Are problems with male reproductive health caused by endocrine disruption

Males have a one-shot deal when it comes to reproduction. Once they have ejaculated their sperm deep into the cervixes of their partners, their involvement in pregnancy is over. For the rest of their partner’s reproductive life, they are simply there to be supportive and fatherly. This is probably why so many stereotypes surround men and their roles in pregnancy and relationships. Despite this, in recent years, there has been a dramatic rise in the number of men getting in touch with us about fertility problems. It seems our traditional view of men and their relationship to pregnancy might be outdated.

Is Modern Living Disrupting Our Bodies’ Functions?

It’s often said that our bodies don’t function the same way they did hundreds of years ago. To prove this, we need only look to the changes in technology and the way we live our lives. Take endocrine disruptors for example. These are chemicals that interfere with our bodies’ natural hormone function. They often do this by mimicking our hormones or blocking our hormone receptors. In small doses, endocrine disruptors aren’t a problem. But in large amounts, they can seriously upset our bodies’ natural hormone balance.

The Rise In Male Infertility

If we compare the rates of male and female infertility, we can see that they have become more common. In fact, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, infertility affects around 1 in 7 women and 1 in 300 men in Australia. While these statistics don’t specify the cause of infertility, we often hear about male infertility being caused by problems with either the sperm or the testicles. So if you’re worried about your fertility, you’re likely to assume that your problem lies with your sperm. This couldn’t be further from the truth. A growing number of men are finding that the problem isn’t with the sperm, but with the egg. Specifically, a large number of infertile men have found that their problem lies with the quality of the egg rather than the quantity.

The Fallacy Of The Sperm-Only Theory Of Infertility

Our knowledge of reproductive health and infertility has changed dramatically in the past few years. Up until recently, men’s involvement in reproduction was seen as a purely passive one. They were simply the sperm donors. But thanks to technology and a booming sperm banking industry, men are finally realizing that they have a role to play beyond just providing the seed. This is why we’re seeing an increase in the number of men coming to us for help with fertility problems. With the stigma surrounding male infertility slowly diminishing, more and more men are realizing that they can play a key role in pregnancy. In fact, a recent study published in the British Journal of Medicine showed that men who took an active role in their infertility treatment made more progress than those who passively waited for their partner’s treatment to take effect. This study was conducted on couples who were trying to have a child via in-vitro fertilization. While this method of treatment is becoming more and more commonplace and enables men to play a much more active role in reproduction, it’s still not a natural way to have children. There’s also the possibility of it going wrong (as with any medical procedure). This is why it’s always a good idea to consider other options first.

Environmental Toxins

It’s also worth considering the role that certain environmental toxins might be playing in your fertility. When an infertile couple came to see us for help, we advised them to consider their water supply. Specifically, we told them to check for toxins such as pesticides and herbicides in their drinking water. Pesticides and herbicides are widely used in agriculture and are, therefore, often found in the food we eat. While there is no direct proof that these toxins affect male reproductive health, there is enough evidence to suggest that they’re probably contributing to the problem. Studies have shown that pesticides affect hormone function in animals. And many of these chemicals have been shown to disrupt human hormone function as well. Pesticides and herbicides are also known to be stored in fat cells. When these cells start to accumulate, it usually indicates that you have an issue with hormone balance. So if you’re concerned about your fertility, you should consider how you’re spending your time and whether or not the environment you’re living in is supportive of good reproductive health.

Stress

There’s also the role that stress likely plays in male infertility. If you’re constantly under a lot of stress, it’s probably going to affect your fertility. Studies have shown that even a short period of stress can significantly reduce a man’s sperm count. So if you find that you’re not getting any sleep or have a lot on your plate at work, there’s a good chance that your sperm quality is suffering as a result. If you’re worried about your fertility, you should try to reduce your stress levels as much as possible. Seek out support from friends and family as well as professional help if necessary.

Poor Diet

Another thing to consider is your diet. A healthy diet is important for many reasons, but it’s especially important if you want to have children. A healthy diet supports your body’s hormonal function and, therefore, supports your fertility. This is because the type of food you eat affects the function of your immune system. A healthy diet also provides your body with essential vitamins and minerals that are necessary for good health. When you eat foods rich in these nutrients, your body will be better equipped to fight off any infections or ailments that might jeopardize your fertility. Finally, a healthy diet supports your body’s energy levels. If you feel like you’re running on empty most of the time, it might be because your diet isn’t supplying your body with the nutrients it needs to function at its best. You should try to eat more fruits and vegetables and avoid anything processed or stored in oil. While this might not seem like an easy task given the abundance of food that’s available these days, try to focus on what’s important to you and make the changes you need to make in order to improve your health and, therefore, your fertility.

Treatment

Once you’ve ruled out the above factors, it’s time to consider the treatment available. Your first port of call should be your physician or reproductive endocrinologist. They will be able to give you a full assessment of your situation and help you decide on the most appropriate course of treatment for you. If you’re already under their care, getting a full assessment from them is the next step. They will be able to tell you whether or not you’re responding to treatment and, if not, help you decide on what to try next. If you’re looking to buy gear to enhance your bedroom performance, you should probably avoid anything made of plastic. These are often a source of endocrine disruptors. Look for natural products made from organic fruit pits or herbs rather than synthetic chemicals. And above all, make sure that the products you’re using are both safe and effective.