Importance of Fertility Treatments for Men (Rawatan Lelaki)
It is becoming common for men to face fertility problems. If you or your partner have been diagnosed with fertility issues, that does not mean that you can’t achieve your parenthood dream. There are many treatments (rawatan lelaki) and procedures that can help you to conceive and have a baby.
What Is Male Infertility?
Male infertility (kesuburan lelaki) means that men have problems with their reproductive system. They have difficulties to impregnate their partner. Male infertility is a common condition, and it happens due to various reasons. Therefore, it is best to understand the causes and seek proper treatments. The sooner you get treatments, the better it is.
What Causes Male Infertility?
Healthy sperm is the key to male fertility. Usually, men are unable to father a child if there are problems with sperms. Similarly, problem during ejaculation or erection may also cause male infertility. Below are some common causes that you should know if you are facing difficulties to have a baby.
Problems with Sperm
Healthy sperm is needed to fertilize your spouse’s egg. It must be matured, in normal shape and able to swim well. If not, it is considered to be unhealthy.
No sperm in the semen
When there are no healthy sperm, it is difficult for your partner to conceive. Thus, it is important to consult the fertility specialist and assess your situation. They can help you to find appropriate fertility treatment for you.
Enlarged Veins (Varicocele)
Enlarged veins in your scrotum area affect fertility too. It causes the quality and quantity of sperm to decrease. It is a common condition that some men may even go unnoticed throughout their lives. The exact reason for this condition is unknown.
Infection
Infections can lead to infertility. It may happen in the tubes that carry sperm or testicles. When there is an infection in the mentioned areas, it can lower the production of sperm. Moreover, it may also cause scarring that blocks semen from passing.
Immunity Problem
This condition occurs when your antibodies fight sperm from your own body. Your immune system mistakenly sees it as something harmful. Thus, it attacks.
Cancer
Cancer can affect the male reproductive organs through glands that produce reproductive hormones. Moreover, chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery can also affect your infertility rate if you undergo surgery. After your treatment, sperm production may slow down or might even stop.
Unhealthy Lifestyle
Drug Intake
Consuming drugs can lead to infertility. Taking steroids for example, may cause testicles to shrink.
Smoking and Vaping
This habit can lower the sperm counts. Secondary smoking or vaping may also affect your sperm quality.
Heavy Alcohol Consumption
Heavy alcohol consumption leads to infertility. It harms your health and can lower testosterone levels, leading to lower sperm production. You may also get erectile dysfunction. It means you fail to have and keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Such a condition may lead to infertility.
Overexposure to Environmental Factors
Overexposure to the environment with chemicals, heat, and toxins can also affect your infertility rate. Certain chemicals, pesticides and paint may reduce sperm counts. On top of that, overheating the testicles may also decrease their production. Frequent use of saunas and hot tubs can lower the count. Sometimes, sitting for a long time with tight clothes can also cause a rise in temperature in your scrotum and leads to infertility.
Stress Level
Higher stress levels have connections with infertility. It can interfere with the hormones needed to produce sperm. It can contribute to lower sperm movement and lower sperm quality.
Being Overweight/Underweight
Being overweight or underweight can indirectly affect the infertility rate. Weight problems can cause hormonal imbalance. The disruption in hormones may lead to lower sperm count. Obese men had lower sperm counts than normal-weighted men. Some obese men even produce no sperm.
How is Male Infertility Diagnosed?
Every diagnosis starts with a doctor’s consultation. The doctor will go through a few tests and examinations to check the general state of health and other issues related to infertility. During the diagnosis, the doctor may examine your genitals and ask about your history of medical conditions affecting your fertility. The doctor may also ask about your sexual activities and sexual development during puberty. After evaluation, the doctor will recommend a suitable treatment. (rawatan lelaki)
Treating Male Fertility (Rawatan Lelaki)
Sperm health can be vulnerable depending on the circumstances. It can reduce the quality and quantity of sperm. Hence, protect your fertility by being aware of the factors. You may take the following steps to care for your male fertility.
Medications and Hormone Treatments
Certain medications, such as Beta-blockers, antidepressants and antiandrogens, can contribute to fertility issues. Steroids also have the same effect. It is better to consult your doctor concerning the medicines that you are on.
Lifestyle Change
- Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise can improve your fertility. It may increase testosterone levels, produce better semen quality, and protect sperm compared to inactive men. However, avoid heavy exercise as it may have the opposite effect.
- Include Zinc in Your Diet
This essential mineral is found in food like fish, meat, eggs and shellfish. Getting enough zinc is the key to male fertility. Zinc deficiency is related to low testosterone levels. It also causes low-quality sperm, leading to male infertility. Thus, make sure to consume food rich in said mineral. As an alternative, you can also take zinc supplements. Having the right amount of zinc is best to increase your fertility rate.
- Maintain A Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight can contribute to your fertility rate. If you are overweight, it is better to lose weight. Losing weight can increase semen count, mobility and overall sperm health. If you are unsure of what exercises you can do, consult your doctor. You may also discuss your weight loss goals with them.
- Limit Your Alcohol
Heavy drinking affects your infertility rate. Cut down on your alcohol consumption if you are a heavy drinker. A few drinks occasionally might not cause a problem. It may not have a bigger impact on sperm count. Therefore, it is better to limit your alcohol consumption.
- Avoid Toxic and Chemical Workplace
Certain occupations and work places with hazardous and toxic substances might lead to infertility. It can affect your health as well as your fertility rate. If your job has constant exposure, take safety measures. Wear masks or coveralls to keep your body protected from harsh chemicals.
- Keep Things ’Cool’
Increased temperature in the scrotum area can hinder sperm production. To keep things’ cool’:
- Wear loose-fitting underwear.
- Avoid frequent saunas and hot tubs. You can also limit scrotum exposure to warm objects.
- If you are working on laptops, avoid putting them on your lap.
- Use a table while working.
Surgery
Surgeries can also help in overcoming male infertility. However, they are only needed if the doctor suggests it.
- Swollen veins (Varicocele)
You may undergo surgery if you have swollen veins in your scrotum area. It is because there are no medications to treat the condition. During the surgery, the doctor will remove the swollen veins. The doctor will cut the veins and close off the ends. It may take 2 to 3 weeks to fully recover from the surgery.
- Vasectomy reversal
Vasectomy is a surgery done to prevent pregnancy. It involves blocking the tube where sperm passes into the semen. In the reversal process, the blocked tubes are sewn back together to allow pregnancy. It is better to do the surgery earlier because the success rate decreases after 15 years of vasectomy. Therefore, consult the doctor if you have done the surgery before and are planning to have a child. The doctor may advise you to start surgery earlier.
- Sperm injection
This treatment is a part of the IVF (in vitro fertilisation) process. In this process, the doctor will collect sperm cells. Then it is injected directly into the egg for fertilisation.
Seeking Help for Male Infertility
Suppose you have adopted healthy lifestyle practices to promote fertility. However, you have not achieved the desired results after a year of unprotected sex. In that case, you might consider consulting a fertility specialist. A fertility specialist can help identify the cause of the problem. They may also provide treatments that place you and your partner on the road to parenthood. You are not alone in the struggle. Hence, do not hesitate to contact your doctor if you need help. There are treatments available to address male infertility (rawatan lelaki).
You may watch this video to find out more on male infertility : Male Infertility
If you want to know more about the process or have specific questions to clarify, do list them down and call 03-80699333 (TMC Fertility & Women’s Specialist Centre, Puchong) or email ask@drnavdeepfertility.com to make an appointment to consult with Dr. Navdeep.