Male Fertility Myths

When it comes to couples, infertility is often an issue that people immediately associate with the woman. This is highly untrue - around a third of all infertility cases are actually due to male factor infertility, meaning, men should be just as aware of how fertility works and of their overall reproductive health just as well as women who are trying to conceive are.

With all of that can come a lot of myths regarding male fertility, often leading to the man not receiving or simply disregarding the treatment he may need to successfully produce healthy sperm. Here, we dispel such myths surrounding male fertility.

1. Men do not have to worry about their age

While it is true that men produce sperm all throughout their lives, even into their senior years, it is important to know that a man’s age does affect sperm quality and motility. These are two crucial factors in fertilizing an egg to form an embryo. 

Sperm from older men are also known to increase the risk of producing mentally-challenged children. 

If you are not thinking about having children until your later years, it may be a smart idea to look into sperm freezing and other fertility preservation options. 

2. Lifestyle habits affect male fertility less

Smoking, drinking, and an overall unhealthy lifestyle can affect a man’s fertility just as much as it can affect a woman’s fertility. Smoking alone is known to increase a man’s risk of infertility by 30%. 

Whether or not you and your partner are trying to conceive, it is always recommended for both to live clean lifestyles that exclude said bad habits. 

3. As long as there is semen, there is sperm

This is something that a lot of men overestimate. Just because you are able to produce semen, it does not mean you have a healthy sperm count. A lot of the time, men actually ejaculate semen with low sperm count. 

This is why when it comes to addressing conception, it is important for the man to consult with a specialist to examine their reproductive organs, as well as test their semen for a healthy sperm count.

4. Taking men’s supplements can improve sperm quality

When a couple is actively trying to conceive, it will be understandable for the man to think that taking men’s testosterone supplements (for improved libido and energy purposes) will result in stronger sperm that will be better able to fertilize the woman’s egg. This can actually be counterproductive. 

Such practice is actually known to make the man’s body suppress its natural testosterone production, slowing down, or even shutting down sperm production.

If you are experiencing sexual dysfunction and therefore cannot provide sperm in the “traditional manner,” you can look into testicular sperm extraction and IVF. 

5. The type of underwear a man wears affects fertility

You’ve probably heard somewhere before that a man should wear certain types of boxers or briefs to protect their fertility. The truth of the matter is that choice of underwear, whether loose or snug, actually does not affect a man’s sperm count. 

What does matter is the exposure to extremely hot temperatures and hobbies such as biking? Underwear-wise, however, men should only be concerned as to what’s comfortable. 

These are just some of the most popular myths about male fertility floating around, and we’re sure you’ve heard of more before. 

If you’re trying to conceive with your partner or are simply concerned regarding your reproductive health, consult with your doctor today for the necessary tests and evaluations.

  

Helping Yourself Get Through IVF Treatment

When you deeply long to be a parent, you will be willing to go through any downs and difficulties necessary to bring your long awaited bundle of joy into the world. As wonderful as the journey to being a parent can get, there will be instances wherein you may feel tired and just about ready to give up, especially when it comes to a process such as IVF.

As part of being the most trusted in vitro fertilization clinic in Davao, we want to make sure our patients take care of themselves as their journey progresses. Here are some ways to cope as you go through IVF.

1. Get counseling

Counseling before, during, and after the treatment can be incredibly helpful in helping manage anxiousness, stress, fatigue, anger, and any other negative feelings you might find yourself having with IVF.

With the medication and the heaviness of the process itself, experiencing said feelings is completely normal and is more than manageable with help from a reliable therapist or specialized counselor.

2. Gather as much support as possible

It is a given that you will garner as much support as possible from friends and family, but you will find that you can find a helpful amount of support in joining online or physical support groups with people who truly understand what you’re going through.

IVF support groups are everywhere, and by being able to talk with people who are going through or have gone through the same treatment, it will help you to feel less alone and more courageous about the experience.

3. Get as much rest as you can

As restless as you may feel as you go through IVF, it is crucial that you get yourself to take as much time out as possible to relax and calm down, both physically and mentally. The process in itself already can already take a significant toll on you as parents; it’s vital you don’t add stress to your mind and body any further.

Apart from getting enough sleep, you can try meditation, going to spas, writing in a journal, or simply getting yourself comfortable in front of your favorite show to help you ease your state of mind and get your body in the mood to rest.

4. Talk to your fertility specialist

A lot of the anxieties and worries that patients who are going through IVF have typically stemmed from uncertainties regarding the medical aspect of the process. How much of a chance do we have at successful conception? Will it hurt? What if my body reacts negatively?

These are all viable questions and can only be answered by consulting with a specialist who’s experienced with fertility treatment and IVF itself.

If you’re in the Philippines and are considering IVF as a fertility treatment option, you can consult with the first and best facility offering in vitro fertilization in Davao.

Remember, no matter how many struggles you may encounter along the way, it will all be well worth it in the end, and there will always be professionals to help you throughout the journey.