People don’t usually like to talk about personal issues; wait let me re-type that. Nigerians do not like to talk about “personal issues”, it’s a bit too risqué for our ultra-conservative culture. However, this is not the stone age and it’s time we started seeing and saying things as they really are. Fertility issues, for instance. Remember how your parents told you that babies are sent by God, and you thought that babies were literally sent in a cloudy chariot and placed in a woman’s belly? You don’t remember? (Maybe it’s just me then).
Anyway, babies are born to a fertile couple, the key-word being fertile; which means that if either the man or the woman is infertile, then they cannot have children. Most times, people talk (when they do talk) about female infertility, what about male infertility? Anyone man is looking to start a family, now or in the distant future needs to know what factors can adversely affect his fertility. Let me quickly give you the 411.
1. Smoking reduces fertility in men. Tobacco and marijuana are terrible for sperm. THC, which is a chemical contained in cigarettes causes hormonal changes which may lead to abnormally shaped sperm. So if you smoke, you’re hurting your chances of being a father.
2. Vegetarian? You might need to reconsider. Being vegetarian or vegan has been lauded as a healthy lifestyle choice, but it seems that this is not such a good thing for your sperm count. A new study has shown that men who do not eat meat have reduced sperm counts, of which only 30% is active; however, meat eaters have 60% active sperm.
3. STDs also harm your fertility. This is really avoidable. STDs such as gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause inflammation and subsequently block the vas deferens, the organ which transports sperm to the ejaculatory ducts. If you are sexually active, ensure that you go for frequent STD screenings. Better still, practice safe sex and remain faithful to your partner.
4. Stay away from high temperatures. You’re probably reading this with your laptop on your thighs. Change your position now. The heat produced by the computer is really bad for your sperm. This is also true for hot tubs, saunas and hot yoga. There are other ways for you to relax without killing your sperm.
5. Sperm count decreases with age. I’m writing this specially for all the guys out there who want to live the Casanova life before settling down; there might be no “menopause” for men, but there is a gradual decline in fertility as a man gets older. So change your ways, find that special woman and start making babies while you still can.
6. Obesity is a no-no. The healthier you are, the healthier your sperm will be. A BMI of 35 is as high as it should be for any man looking to procreate. A healthy diet and exercise routine can help you achieve this.
Now that you are better informed, you can ensure that you’re doing nothing to harm your fertility. Until next week folks, be fruitful and multiply.