Male infertility: 5 lifestyle factors that could be hurting your fertility
Medical experts are drawing attention to an often-overlooked aspect of reproductive health during World Infertility Awareness Month: male infertility.
While discussions often center on female infertility, about one-third of infertility cases are related to male factors, according to ABC News medical contributor Dr. Alok Patel.
"When we think about fertility, there's a lot of focus placed on females," says Patel. "But male issues can include problems with sperm volume or quality, congenital obstructions, infections, and various underlying medical conditions."
Several common lifestyle factors can significantly impact male reproductive health. Recent research suggests marijuana use may be associated with impaired male fertility by decreasing sperm volume, affecting sperm morphology and disrupting hormone balance. Patel advises limiting cannabis use when trying to conceive.
MORE: Amber Alert issued for missing Idaho teens linked to FLDS group
Along with cannabis, alcohol consumption and smoking can be detrimental to fertility. Toxins from smoking, for instance, can directly damage sperm DNA.
Physical health plays a crucial role too -- being overweight and having inadequate physical activity can negatively impact fertility. Even high stress levels can affect reproductive health, making stress management an essential consideration.
"If you're trying to improve fertility, focus on eating a regular diet, exercising, managing stress, and reducing both cannabis and alcohol use," Patel recommended. "It's also important to have an open conversation with your doctor, especially if you're using substances for medical reasons."
Speaking of health management, recent studies have revealed promising developments in other areas of medical science. Research has shown that medications prescribed for individuals with ADHS were associated with lower risks of self-harm and accidents, demonstrating the importance of proper medical treatment in overall safety and well-being.
Additionally, for those looking to boost their cognitive function, a new study suggests that strategic power naps might be the answer.
German researchers found that short afternoon naps were associated with enhanced problem-solving abilities and creativity -- though Patel advises keeping these naps to 20 to 30 minutes to avoid disrupting nighttime sleep patterns.
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