FOR too long, the inability to conceive has been seen as a woman's problem. This has to change so couples struggling to start a family get the help they need.
IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) Bridge Fertility Centre Johor Baru consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Tan Jui Seng says men can be equally responsible for infertility in a marriage.
Male infertility is linked to a variety of factors, including low sperm motility, low sperm count, undescended testes (causing sperm count to be reduced or absent) and genetic factors.
Dr Tan says men who have Klinefelter syndrome also produce little or no sperm. These men might appear to be big or obese, but their testicles are very small and this impacts fertility.
Very often, issues related to male infertility only come to light when men marry and are unable to start a family.
"Long working hours, stress and dietary habits also affect male infertility as does smoking and alcohol consumption."
Men who are in professions which expose them to heat are also at risk. Dr Tan says low sperm count is prevalent among chefs, for example, because they spend long hours in a hot working environment.
UNAWARE AND AT RISK
Some men might also be in early testicular failure without realising it.
According to Dr Tan, males who have low sperm counts should be checked to see if they are experiencing early testicular failure.
"Men with this condition must start a family quickly because in a couple of years, their sperm count will drop drastically. Many men are not aware of this."
Sperm with DNA fragmentation is also a problem and another issue that impacts fertility.
Dr Tan says when a couple go through IVF and are still unable to conceive, it's advisable to test the man's sperm for DNA fragmentation.
"In any cohort of sperm that's tested, if less than 30 per cent has DNA fragmentation, it's considered to have good fertility potential. More than 30 per cent, and that cohort has low fertility potential."
Male fertility can be improved with a healthy lifestyle. A good diet, preferably a low-carb diet, and avoidance of unhealthy habits, such as smoking, alcohol and the use of saunas, are all important.
Dr Tan says fertility preservation should also be an option if men are going to have cancer treatment as chemotherapy and radiotherapy can kill testicular cells.
Sperm freezing is now widely available at IVF centres in the country and men should consider that option to ensure their chances of becoming a father in the future are not impacted.
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