Beyond genetic factors and certain organic pathologies, male infertility is closely linked to lifestyle habits. Understanding and overcoming these detrimental habits in daily life can reduce or prevent many cases of male infertility. So, what factors can cause male infertility?
(1) Unprotected sexual activity: Unprotected sex readily leads to infections of the male reproductive tract.Pathogens causing such infections include gonococci, tuberculosis bacilli, viruses, mycoplasma, chlamydia, and trichomonads, with mycoplasma and chlamydia infections being the most common. These infections primarily impair sperm production and transport, leading to oligospermia and reduced male fertility. Additionally, they can alter semen liquefaction time.Semen liquefaction primarily occurs through proteolytic enzymes, fibrinolysin, and other liquefaction factors produced by the prostate, which break down coagulation factors generated by the seminal vesicles. Genitourinary infections impair prostate secretion, resulting in insufficient liquefaction factors in semen. This condition, known as seminal liquefaction disorder, directly contributes to infertility.Genitourinary infections can also affect accessory glands, leading to insufficient semen secretion. This results in inadequate semen nutrition, altered pH levels, changes in mucus composition, and severely reduced sperm motility, ultimately causing infertility.Men who smoke 30 cigarettes daily have a sperm survival rate of only 49%. Smokers also exhibit 16%-47% lower testosterone secretion than non-smokers. Chronic alcohol abuse damages testicular spermatogenic cells, impairing sperm production.(3) Excessive Heat Exposure: As the organ responsible for sperm production, the testes require a temperature of 35.5–36.5°C (95.1–98.5°F) during spermatogenesis—1–1.5°C (1.7–2.7°F) below normal body temperature. Frequent exposure to very hot water, especially in baths or saunas, elevates scrotal temperature and impairs testicular function.Long-term wearing of tight pants presses the scrotum and testicles together, increasing local testicular temperature and hindering sperm production. Once testicular congestion develops, it can also lead to infertility.
Male infertility patients should manage psychological stress and reduce sauna use
Psychological Adjustment
Male infertility patients face significant psychological pressure, balancing expectations from spouses, families, and friends. Managing this stress is crucial. Avoid self-pity; with advances in medical technology, many infertility cases can now be effectively treated. Patients should maintain a positive attitude and cooperate fully with medical treatment.They should confront their condition realistically. Many patients view infertility as shameful, avoiding medical help for fear of judgmental stares. Statistics from the International Society of Traditional Chinese Medicine Andrology indicate that at least 50 million men of reproductive age in China suffer from infertility, while approximately 150 million men have prostate diseases.
Limit Sauna Use
Sperm production in the testes requires temperatures 1-1.5°C lower than normal body temperature (37°C). Studies indicate that immersing in 43-44°C water for 20 minutes daily over three consecutive days can reduce sperm density below 10 million/ml in individuals with previously normal counts. This effect may persist for up to three weeks.Recent research on "thermocontraception" is based on this principle. Therefore, frequent or prolonged hot baths are unsuitable for infertile men with low sperm count or motility. However, 1-2 short hot baths per week are acceptable.
What to Do About Low Sperm Survival Rate
Low sperm survival rate is a cause of male infertility that can significantly impact a man's physical and mental well-being. Active treatment measures should be pursued. During treatment, proper care is essential to ensure a speedy recovery. So, what should be considered when treating low sperm survival rate? Let's explore this together!
Andrology experts emphasize that sperm motility determines fertility potential. Typically, sperm viability should range between 65%–70%; values below this threshold indicate low sperm viability. This condition can lead to male infertility.
Multiple factors contribute to low sperm viability, including nutritional deficiencies, inadequate nourishment, altered pH levels, and infections affecting accessory glands or sperm passageways.With timely diagnosis of the underlying cause and targeted treatment, coupled with the patient's active cooperation with medical care, the condition can be cured. So, what should be noted during treatment for low sperm survival rate? Key considerations include:
1. Patients should modify unhealthy lifestyle habits and quit smoking and drinking during treatment. Regular smoking significantly impacts sperm quality, while alcohol consumption can cause abnormalities in up to 70% of a man's sperm.
2. Patients undergoing treatment should prioritize rest and avoid excessive fatigue. High work stress and insufficient sleep can lead to physical exhaustion, irritability, and endocrine imbalances, all of which impair sexual function and sperm quality.
3. Develop regular exercise habits to boost immune function. Both obesity and physical weakness can diminish sperm quality, potentially causing male infertility.
Understanding these treatment considerations for low sperm viability, patients should prioritize daily care to overcome infertility challenges sooner.