What should we know about male infertility? > All about health> Granma

Accustomed to take for granted that the issue of age limits for reproduction is "women's thing" – while men can wait years later Advanced of his adult life to be able to generate a son or a daughter without major setbacks, it might surprise a lot to know that as with the woman, men have effects on fertility at the approach of the average age of life. 19659003] Scientific research in this regard shows that with age there is a slow but gradual reduction in seminal volume, a decrease in spermatozoa concentration and an increase in oxidative stress.

All this indicates that the biological clock and regressive counting for those who want to have offspring also emits their alerts because it also increases the possibility that sperm have genetic alteration.

S However, beyond the importance of taking into account the above, it is necessary to draw attention to the male infertility in question; often an invisible aspect, and that transcends medical boundaries to become a social problem because of the psychological impact it has on men, couples and everyday life.

"Infertility is defined as the inability of a couple, of childbearing age, to obtain offspring, after a year of stable bad, without contraceptive protection," says Dr. Ramiro Fragas Valdés, first-degree specialist in urology and master of baduality at the central clinic Cira García, and badistant professor of urology of the Commander Manuel Fajardo University Hospital, Havana

Numerous studies report that 15% of couples of childbearing age have primary infertility, that is, they have never had a pregnancy, and half of them are said to have have a male origin and between 25 and 30% is idiopathic (unknown, when an obvious cause can not be identified).

Data from the Department of Maternity and Child of the Ministry of Public Health that in Cuba there are about 100,000 infertile couples; Male infertility itself has a weight of 30%, and in 30% of the cases the man is involved with the woman

"It is very important to specify that he must there is a multidisciplinary management of the infertile couple, because a multifactorial and couple phenomenon, where several specialties are involved: gynecology, endocrinology, urology, mental health specialists (psychology, psychiatry, social workers), genetics, immunology, biologists, embryology , imaging, pathologists, clinical laboratory, anesthesiologists, nurses, among others. Infertility is a couple problem that needs to be studied simultaneously, "he said.

The risk factors that affect fertility in humans – according to the specialist – are varied and, in addition to known or unknown genetic alterations, ranging from erectile dysfunction (because the treatments used for this, such as the use of testosterone, may affect the testis's ability to produce sperm), lifestyles, the use of certain medications, the use of drugs (marijuana, cocaine, alcohol, heroin), smoking (which primarily affects the morphology and mobility of sperm), up to the point of obesity, infectious diseases such as badually transmitted diseases, chronic diseases or their treatments (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic renal failure, systemic lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis, arteriosclerosis), t Oncological treatments such as radio and chemotherapy, or

other factors considered to affect and diminish certain sperm quality parameters such as volume, sperm motility (movement) and morphology. Such is the case of exposure to high temperatures, chemical agents, ionizing radiation, vibration, noise, heavy metals, electricity, ultrafréquence of some radars. In addition, stress and old age alone can be a risk factor.

In the specific case of varicocele, which consists of dilation and / or insufficiency of spermatic veins in the testicle, the respondent mentioned that she is the most common isolated cause of death. 39 infertility in males, its treatment is therefore essential it is shown that it is the cause of infertility.

Dr. Fragas Valdés particularly emphasized the treatment and support that men should receive in care services for the infertile couple, as they frequently manifest anxiety and depression. Historically, the construction of hegemonic masculinity has equated man's virility with his father's status. Therefore, many are often reluctant to deal with the problem, are afraid to be publicly known, and often refuse to perform a study (such as spermogram), or even attend a consultation, such as Consider "the question of women". More often than not, this leads to tension and conflict with the couple that can even lead to separation.

Cuba, said the specialist, has an infertile couple care program, which has as a door to the doctor's office of the family doctor and infertility consultations, present in every municipality.

Couples who want to have children and who, for whatever reason, have not reached it after having frequent bad for more than a year, should These services, and that includes, of course, men, concluded the interviewee

COUNCIL FOR THE PREVENTION OF REPRODUCTIVE MODIFICATIONS AT TIME

1. In childhood, children should be vaccinated against mumps or mumps because this condition after adolescence or adulthood can have terrible consequences in the sperm factory and alter the function testicular.

2. Reduce the use of substances and drugs, particularly alcohol, tobacco and illicit substances such as marijuana that may interfere with sperm functions. On the other hand, smoking has been badociated with the problem because not only does it cause reproductive dysfunction, but it also decreases the effectiveness of infertility treatments.

3. Minimize the risk of acquiring badually transmitted diseases. From an early age, men should take preventive measures, avoiding promiscuity and using condoms correctly, as some diseases can affect sperm conditions.

Decrease exposure to high testicular temperatures, particularly among men who work in pilot and driver jobs, among others.

This factor contributes to the incorrect manufacture of spermatozoa. Also avoid long hot baths or saunas and wear loose underwear.

5. Avoid exposure to environmental or chemical contaminants that can damage hormone receptors and function of the testicular gland, which causes the production of a sufficient number of sperm.

Fight against chronic noncommunicable diseases adopting healthy lifestyles, avoiding sedentary lifestyle and obesity.

7. Avoid radiation when possible.

8. Have good practices of personal hygiene and health.