Welcome to Our Newsletter
Welcome to the first issue of the Male Infertility Newsletter. This publication has been created to provide you with up-to-date information on new developments in the field of male infertility. We hope that through this publication we will be able to keep you informed about the latest developments in the field and answer any questions you might have regarding male infertility.
Infertility: His or Hers?
You probably know that roughly 1 out of 6 couples in the United States are infertile. Did you also know that in up to half of those couples a male factor is identified? In some cases the problem may be as simple as a recent infection or illness that has temporarily impaired sperm quality. In other cases, there is a physical condition that impairs sperm quality and can be corrected. In rare cases, a serious medical condition is responsible for infertility.
Therefore, it is very important that the male partner be evaluated early before the female partner goes through extensive testing. The evaluation is as simple as a physical examination and a semen analysis. (See "Fear of Semen Analysis" in the next issue.)
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Boxers or Briefs?
Anyone who has pursued an infertility evaluation or reads about male infertility knows that this choice of boxers or briefs may be relevant. The reason is that any thermal effects to the testicles will result in impaired sperm production. Put another way, for optimal sperm production to occur, the sperm need to reside in a cool environment. To the extent that briefs are restrictive and keep the testicles closer to the body than boxers, briefs may indeed provide a warming effect to the testes. For this reason, boxers are recommended over briefs. In addition, men are asked to avoid any other potentially thermic effects to the testes. These include avoiding prolonged hot baths, hot tubs, tight-fitting or restrictive clothing, and limiting vigorous exercise to less than 90 minutes per workout.
Vitamin Supplements: Caveat Emptor
Many studies support the role of vitamins C and E as beneficial to sperm quality. Vitamins C and E function as antioxidants and are protective to sperm. Beware, however, of herbal supplements. Some of the supplements added to multivitamins have effects on hormone receptors and may actually be harmful to sperm quality. You're better off using a vitamin supplement with no herbal additives.
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