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There are various factors that affect male fertility and one of them is aging. Yes, age does play a crucial role in determining the fertile health of a male.
As a person starts getting older, the function of the reproductive organs and the hormonal balance in the body tend to get affected. A man’s fertility starts to decrease when he reaches the age of around 40-45 years.
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How does aging affect fertility in males?
This happens because the hormonal and other changes affect the sperm profile and quality. The sperm count decreases, the number of abnormally shaped sperms increases, the sperm motility gets reduced and the overall quality of the sperms declines. All these, in turn, make it difficult for the sperm to fertilize the female egg and thus raises infertility issues. (Also read: Low sperm count: causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment)
Reduced male fertility at an older age can also be a result of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress due to free radicals increases with age. This can cause damage to sperm DNA and can lead to its fragmentation, thereby causing fertility problems.
Also, the levels of testosterone start decreasing significantly after the age of 40 years. This often results in problems like decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation problems. In addition to this, lower testosterone levels also do not allow proper spermatogenesis and thus can give rise to infertility symptoms.
Other common fertility issues that can arise due to aging:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Problems with ejaculation
- Oligospermia (reduced sperm count)
- Prostate enlargement
- Reduced sexual drive
- Varicocele
Can psychological factors also affect fertility?
For the optimal functioning of every organ of the body, it is important to maintain physical as well as mental well-being. Although infertility is considered to be more of a physical issue, psychological factors like stress, anxiety, and depression also play a part.
Prolonged stress and anxiety can not only lead to loss of interest in sex and erectile dysfunction but also adversely affect the production of sperms. Psychological factors can cause an imbalance in the hormonal levels and can disrupt the process of spermatogenesis. This, in turn, can lead to decreased sperm quality and can affect your fertility levels.
Tips to keep away the male fertility issues that tend to surface with aging:
Staying away from obesity
Obesity is one of the major risk factors for fertility issues. Thus, if you are aging, try to maintain healthy body weight. This would go a long way in keeping fertility problems at bay.
Increasing the intake of zinc and fiber-rich foods
Optimal zinc levels in the body are necessary for the production of healthy sperms. Therefore, try to ensure that you intake enough zinc-rich foods. Also, eat a lot of fiber-rich and antioxidant-enriched foods. These would help you tackle oxidative stress and would enhance the functioning of all the parts of the body.
Setting a fitness routine
Exercise can be a great way to enhance the strength of your reproductive system. Thus, adopt a healthy and active lifestyle. Exercise regularly, go for walks and stay fit. Regular exercise will boost your physical and mental health and reduce the risk of fertility issues.
Managing stress
Try and find ways to manage your stress levels. Make sure to take out 30-45 minutes of “me time” every day. This would help ensure that the stress doesn’t pile up and affect the functioning of your body.
Refrain from having alcohol and tobacco
If you are looking for ways to maintain a healthy reproductive system, alcohol, tobacco, and cigarettes are a big no. These can affect your hormone levels as well as cause damages to your sperm profile. Therefore, stay away from these as much as you can.
Yoga to maintain optimum blood circulation and hormonal level
Yoga works amazingly in boosting the circulation of blood throughout the body and restoring hormonal balance. Therefore, try to make yoga an integral part of your routine.
Avoid these foods
With age, you have to be more cautious about your health. Thus, it is important to know about certain foods that can cause fertility problems. Junk, processed, canned foods are low in nutritional value and can have a negative impact on fertility.
Wear scrotal support during rigorous physical activities
While doing any strenuous exercises or activities, make sure to wear jockstrap or scrotal supports. This would prevent excessive pressure on the groin area and keep the risk of problems like varicocele at bay.
Having the prescribed vitamin supplements
If your doctor suggests taking vitamin supplements like Vitamin C or E, make sure you take them as per your prescriptions.
Is it necessary to consult a doctor?
Yes, it is crucial to visit a specialist doctor as soon as you start noticing fertility problems with age. There are high chances that some underlying medical conditions may need immediate medical attention.
Depending upon the condition, your doctor will suggest a suitable treatment option.
It is only in conditions such as prostate enlargement, varicocele that the person needs to undergo surgical treatment. But there is nothing to worry about the modern treatments for these conditions. The modern procedures are minimally invasive and allow the patient to recover speedily without any hiccups.
Thus, if you are dealing with the symptoms of infertility, consult a doctor, get a proper diagnosis, and receive appropriate treatment.
Reach out to Pristyn Care for a confidential consultation
Fertility problems carry along with them a lot of embarrassment and social stigma. But you must remember that just like every other ailment, fertility problems too are a medical condition.
You can reach out to us at Pristyn Care for a completely safe and confidential consultation. We ensure to provide you with the best treatment experience. You just simply have to book your online appointment with us to visit your nearby Pristyn Care clinic.
Also Read:
- Treatment of premature ejaculation and ED
- Homeopathic treatment for infertility in males
- Does smoking affect fertility in males
