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Studies that have been
discussed in this years meeting for the American Society for
Reproductive Medicine have shed new light on how aging may
adversely affect a man’s reproductive ability.
Traditional lines of
thinking dictate that a man’s fertility is unimpaired due to
an unlimited ability to produce sperm. However, new scientific
research is proving that quantity is not necessarily quality.
Although the lifespan of ability to produce a sperm continues
unabated, men are just as vulnerable to the wear and tear of
the aging process as a woman is. Exactly what is the process
by which a man’s reproductive capability declines?
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Imagine the time old
analogy of the little fishes trying to race to the finish
line. The goal is ideally for a healthy strong sperm to make
it to the gate, thereby ensuring proper fertilization. When a
male is young, most of the fishes are fairly healthy and
strong, and the “less healthy” fishes are usually disqualified
from the race early on. Biologically, this process of
“disqualifying” bad fish is called apoptosis, or the body’s
mechanism for removing chromosomally damaged sperm. As a male
gets older, and environmental damage begins to take its toll,
apoptosis begins to decline, thus allowing the chromosomally
damaged sperm to “compete” against the healthy sperm.
The study performed by
Dr. Narenda Singh at the University of Washington in Seattle
concluded that men age 35 and older had not only lower degree
of apoptosis, but also sperm with worse motility than younger
men. Going back to our analogy, this means that there are more
unhealthy fishes heading for the gate, and the healthy fish
don’t have quite the speed and stamina to make it like before.
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What can be done to
optimize fertility for men
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First and foremost, keep up with regular health checks.
Hypertension, prostate problems, and other chronic
conditions are bound to affect not only your sexual health,
but also your reproductive health too.
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Avoid constricting underwear. Proper circulation and
“attention” should be paid to making sure you do not
physically stress your genital organs.
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Avoid prolonged exposure to hot environments, such as
Jacuzzis and spas. Though the occasional dip is fine,
elevated temperatures can have less than ideal effects to
reproductive organs.
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Avoid environmental toxins that are found in auto
warehouses or anesthetic gases. Halogenated chemicals such
as chlorides and fluoride compounds have an oxidizing effect
which can damage chromosomes. This is why taking
antioxidants such as vitamin E and selenium are especially
important.
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Avoid smoking and alcohol. Just as damaging in the
long run as hazardous gases. This link to cancers and
systemic hypertension can also lead to unhealthy
environmental and genetic damage.
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Last but not least, regular exercise such as 1 hour
of aerobic exercise three times a week is highly
recommended. Whether it’s running or a brisk game of tennis,
exercise provides the energy and aerobic development good
not only for reproductive health but for sexual energy and
stamina too.
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Fertility at its core is
a couples issue. It should never be approached as solely the
responsibility of a woman or man’s. The studies shown here
will indeed bring us exciting new information regarding the
many dimensions of infertility, from both the male and females
perspective. We are now finding through solid science that men
are affected just as much women are in regards to fertility
issues. The era of gender specific medicine has shown us that
men need to be as concerned with fertility and osteoporosis as
women are now concerned with lung cancer and heart disease.
For more information:
www.resolve.org
www.asrm.org
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