially stress related to infertility. A review of 37 studies found that relaxation techniques can reduce negative emotions in patients undergoing medical treatment.
In extreme cases, fertility specialists may recommend psychological intervention. A review of 12 different studies found that psychosocial interventions to eliminate stress improved psychological outcomes, marital relationships, and pregnancy rates among infertile couples. We recognize the importance of reducing stress to ensure better results; that is why we offer fertility support and many resources to our patients who are looking for a little empathy and encouragement. Stress from work, or occupational stress, and its effects on male fertility have also been researched.
One study found that many stressful situations at work can affect semen volume and the percentage of sperm with observed normal motility. The results confirmed that occupational stress could affect semen quality. Everybody needs sleep! Many studies have confirmed that insufficient sleep can cause serious medical conditions like obesity, diabetes, and infertility. One study of healthy men reviewed the affect sleep patterns have on sperm morphology, count, survival, and motility.
Short sleepers are defined as men who sleep less than six hours per night. Semen motility was also lower in the short sleepers when compared to the average and long sleepers. The study concluded that short and long sleep durations and late bedtime were associated with impaired sperm health. In addition to sleep duration, sleep quality is believed to have an impact on male fertility. One study focused on the sleep quality of men undergoing fertility treatment.
They found that poor sleep quality is correlated with lower total motility, progressive motility, concentration, total sperm count, and normal sperm morphology. If you want to increases your fertility, it is essential to focus on your sleep. Ensure you are getting hours a night of good quality and restful sleep.
One way to improve sleep quality is to reduce stress through the methods we discussed above. Reduced stress is related to better sleep. You can also increase sleep quality by sticking to a schedule, get up and go to bed at the same time every day.
Try getting more sunlight, especially in the mornings to wake yourself up and keep you energized throughout the day. This will help you to eliminate the need for napping throughout the day, which is known to hinder quality sleep at night. Exercising provides a ton of benefits for fertility and overall health. Exercise helps to strengthen your heart and improve circulation. As we discussed earlier, exercise can also help to reduce stress and ensure good quality sleep. Studies have shown that men who exercise regularly have higher testosterone levels than inactive men.
One study placed 41 overweight and obese men into a week lifestyle modification program that required aerobic exercise training. After the 12 weeks, all of the men in the study showed a significant increase in testosterone levels in their blood.
Fertility specialists recommend against high-intensity and rigorous exercise when you are trying to get pregnant. Too much exercise can have a negative effect on male fertility. Studies have found that exhaustive exercises cause a decrease in thyroid hormones and testosterone levels.
In one study, men who were sedentary, or did not exercise regularly with high intensity, had higher levels of testosterone compared to men who engaged in either resistance or endurance training. The men in the study who were endurance-trained runners displayed altered sperm density, motility, and morphology.
Other studies have focused on the difference in semen parameters for men who exercise at different intensities. One study found that semen parameters are progressively affected as intensity and volume of exercise increase, especially for morphology. Studies have found that supplementing Zinc can help to overcome these decreases, but more on that later.
Fat is the foundation of fertility. It provides key building blocks for every cell in our body, is used in the synthesis of many influential reproductive hormones. The fatty acids found in animal meat help to control blood clotting and aid in brain function.
Fat also allows the body to absorb vitamins A, D, and E, which are all essential for fertility. Most Importantly, eating high levels of fat helps to reduce inflammation! Inflammation is associated with oxidative stress, which is known to impair sperm function. Studies on male fertility have shown that an increasing number of infertile men have acute or chronic inflammation in their genitourinary tract male genital and urinary organs.
This inflammation is linked with oxidative stress, which can cause DNA damage in sperm. Eating fat also lubricates the lymphatics and filters out harmful pathogens to protect the body from illness-causing invaders. The lymphatic system is critical to maintaining optimal health. It is part of the circulatory system and the immune system. Healthy fats can be found in meat, fish, cheese, eggs, and nuts.
Remember to reduce trans fat intake and increase healthy fat intake. The sun is the best possible source of vitamin D for your body.
Kruger criteria are strict and consider minute irregularities as abnormal. World Health Organization WHO criteria are more lenient and do not classify as many sperm as abnormal. In some cases, morphology is used to decide whether a couple should use in vitro fertilization IVF to attempt a pregnancy. It is best to check with your physician to see which method was used to assess sperm shape and the significance of the results. Yes, it can. However, having higher amounts of abnormally shaped sperm has been associated with infertility in some studies.
Usually, higher numbers of abnormally shaped sperm are associated with other irregularities of the semen such as low sperm count or motility. According to a review , no specific food is the key to increasing sperm count through the diet.
Instead, considering the diet as a whole is the best way to improve fertility. The review did, however, highlight cantaloupe melon as a particularly powerful food in relation to improving sperm count. A doctor may prescribe medication for males with very low sperm counts and those who have additional health factors or considerations. Medications that doctors sometimes prescribe to treat a low sperm count include :. Most research supports the use of lifestyle changes, natural remedies, and dietary adjustments to help a male manage and improve a low sperm count.
Such lifestyle changes include adopting a regular exercise regimen and sleep schedule, as well as avoiding tobacco, excess alcohol, and illicit drugs. It may also help to avoid particular prescription medications. Dietary changes that promote a higher sperm count include reducing the intake of trans fatty acids and increasing polyunsaturated fatty acid and vitamin D intake. Maintaining a healthful, balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables is the best way to boost sperm count through the diet.
It is well known that stress can influence health. But now, new research suggests stressful life events may reduce semen quality, which may have…. Infertility or a couple being unable to conceive a child can cause significant stress and unhappiness. There are numerous reasons for both male and…. Sperm motility refers to the ability of the sperm to move efficiently.
Low sperm motility is one factor that can lead to infertility. Causes include…. There are many factors and requirements related to the successful conception of a human infant. The size and shape of individual sperm, known as sperm…. Infertility can be a tough issue to deal with for either sex. Often, however, there is more advice around for women. Here, we focus on tips for men. What are the best ways to increase sperm count?
Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, M. Natural remedies Foods to improve sperm count Treatment Summary We include products we think are useful for our readers. Natural remedies. Share on Pinterest Regular exercise may help increase sperm count. Foods to improve sperm count. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3.
Related Coverage. Stress linked to male fertility It is well known that stress can influence health. Infertility in men and women.
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