What causes male infertility? Numerous factors contribute to male infertility, including common issues like abnormal sperm and genital malformations. Additionally, unhealthy lifestyle habits such as frequent smoking and drinking, or working in high-temperature environments, can also lead to male infertility.
1. Chromosomal abnormalities: Conditions like intersex disorders, underdeveloped or malformed reproductive organs can all lead to male infertility.
2. Testicular abnormalities: Testicular issues fall into three categories: ① Cryptorchidism (undescended testicles), which not only causes infertility but may also lead to malignant changes;② Damage to the germ cell during fetal development due to adverse environmental factors; ③ Early testicular injury, potentially caused by birth trauma during delivery.
3. Acquired testicular injury: Procedures like hernia repair, testicular fixation surgery, or hydrocele surgery can damage testicular blood vessels, impairing blood supply and causing testicular atrophy.
4. Hydrocele: Hydrocele compresses testicular blood circulation, leading to infection or atrophy. Its incidence post-puberty ranges from 16% to 19%.
5. Blood Supply Disorders: Patients with arteriosclerosis or diabetes often develop testicular arteriolar disease, diminishing sperm production and growth capacity, thereby causing infertility.
6. Genital Infections: Infections by bacteria, protozoa, or viruses can directly damage the testes, severely impairing spermatogenesis and reducing sperm motility. In severe cases, this may lead to infertility.
7. Age-related factors: Testicular tissue begins degenerative changes around age 30, with fertility gradually declining thereafter.
8. Personal behaviors: Unhealthy habits significantly contribute to infertility. These include smoking, drug use, alcohol abuse, chronic alcoholism, poor sleep patterns, and promiscuity. Such behaviors not only impair sexual function but are also associated with reduced sperm production.
Foods to Avoid for Male Infertility
1. Soybeans
Recent scientific research indicates soybeans are among the sperm killers. Certain components in soybeans can reduce sperm count, thereby impairing male reproductive function.
2. Lotus Seed Hearts
Lotus seed hearts have a cooling effect on the heart and reduce internal heat, but they can lead to decreased libido in men.
3. Water Chestnuts
What dietary precautions should men with infertility take? Water chestnuts can dampen sexual desire in both men and women. The Compendium of Dietary Therapy states: "Among aquatic fruits, this one most strongly generates cold energy. It chills the body, damages yang energy, and causes the penis to wither."
4. Bamboo Shoots
Bamboo shoots contain high levels of oxalic acid, which can impair the body's absorption and utilization of calcium and zinc. Zinc deficiency may lead to decreased libido and diminished sexual function.
5. Celery
Celery inhibits sperm production, reducing sperm count and potentially causing erectile dysfunction.
6. Carrots
Men with infertility should limit carrot intake. Excessive consumption can expel hemoglobin from red blood cells, leading to anemia and physical weakness.
7. Alcohol consumption
Alcohol can cause decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorders, and testicular atrophy in men. Excessive smoking impairs penile blood circulation, affecting erection and causing sperm abnormalities. Additionally, the widely touted belief that soy milk and soy yogurt kill sperm is incorrect.