Share

Struggling to fall pregnant? There’s a 50% chance the problem lies with him

accreditation
Male fertility(iStock)
Male fertility(iStock)

Having a baby is one of the most intense emotional experiences any human can have.

No matter the circumstances, we always respond to falling pregnant with emotion first: the joy of announcing your pregnancy, the surprise of an unplanned one, the sombre sigh when it’s just not happened for you yet.

Sadly, a growing number of couples worldwide experience infertility at some point or another, with male fertility issues surprisingly making up half of these cases.

Infertility affects 1 in every 10 couples 

It’s estimated that 10% of couples struggle with infertility (some studies even say it’s as high as 12%).

That’s a huge number of people, with signs pointing to that percentage potentially growing in the future due to our ever-evolving lifestyles and environment. 

But, despite infertility being so common, there’s still a stigma that surrounds it. We still view infertility as a largely female problem. The truth, however, is that men are just as likely to be infertile as women are. 

WATCH: Trying to conceive on Ask a Parent with Karabo Motsiri

Men account for up to 50% of infertility cases

Numerous studies have concluded that male fertility contributes to half of all cases of infertility in couples. And yet, men are much less likely to seek help.

This is not a new trend; numerous surveys and studies have found that men are generally less likely to seek help for anything ranging from mental health issues to problems in the workplace.

Men are even less likely to schedule a normal doctor’s visit when they’re sick. 

But this information does drive one important point home: for any couple struggling to conceive, it’s vital that both the man and woman come together, talk openly about it and seek help together.

Interestingly, though, a large number of male infertility cases are due to one very common factor: sperm health. 

Most male fertility problems stem from (totally treatable) sperm health

By far the most common factor in male fertility is the quality, amount and motility (ability to move and perform its usual functions) of the sperm.

We jokingly refer to sperm as his little swimmers, but often don’t realise just how demanding it is for a single sperm to make it all the way to fertilise the female egg. 

His sperm are tiny – a million of them could fit on the head of a pin. And, on average, they need to “swim” about 18cm to fertilise the egg.

To put that into perspective: for a sperm to reach the egg requires the same amount of stamina a human would need to swim across the Atlantic Ocean (roughly 6 000km).

What’s worse, his sperm is constantly under “attack” from processes that promote oxidative stress in his body. 

See who's expecting in 2020: PICS: Local celebs who are expecting babies this year

Oxidative stress destroys his sperm

Remember how we said that our ever-evolving lifestyles and the environment contribute to infertility? It’s true.

Think the exposure to environmental elements through technology, compounds and chemicals in the world around us.

Think increased stress in the workplace, our communities, our countries and the world at large.

Think about how we are having children later in life than our ancestors did.  All of these elements either directly or indirectly contribute to driving changes in our bodies, damage in the form of free radicals and oxidative stress – which have a dramatic impact on fertility.

Cellular damagers known as reactive oxygen species (ROS) are linked to all kinds of health issues, from sun damage and ageing to illness and even acne.

But it has a devastating effect on cells as specialised and important as a man’s sperm. ROS creates a toxic environment for sperm and disrupts their normal growth and function on a massive scale. 

How oxidative stress damages sperm:

  • It damages the sperm’s “head” membrane, which is vital for fusing with the egg, making fertilisation impossible. 
  • It damages the vital DNA that sperm carries with it, hindering fertilisation – this can even affect the baby’s development. 
  • It breaks down the sperm’s natural defences, leading to damaged (and fewer) sperm that can’t complete the necessary journey. 
  • It damages the sperm’s tail, stopping it from being able to swim. 

Read here about an affordable local fertility programme: New programme looks to address infertility from as little as R5000

What can we do to improve sperm health? 

Getting together and realising that male fertility is not “his fault” but rather due to complex biological and environmental damagers is a good first step.

And actually fighting oxidative stress to promote male fertility involves creating a healthier lifestyle.

This means everything you may already be thinking: eating healthy, getting lots of exercise, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, managing stress and generally working on living better.

Looking at sperm health in particular, though, it’s important to note that excessive heat is not good either.

So, bathing and showering in lukewarm water (as opposed to very hot), wearing looser-fitting underwear and avoiding electric blankets are all important.

Also, you might be happy to know that having sex more often is good for sperm health. Yes, you read that right.

Consider it “doctor’s orders” to have sex at least every 2 to 3 days (you’re welcome!).  

Also see: Male fertility supplements fail to deliver

Talk to your doctor

The boxing-clever way to treat male infertility safely and effectively, though, is talking to your doctor. There have been some amazing advances in medical science and treatments recently.

For example, studies have found increases in sperm health in men taking male fertility supplement Prelox, fish oil supplements and even cannabis

If these are treatments you'd consider, then consult your doctor - it’s always a good idea to go together - and he or she will recommend a supplement or treatment that is right for you.

Compiled for Parent24 by Lamelle Research Laboratories. 

Chat back:

Share your story with Parent24. Anonymous contributions are welcome.

WhatsApp: Send messages and voicenotes to 066 010 0325

Email: Share your story with us via email at chatback @ parent24.com

Sign up for Parent24's newsletters.

Read more:

Planning a baby? A fertility app won’t necessarily tell you the best time to try

WATCH: Trying to become a dad? You may want to put that drink down

'You have no idea how difficult it is to face society childless': A reader shares her 9-year fertility struggle

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE