A lot of people believe that the success of a pregnancy depends solely on the woman. However, the male partner also has an important role to play.
After all, if he has poor sperm quality, it may be impossible to fertilize the egg, and the couple may face infertility.
What is sperm?
Sperm is the male reproductive cell that is necessary for fertilizing the female’s egg. It is produced in the testes and ejaculated through the penis during sexual intercourse.
Sperm is comprised of a head, midpiece, and tail, which enable it to move towards the egg.
What is Sperm Quality?
Sperm quality refers to the ability of sperm to fertilize the egg. The quality of sperm is determined by its count, motility, and morphology. A normal sperm count should be between 15 million to 200 million per milliliter.
Motility refers to the ability of sperm to move towards the egg, and a healthy sperm should have a forward progression. Morphology pertains to the shape and size of sperm, and in a healthy sperm, the head is oval and the tail is straight.
Can Kindness Affect Sperm Quality?
A study conducted by Dr. Edward Kim at the Fertility Center of Illinois revealed that men who are too kind may have poor sperm quality.
As per the study, men with higher levels of testosterone were found to have better sperm quality compared to men who were less assertive. The study analyzed 180 men aged between 18 to 22 years and assessed their personality traits and sperm quality.
Impact of Kindness on Testosterone Levels
According to experts, testosterone is a hormone that is responsible for masculinity, such as the ability to grow facial hair, having a deep voice, and having a muscular physique. Testosterone is also a vital hormone for sperm production.
Men with higher levels of testosterone have a greater quantity of active sperm. However, testosterone levels are inversely proportional to levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. When cortisol levels are high, testosterone levels decrease, causing a decrease in sperm quality.
The Role of Cortisol
In today’s day and age, dealing with daily stress has become inevitable. While stress is a normal part of everyday life, too much of it can have negative effects on health, including fertility.
A high level of cortisol in the bloodstream has been known to affect testosterone production, leading to a decrease in the production of healthy sperm. Constant stress builds up cortisol levels, which wreaks havoc on the body’s immune system. According to research, cortisol can also cause the immune system to attack sperm, causing problems with fertility.
Overcoming Poor Sperm Quality
If a man has poor sperm quality, the chances of natural conception may be challenging, but it is not impossible. There are various treatments and procedures available that can help couples who are struggling with infertility.
Some of the common options include:.
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
- In vitro fertilization (IVF)
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
- Sperm donor
Conclusion
Infertility can be challenging for couples, particularly those who have been trying to conceive for a while. Raising children is a rewarding experience, and infertility should not rob couples of that happiness.
Men who are too kind may have poor sperm quality, which can cause problems with natural conception. However, advancements in medical technology have made it possible for couples to overcome infertility and become parents.