Understanding Male Fertility: Common Misconceptions and What You Should Know

Infertility is a common problem, impacting about 15 percent of all couples. If you are struggling with infertility, it is important to have all the facts, but there are many misconceptions that still exist regarding male fertility. Here, we look at some myths about infertility, as well as offering some hope to men who are facing this problem.

Common Myths About Men and Infertility

Misinformation is commonplace, and combating it can be tricky. How many of these myths have you heard, and how many have you believed? Knowing the truth can be a powerful tool in combating infertility.

• Myth: Infertility is Typically the Woman’s Problem
  • Truth:
• Myth: Men’s Fertility Remains Intact Throughout Their Lives
  • Truth: It makes sense that people would think this, because there are men who have fathered children well into their senior years. However, it is important to understand that male fertility does decrease with age, and even if a man has fathered children in his youth, there is no guarantee that he will not lose fertility later in life.
• Myth: Too Much Ejaculation Causes Infertility
  • Truth: Research indicates that frequent ejaculation, whether through intercourse or masturbation, does not negatively affect sperm. In fact, one study suggested that ejaculating frequently could improve sperm motility.
• Myth: The Right Diet Prevents Male Infertility
  • Truth: While it is important to eat a diet rich in nutrients, to improve not only your fertility but also your overall health, there is no guarantee that a nutritious diet will lead to fertility. Further, while there is some evidence linking soy consumption with infertility, it is not conclusive.
• Myth: Men With ED Are Always Infertile
  • Truth: Erectile dysfunction is not always connected to infertility. In some cases, however, the underlying cause of the ED is something that can also contribute to infertility.
• Myth: The Tightness of Your Clothes Determines Your Fertility
  • Truth: In this myth, there is a kernel of truth. Clothing that is too tight can raise the scrotal temperature, negatively impacting sperm quality. However, wearing tight clothes does not cause infertility, nor does switching to boxers from briefs guarantee fertility.
• Myth: Cycling Causes Infertility
  • Truth: This is another myth based partially in truth. Extreme cycling, riding two hours or more in a day, over rocky terrain, with a narrow bike seat, can increase the risk of infertility. However, if a man is simply riding a bike, in moderation, with a regular bike seat, it has no impact on his ability to father a child.
• Myth: Male Infertility is Always Permanent
  • Truth: There is a wealth of treatments for male infertility, from lifestyle changes to medical procedures. With all the options available, there is no reason a man cannot overcome fertility issues and build his family.
• Myth: Physically Fit Men Are Always Fertile
  • Truth: Being physically fit is good for your health, and can support fertility, but it doesn’t guarantee it. By the same token, plenty of men who are not in optimal shape still have high fertility.

Some Fertility Truths to Consider

While there are many myths swirling around the topic of fertility, you have probably heard some other things that are actually true. Taking hot baths or soaking in a hot tub can reduce fertility, and in some cases, having a laptop on your lap can, too. This is because overheating the testes can kill sperm, and all of these things can cause this overheating. Smoking is damaging to a man’s fertility, and drinking to excess can slow the process of conception. Stress, too, is a factor in fertility. Men who are overwhelmed with stress can have a higher level of steroid hormones which can reduce sperm production and testosterone levels.

Steps to Take to Promote Fertility

What can you do to boost your chances of conception? Start by leading a healthy lifestyle. Exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, don’t smoke, limit alcohol consumption, and find healthy ways to manage your stress. If you are still finding it difficult to conceive, see a fertility specialist, to assess your situation and help you find solutions.

Let Center for Vasectomy Reversal Help You On Your Fertility Journey

Even when you understand the factors that affect male fertility, conception can sometimes be challenging. At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more about the work we do or our discounts for active duty military and veterans, contact us through our website or call 941-313-7749.