A recent study has found that baby boys who wear diapers lined with plastic have significantly higher temperatures inside the testicles. The researchers suggest that disposable diapers may have contributed to the increase in male infertility over the past 25 years.
What can be done to prevent the condition?
Some cases of male infertility may be avoided by doing the following:
- Avoid drugs and medications known to cause fertility problems.
- Avoid excessive exercise.
- Avoid exposure to environmental hazards such as pesticides.
- Avoid frequent hot baths or use of hot tubs.
- Avoid tight underwear or pants.
- Eat a diet with adequate folic acid.
- Get early treatment for sexually transmitted diseases.
- Have regular physical examinations to detect early signs of infections or abnormalities.
- Keep diseases, such as diabetes and hypothyroidism, under control.
- Practice safer sex to avoid sexually transmitted diseases.
- Take a lycopene supplement.
- Wear protection over the scrotum during athletic activities.
Although more research needs to be done, parents may want to consider alternatives to disposable diapers for male infants.
How is the condition diagnosed?
The diagnosis of infertility begins with a medical history and physical exam. The provider may order blood tests to look for hormone imbalances or disease. A semen sample may be needed. The volume of the semen is measured, as well as the number of sperm in the sample. How well the sperm move is also assessed.
What are the long-term effects of the condition?
Male infertility can create tension in a couple's relationship. Sexual relations may become less pleasurable. Fertility evaluations can be expensive. Eventually, 85% of couples find a cause for their inability to conceive. However, some couples never become pregnant, even with the newest treatments. Adoption may be the best choice in some cases.
What are the risks to others?
Male infertility is not contagious. However, male infertility can be caused by a sexually-transmitted disease, which may be transmitted to sexual partners.
What are the treatments for the condition?
Treatment of male infertility focuses on the underlying cause. Without treatment, 15% to 20% of infertile couples will eventually get pregnant. Treatment for a male with infertility may include:
- avoiding extended periods of time in hot baths and hot tubs
- eating a healthy diet and exercising in moderation
- having a varicocele surgically repaired
- having vasectomy reversal surgery, which reconnects the tubes carrying sperm from the testes
- learning about the best times to conceive
- making lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation and limiting intake of alcohol
- taking antibiotics for any diagnosed infection
- taking hormone therapy
- treating erectile dysfunction with counseling, medication, or surgery
- wearing loose-fitting underwear, such as boxer shorts
If these treatments don't work, other means of fertilization may be considered, such as:
- artificial insemination. This involves placing sperm directly in the cervix or uterus.
- intracytoplasmic sperm injection. This involves placing individual sperm cells directly inside the woman's eggs.
- in vitro fertilization. This involves fertilizing the egg outside the womb and then returning it to the uterus.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Surgery can cause bleeding, infection, and allergic reactions to anesthesia. In vitro fertilization increases the chance of having a multiple pregnancy, such as twins. Antibiotics and other medications may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, or an allergic reaction.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
Within a year after infertility is diagnosed, 80% to 85% of couples who have treatment get pregnant. It may take several attempts before a couple gets pregnant. Partners must decide how many and what kind of procedures they are willing to undertake.
How is the condition monitored?
The man can monitor his own ability to impregnate a woman. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.
