EXPERTS REVEAL 5 COMMON FACTORS THAT AFFECT MALE FERTILITY

INFERTILITY is a deeply personal and emotional journey that often goes unspoken, yet it affects millions of individuals and couples worldwide.

- VUYILE MADWANTSI

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 6 adults globally will face infertility issues at some point in their lives.

June is World Infertility Awareness Month, a time to shed light on this global health challenge while encouraging open conversations and proactive solutions.

Importantly, infertility is not just a women’s issue; male fertility factors account for 40% of cases, yet they often remain overlooked.

Here, we explore some of the most common factors affecting male fertility and why awareness is critical for couples hoping to conceive.

1. Low sperm count

Low sperm count, or oligospermia, is one of the leading causes of male infertility. This condition occurs when the concentration of sperm in semen is below the threshold needed for successful conception.

According to Dr Anthony Picton, a fertility specialist at Vitalab Fertility Clinic in Johannesburg, many men are unaware that sperm count is affected both internally and externally by factors such as lifestyle choices, hormonal imbalances, and exposure to toxins.

Studies also highlight the impact of heat exposure, with professions like mining and farm work creating conditions that may impair sperm production.

2. Lifestyle choices

Excessive alcohol use can lower testosterone levels and reduce sperm production. Similarly, marijuana commonly used recreationally, has been shown to impair sperm motility and overall quality.