Prevent male infertility
About 9% of men experience fertility problems. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a man is infertile if he’s unable to impregnate a woman for at least one year of unprotected sex.
While there may be compelling reasons for male infertility on a case-by-case basis, sometimes it’s simply due to an unhealthy lifestyle. There are four common, but avoidable, reproductive health issues that men face.
Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is when a man is unable to achieve and maintain an erection for intercourse. Possible causes of impotence include heart disease, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, low testosterone and excessive use of alcohol. A healthy lifestyle, including eating healthy and exercising regularly, may help to prevent these lifestyle-related diseases.
Low sperm count
Men are said to have a low sperm count when their semen has less than 15 million sperm per millilitre. This condition is also known as oligospermia. If an individual as no sperm, it’s known as azoospermia. Drug and alcohol use, as well as weight gain, are among the causes. Therefore, healthy lifestyle may help to prevent a low sperm count.
Low testosterone
Testosterone is the major sex hormone in men. It’s responsible for sex drive and sperm production, among other things. Obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes are contributing factors to low testosterone.
Testicular cancer
According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), the lifetime risk for testicular cancer in South African men is one in every 1 959 men. Testicular cancer has one of the highest cure rates of all cancers. However, early detection, as with all cancers, is vital to overcoming testicular cancer.
Live a healthy lifestyle with Bestmed
Bestmed Medical Scheme’s Tempo wellness programme is available to all members across all benefit options at no additional cost. It gives you the tools you need to help prevent lifestyle-related diseases through the Fitness and Nutrition Journeys. An Emotional Wellbeing Journey is also available.
Bestmed also offers an extensive range of preventative care benefits (including PSA screenings for males over 50) and an Oncology care programme in the event of testicular care.
References
Harvard Health Publishing. 2023. Testosterone: what is it and how it affect your health. H. E. LeWine, M.D. (Ed.). Available [Online]: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/testosterone–what-it-does-and-doesnt-do?utm.
Holland, K. 2018. Oligospermia and Fertility: What You Should Know. In: Healthline. D. Murrell, M.D. (Ed.). Available [Online]: https://www.healthline.com/health/mens-health/oligospermia?utm.
Leslie, S.W.; Soon-Sutton, T.L. & Khan, M.A.B. 2023. Male Infertility. In: National Library of Medicine. Available [Online]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562258/?utm.
Male Fertility & Sexual Medicine Specialists. 2014. Top 5 Reproductive Health Problems Men Suffer From & Why. Available [Online]: https://www.malefertility.com/blog/top-5-reproductive-health-problems-men-suffer-from-why?utm.
Mayo Clinic. 2023. Testicular cancer. Available [Online]: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/testicular-cancer-care/symptoms-causes/syc-20352986?utm.
