Male infertility is increasingly common in modern society. Children represent not only the continuation of family lineage but also serve as emotional anchors for couples. Rising rates of male infertility cases distance patients from their dreams of family. Recent studies indicate that male obesity also impacts fertility.So why are obese men prone to infertility? How can men address infertility through dietary adjustments? What preventive measures should men take?
Why are obese men prone to infertility?
Excess fat surrounding the entire genital area impairs heat dissipation, maintaining prolonged high temperatures that severely hinder sperm production. Obesity disrupts endocrine function, lowering testosterone levels while elevating estrogen, which can lead to infertility.
Some men may not appear visibly overweight but are medically classified as obese—this group faces the highest risk. Because they don't look overweight, they often overlook this issue, failing to recognize the impact of their diet and lifestyle habits. This can lead to persistent infertility without a clear diagnosis. A simple medical checkup can reveal weight issues, which may be a hidden cause of endocrine dysfunction.Many men mistakenly view weight gain as a sign of prosperity, believing "men shouldn't be too thin." This mindset is fundamentally flawed.
If planning to start a family, men should proactively assess their weight status. Begin exercising 3–6 months in advance, quit smoking and drinking, and reduce evening meals—prioritizing vegetables. Since activity levels drop after dinner, excess calories easily accumulate as fat.Medical experts advise men: Maintain a balanced diet and incorporate regular, appropriate exercise. This approach effectively manages weight while promoting overall health, naturally reducing the risk of infertility and other health issues.
How can men address infertility through dietary supplementation?
1. Stewed Sichuan Pepper with Yi Zhi Ren
Ingredients: 10g Yi Zhi Ren (Alpinia oxyphylla seed), 19g Morinda officinalis root, 10g Goji berries, 75g Sichuan pepper, 2 slices ginger, 2 red dates (pitted), a pinch of salt.
Preparation:Soak fish maw until softened, cut into chunks, and set aside. Place washed yizhiren, bajiyao, goji berries, ginger, red dates, and fish maw into a stewing pot. Add sufficient water, cover, and simmer over low heat for 5 hours. Season with fine salt before serving.
Functions and Indications: Treats kidney deficiency, soreness in the lower back and knees, weakness in the legs, frequent urination or clear, prolonged urine flow, residual urine after urination, nocturnal emission, and premature ejaculation.
2. Sea Cucumber Porridge
Ingredients: Sea cucumber (as needed), 100g glutinous rice or regular rice.
Preparation: Soak sea cucumbers until softened, then split open and clean thoroughly. Slice and simmer until tender. Combine with rice and cook into porridge.
Functions & Indications: Tonifies the kidneys, nourishes essence, and enriches blood. Effective for deficiency of essence and blood, physical weakness, diminished sexual function, nocturnal emissions, and frequent urination due to kidney deficiency.
3. Pan-Fried Oyster Cakes
Ingredients: 500g fresh oyster meat, 80g bean flour, 1 egg, 15g green garlic shoots, 100g rendered pork lard, salt, soy sauce, and pepper to taste.
Method: ① Mix bean flour with water to form a batter. Add salt and minced garlic shoots, then pour over oyster meat and mix well.② Heat lard in a skillet. Spread the oyster mixture evenly across the bottom. Crack in 1 egg and spread it over the oysters. Once the bottom is crispy, flip the pancake. Add more lard as needed. Cook both sides until done. Season with soy sauce and pepper before serving.
How can men prevent infertility?
1. Avoid drug use
Male drug use can lower blood testosterone levels, impair reproductive capacity, cause ejaculatory dysfunction, and lead to infertility. For instance, heroin addiction suppresses libido by 100%, while methadone addiction reduces it by 96.5%.
2. Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Smoking and excessive drinking are major threats to sperm health. Some men are highly sensitive to toxins in cigarettes, and nicotine can damage sperm. Heavy drinking not only reduces reproductive gland function but also causes chromosomal abnormalities in sperm, leading to fetal malformations or developmental issues.