Myths and Facts

The biggest myth surrounding infertility is that infertility is a female problem. The fact is that in about 40% cases the problem lies with male. We see so many cases where thousands of tests for female have been done but not a single semen analysis of the male partner.

Another very common myth is that stress causes infertility. The fact is that stress affects sex drive but not the semen quality or quantity and will not lead to infertility, so if sexual relations are ok but still women is not conceiving medical help should be sought for both partners.

Very commonly encountered myth being, keeping the testicles cold will enhance semen quality. The fact is that yes too tight undergarments should be avoided as it raises scrotal temperature and raised scrotal temperature due to any cause like prolonged driving or tight undergarments affects sperm quality but cooling testicles by ice is not only dangerous but ineffective too. Also heat and radiation from prolonged use of laptop in lap and too frequent use of hot tubs or sauna bath is not good for sperms and is proven by many studies to decrease the sperm count.

Another myth being only older men have infertility problem. The fact is that absence of sperms or very low sperm count can be encountered at any age.

For men, stopping smoking and alcohol is beneficial as both are known sperm toxic.

Another myth being that nutritional supplements don’t help in enhancing the sperm quality. The fact is that anti oxidants like Vit C, Vit E, zinc, selenium do help up to some extent.

Now there are some concerns regarding electromagnetic waves from mobile phones kept in the pant pockets being damaging to the sperm quality but these concerns are yet to be proven by larger studies.