Smoking and alcohol consumption are not only major enemies of healthy conception and childbirth but also significant causes of infertility. Research indicates that women who smoke disrupt and impair normal ovarian function, leading to menstrual irregularities, premature menopause, and infertility. Even if pregnant, smoking women face higher risks of miscarriage, premature birth, and stillbirth, with infants born significantly lighter than those of non-smokers.Since cigarette smoke contains potent teratogens, male smokers often experience reduced sperm count. Smoking 20 cigarettes daily can lower sperm survival rates to just 50% and increase the prevalence of abnormal sperm, potentially leading to infertility or children born with congenital abnormalities.Traditional Chinese medicine has long observed that heavy drinkers often struggle to have children. Modern medicine confirms that excessive alcohol consumption jeopardizes reproductive system function, disrupts endocrine balance, and alters the structure and number of reproductive cell chromosomes. Long-term drinkers exhibit reduced sperm counts and diminished motility in semen, with significantly increased rates of erectile dysfunction, infertility, and male feminization.Alcohol also impairs the development and maturation of female eggs. Like smoking, chronic alcohol addiction increases the risk of infertility and birth defects. Therefore, for the sake of family happiness and the health of the next generation, young people—whether unmarried or married—should avoid developing habits of smoking and drinking to prevent harming themselves and their descendants.
Preventing Male Infertility: Regular Self-Examination
Maintaining male reproductive health is a frequently discussed topic in daily life. Don't dismiss it as a hassle—regular checkups are essential for your well-being. You can perform a genital self-examination while standing upright, leaning against a backrest, or sitting.It's best to do this after a warm bath, as heat relaxes the scrotal skin and allows the testicles to descend. This relaxed state and easier palpability make it simpler to detect any abnormalities.
First, observe the contraction and relaxation cycle of the cremaster muscle to understand the cremasteric reflex. Then examine one testicle at a time.Place the thumbs of both hands above the testicle and the index and middle fingers below. Apply gentle pressure and allow the testicle to roll between your fingers.
The surface of the testicle should feel smooth and firm. Testicles vary in shape and texture among men, so understanding your own anatomy is crucial for detecting changes.Having two testicles allows for direct comparison, which helps detect abnormalities (though slight size differences are normal). Swelling or painful areas upon touch may indicate infection. The epididymis, located behind each testicle, can sometimes become infected, causing tenderness in irregular areas when touched.Additionally, when touching the testicles with your fingertips, you may feel a hard or irregular lump that doesn't hurt. This lump might be no bigger than a small pea but could indicate early testicular cancer. Although relatively rare, this cancer can progress very quickly. Early detection and treatment are crucial for successful recovery.
When examining your genitals, also note any unusual changes in your penis. Ulcers or abnormal lumps anywhere on the penis surface may indicate infection, sexually transmitted diseases, or the rare condition of penile cancer. Although penile cancer is among the least common cancers, it is one of the most devastating. Without early diagnosis and treatment, it can rapidly become fatal.
Penile cancer typically begins as a small, painless ulcer on the glans penis or a similar lesion on the foreskin in uncircumcised men. The ulcer may remain unchanged for weeks, months, or even years before developing into a cauliflower-like mass—a chronic, tender inflammation.It is clear that immediate medical attention should be sought upon first noticing the ulcer, as a cure is still possible at this stage. Men must take care of themselves to ensure the health of their families.