photo credit: Lauri Väin

Have you ever noticed that the overwhelming majority of information available about infertility focuses on female infertility? Would it surprise you to learn that roughly half of the cases in which couples are unable to conceive are the result of male fertility? Truth is, couples who are trying to conceive should focus at least as much attention on his  habits as on hers.

Male fertility can be affected by a number of factors. Some of them can be controlled, others can’t. Believe it or not, if his mother used disposable diapers, it can have a negative impact on his ability to father children (all the more reason to consider cloth diapers when you finally do conceive). Other factors, including his genetic makeup, may also be beyond his control.

There are also several factors which contribute to male infertility which can be controlled. Most of us have already heard that he should be wearing boxers instead of tighty whiteys, but here are some you may not have been aware of:

• Is that a cell phone in your pocket or are you happy to see me? Recent studies have shown that guys who carry their cell phones in their pockets showed a reduction in the effectiveness of their sperm. So, unless you want to decrease your chances of conception by over 10%, get that cell phone out of his pocket.
• Laptops don’t go on laps? It may not compute, but he needs to set his laptop on the table, the arm of a chair, anywhere but on his lap. The heat generated by his laptop can heat up his sperm if he leaves it on his lap, reducing the quality of his output.
• What do they supplement, anyway? Male supplements may stroke his ego, but they won’t help his sperm count of quality.
• Didn’t he know he should just say no? Alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs can all have a negative impact on male fertility. Maybe that’s why we don’t see reality shows with bikers and their 20 kids.

In all seriousness, there are so many factors we can’t control when it comes to fertility. It just makes sense to control the little things we can. So, now that you know, what do you think? Can you get him to change those little habits that could make a big difference in his fertility?

This entry was posted on Monday, November 21st, 2011 and is filed under Fertility.