The following are the leading risk factors of Low Sperm Count in the tropics:
Cigarette Smoking :
Smoking lowers a couple’s chances of conception up to 20%, according findings, by reducing the male sperm production and also damaging the DNA structure (genetic material) of the sperm. Smoking also can affect sperm quality and overall male fertility health, hindering conception.
Drug/Substance Abuse :
Recreational drugs like cocaine, marijuana can temporarily reduce sperm count and quality, affecting a couple’s chance of conception greatly by hindering the testicular capacity to create adequate sperm. And the use of anabolic steroids have also been linked to low sperm production.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs ):
Bacterial organisms like Chlamydia Trachomatis and Gonorrhea are the commonest known causes of infertility related infections in men, even in sexually active women. This group of microorganisms in men spread to the testis and epididymis (a tube that conveys sperm from the testicles) hindering the passage of sperm due to blockage caused by inflammation as a result of the ensuing infection.
Environmental Factors :
Occupational or prolonged exposure to toxins and chemicals (eg; pesticides, herbicides, insecticides etc) are otherwise identified as Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDC) by environmental toxicologists. Studies have shown that the above chemicals reduce sperm production in male by hindering the function of testosterone (male hormone) that creates new sperm.
Physical or Mental Stress :
Stress has been linked to reduction in sperm production in male, as a result of hormonal imbalance created by stress hormones in the body (cortisol and adrenaline), and indirectly affecting the function of testosterone.
Overheating the Testicles :
The testicles (or testis) anatomically is located outside the body. By the Creator’s design, this is an indication that sperm production requires a subnormal body temperature (<37 C) for formation. And so, using hot bath tubs, wearing tight silk boxers; prolonged placing of laptops on your thighs could potentially reduce the counts of your swimmers thereby affecting your chances of getting your partner pregnant.
Obesity :
Obesity could affect your fertility health negatively by creating hormonal imbalance in your physiology, reducing your testosterone level and subsequently affecting sperm production. Maintaining an optimum BMI within 20 – 24 kg/m2 (body mass index) is ideal when preparing for conception.
Bicycle Riding:
In recent times, some comparative studies have revealed that cycling for a long time (more than 5 hours per week) can affect sperm quality and lower a man’s odds at getting a woman pregnant. It is believed that pressure from the bike’s seat could potentially injure blood vessels and nerves responsible for erection in the perineum (a region between the anus and genitals). And so, the male partner is advised against cycling when actively trying to get his partner pregnant.
Age:
Age has been associated with male infertility and low sperm production. As a man advances in age (70 – 80 years), the longer it will take him to get his partner pregnant, compared to when he is young and sexually active.
Electromagnetic Field Radiation :
There is growing evidence that excessive exposure to EMF radiation could affect male fertility and also reduce sperm count in the process. Hence, reducing your exposure to X-rays and use of mobile devices anywhere around your genitals is highly advocated.
Erectile Dysfunction :
Erectile dysfunction or weak erection in layman’s understanding is the inability of the joystick to maintain and sustain an erection necessary for penetration. Many men suffer from this sexual health dysfunction, and this has often been linked to reduced testosterone activity in men leading to low sperm production.
Varicocele :
This condition is one of the commonest causes of infertility in men. It is characterized by abnormal enlargement and twisting of the veins that drain "de-oxygenated" blood from the testicles. Research shows that it affects 15 out of 100 men. Theoritically, varicocele impacts male fertility negatively by raising the temperature of the testicles, or through excessive pooling of blood in the vein carrying blood from the testicles resulting to reduced sperm production.
