Infertility is a common problem that affects men all over the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infertility affects approximately 10% of couples worldwide.

Although infertility is often seen as a problem that affects women, men can also experience infertility. Recent studies have shown that infertility is linked to increased mortality in men.

What is Infertility?

Infertility is defined as an inability to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.

Infertility can be caused by a variety of factors, including problems with sperm production or delivery, hormonal imbalances, and underlying medical conditions.

Infertility and Mortality

A recent study published in Human Reproduction has found that infertility is linked to increased mortality in men.

The study followed 115,254 men over a period of 16 years and found that men with infertility had a 30% higher risk of death than men without infertility.

The study also found that the risk of death was higher for men with certain types of infertility. Men with semen abnormalities had a 70% higher risk of death, while those with hormonal abnormalities had a 50% higher risk of death.

The study did not find a significant association between infertility and mortality in women.

Related Article Studies show that infertile men have a higher risk of premature death

Possible Explanations for the Link Between Infertility and Mortality

There are several possible explanations for the link between infertility and mortality in men. One possibility is that infertility is a marker of general poor health.

Men with infertility may have underlying medical conditions that go undiagnosed and untreated, which could increase their risk of death.

Another possibility is that infertility is a marker of poor lifestyle choices. Men with infertility may be more likely to engage in behaviors that increase their risk of death, such as smoking, drinking alcohol excessively, or not exercising regularly.

Additionally, infertility treatments may also contribute to the increased mortality risk. Some infertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), have been linked to an increased risk of cancer.

What Can Men Do to Reduce Their Risk of Infertility?

There are several steps men can take to reduce their risk of infertility:.

• Quit smoking: Smoking can decrease sperm count and impair fertility.
• Limit alcohol intake: Drinking alcohol excessively can reduce sperm count and quality.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can reduce fertility.
• Stay active: Regular exercise can improve fertility.
• Avoid exposure to environmental toxins: Chemicals in the environment, such as pesticides and lead, can reduce fertility.
• Get regular check-ups: Regular check-ups can help identify underlying medical conditions that may impair fertility.

Conclusion

Infertility is a common problem that affects both men and women. Recent studies have found that infertility is linked to increased mortality in men, particularly those with certain types of infertility.

Although more research is needed to fully understand the link between infertility and mortality, there are steps men can take to reduce their risk of infertility. By making healthier choices and getting regular check-ups, men can take control of their fertility and improve their overall health and well-being.