Jane Kevin, an obstetrician-gynecologist at the Medical Diagnostics and Treatment Center, says that it is estimated that there are about 50,000,000 infertile families in the world and their number is increasing by about fifty thousand every year.

According to the World Health Organization, one in four couples living in developed countries is infertile. According to other estimates, one in six couples in the world – 10 to 15 percent – face fertility problems. Another 10-25 percent of women experience secondary infertility, i.e. y. cannot conceive again.

WHO

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The amount of sperm in the sperm decreases drastically

The decline in sperm quality is confirmed by research in various parts of the world. A lot of them have been done. As many as 101 studies were published between 1934 and 1996, showing that the number of sperm per milliliter of blood fell from 120 million to 60 million during that period. – exactly double.

One of the researches was conducted by dr. S. H. Swan of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (USA) with colleagues. The data of the study in the USA and Western European countries covered a period of 52 years – from 1938. until 1990 The number of sperm per milliliter of semen has been found to decrease by 1.5 percent annually in America and by 3.1 percent in Europe during this period!

1992 British E. Carlsen and his colleagues have spent 53 years since 1938. until 1991 results of an ongoing study. During this period, 14947 male sperm quality was tested worldwide. The number of sperm in their semen was found to have dropped from 113 to 60 million per milliliter during that time.

Why does sperm quality deteriorate?

“The quality of sperm can be assessed by performing laboratory tests – a spermogram, where the exact number of sperm, their ability to move, shape and viability are determined,” says A. kevin, a specialist in male diseases.

Research shows that 25-50% of the causes of sperm deterioration are related to lifestyle. “It simply came to our notice then. Alcohol, drugs, heavy smoking, diseases (prostatitis, sexually transmitted diseases, malaria, typhoid fever and others with a long-term fever) have a direct impact on the decline in fertility, says urologist A. Kevin. “Smoking has an adverse effect on semen density, total sperm count, motility and total motile semen.”

Men are also affected by increasing environmental pollution, high stress and constant fatigue, obesity, and even tight shorts. Taking some medicines can have a negative effect. Often the cause is varicocele-dilation of the vein of the seminal vesicle, which occurs due to dilation of the veins, failure of their valves, treated surgically.

But lifestyle and, above all, malnutrition have the biggest negative impact. And, unfortunately, very often it is not through the fault of the men themselves. Researchers have found that the quality of food is constantly deteriorating. For example, the content of vitamin C in apples since 1985. until 1996 decreased by 80% and in calcium potatoes by 70%. beta carotene in fennel – 76 percent. etc.! Comments are probably no longer needed.

What causes sperm to deteriorate or improve?

Studies of men with fertility problems have shown that they lack some important elements that affect spermatogenesis. First of all – L-carnitine. It is essential for sperm cells as a source of energy and can improve sperm motility and quantity. It also contains vitamin E, which improves sperm motility and increases the ability of sperm cells to bind to the egg.

These men also lacked zinc, which improves sperm cell density, increases the amount of fast-moving sperm cells and testosterone levels needed for spermatogenesis, and glutathione and selenium. Various studies have shown that both of these nutrients greatly improve sperm motility.

Other substances that are lacking in men with fertility problems include L-arginine, an amino acid (it improves sperm count and motility), folic acid, and coenzyme Q10 (an element that increases fertility, sperm count, and motility).

The beneficial effects of all the nutrients studied on spermatogenesis have been demonstrated in a number of clinical trials and trials. In one study, men used micronutrients for 3 months to look at their sperm quality – concentration, volume, and sperm motility. 136 men aged 23–58 years and with infertility for more than 2 years participated. At the end of the study (up to 120 subjects remained), 32 had normal sperm counts. 21 male partners became pregnant during the observed 6 months. An improvement in the results was also seen in the evaluation of all other parameters, in particular an improvement in sperm motility.

Intimate health often, especially men, tend to be concerned only when the symptoms of the disease can no longer be tolerated, but health professionals advise taking special care of the prostate because neglected diseases can lead to problems in sexual life and fertility.

You should not expect very severe symptoms or pain: less or even interrupted urine flow is one of the first signs of prostate problems.

Lukaz Sadowski

Lukaz Sadowski, a pharmacist who has been a pharmacist for more than 40 years, says that all prostate disorders have similar symptoms, and although the disease is more common in older patients, it is very important for men of any age to experience the first unpleasant symptoms such as lower abdominal, testicular or perineal pain. do not be ashamed, do not deny such symptoms, and consult a doctor immediately.

More attention to the signs of prostatitis

“Patients pay more attention to the signs of prostatitis. Inflammation of the prostate results in pain in the lower abdomen, testicles, or even the inner surface of the thighs, increased frequency of urination, and blood in the urine or semen. However, men tend to admit to urinary disorders less frequently, although less or even interrupted urine flow, increased frequency of urination at night, and the difficult onset of urination may indicate prostatic hyperplasia, ”says D. Vider.

Regular prostate examination

In the initial stages of each disease, complaints are usually milder, so men often look at them with their fingers, but the pharmacist advises regular screening from the age of 50, and men with a family history of prostate cancer from the age of 45 to start prostate cancer prevention programs. . Timely detection of oncology increases the likelihood of successful treatment outcome.

The reasons lie not only in the age

Although the prostate disease affects younger and younger men, according to the pharmacist, the changes are still largely determined by age. As a man gets older, changes in the prostate gland often occur, which increases, disrupts the normal flow of urine into the bladder, and can be a major cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia. “It should also be noted that the main causes of prostatitis are microorganisms that can spread from the urethra or bladder during infection. Sexually transmitted bacteria can also be the cause. The risk may be increased by the performed surgical procedures of the urinary tract, trauma of the genitals, and no less important by the weakened immune system, therefore it is worth noting vitamins A, C, and E for daily strengthening of the body, ”notes the pharmacist. Factors such as high blood pressure or blood glucose, a sedentary lifestyle, and fatty foods also tend to be underestimated by a specialist. Proper control of these risks can delay or even prevent disruptions.

Important daily habits to prevent prostatitis

Prostate problems are also closely related to daily self-care, so care should be taken to eat a balanced diet, avoid alcohol, and reduce the amount of coffee you drink. To prevent urinary retention in the body, it is important to drink about 2 liters of water daily, as well as to ensure proper physical activity. Selenium and zinc, biologically active substances with antioxidant effects, are extremely useful for men’s health. D. Vider points out that there are more and more preparations in the pharmacy that contain natural antioxidants of plant origin, lycopene and resveratrol are especially useful for men. Regarding the possible prevention measures for prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia, the pharmacist prescribes preparations containing horizontal serenates and stinging nettles. “The substances accumulated in nettle can help maintain a healthy urinary tract and reduce the chances of bacterial infections. The biologically active components in the horizontal serenoy extract can help control prostate enlargement, ”advises the pharmacist.