We have a lot of talks about female fertility, it is almost natural to even start a conversation about it. But as we know it, it takes 2 hands to clap, so what is holding us back from opening a conversation about male fertility?
By opening up more, we can get more people talking and it could benefit those who may not know which step to take next. Fertility can be unpredictable, fertility issues have three categories, female-related, male-related and the unexplained.
In this article, we are going to talk about male fertility! Let’s start with the fun part.
Fact 1: 9 out of 10 sperm cells produced by the average male are abnormal in appearance. And that is perfectly normal! It does not affect the fertility or health of the future baby, as only the normal sperm will fertilise the egg.
Fact 2: Sperm can live for up to five days in the female reproductive tract, especially if there is a healthy amount of cervical mucus present.
Fact 3: As the adage goes, “you are what you eat”. This is indeed true when it comes to sperm health. For instance, oysters are more than just an aphrodisiac; they are also packed with zinc, which can boost sperm production.
So, are there any other nutrients to enhance sperm health? Let’s find out as Dr Chua Ka-Hee, Consultant with the Department of Reproductive Medicine in KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, shares more about male fertility.
Nutrients to improve sperm health
Dr Chua: Supplements that improve sperm health include Carnitine, Co-enzyme Q, Selenium, Zinc, Lycopene, vitamin E. These can be bought off the shelf without a prescription, but a word of caution about supplements that are from online sources, some may contain traces of hormones or even steroids, these components have a negative impact on your sperm health. It is advisable to purchase supplements from approved sources.
Also, it usually takes 6 weeks to 3 months before supplements take effect, thereafter, you may choose to continue the supplements as long as it is kept within the recommended daily dosage.
When to seek help?
Dr Chua: The most obvious signs to look out for are, no erection, no ejaculation and reduced or low sex drive, this is often associated with stress or low testosterone levels. Low testosterone levels may also cause a reduction in sperm production.
Another sign to look out for is when a couple has no success in conception after actively trying for a year. It is recommended for both husband and wife to do a couple fertility health check together. For husbands, a semen analysis will identify the sperm quantity and quality, in some cases, a hormone test or genetic test may be recommended to further identify underlying issues in male fertility.
Where to seek help?
Dr Chua: There is a range of treatments for male and female fertility in KKH. The wife may get a referral from the polyclinic for subsidised care, both husband and wife should come together and be assessed as a couple.
Alternatively, the couple may call in to make an appointment with one of KKH’s reproductive medicine specialists, but this will be under private care.
Don’t give up
Dr Chua: You are not alone, with the right course of treatment, many patients with low and even no sperm count, have gone on to have a child naturally and some through assisted conception procedures. There is no embarrassment in seeking help; in fact, seek help as early as possible, as success rates are higher when the couples are younger.
I Love Children would like to thank Dr Chua Ka-Hee for his valuable input.
Click here to watch Ask The Male Fertility Specialist featuring Dr Chua Ka-Hee.
