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Written by: Favour Francis | Reviewed by: Dr Ortega Ogomigo
INTRODUCTION
In Nigeria, when a couple struggles to conceive, the blame often falls on the woman. She is usually the first to be questioned, with assumptions that she may not be fertile enough or doing something wrong. However, medical evidence shows that fertility challenges are not always on the woman alone, as male factors contribute to about one of three infertility cases.
While women are often the focus of fertility conversations, men are equally important in the process. Male fertility plays a major role in conception, and simple issues such as low sperm count or poor sperm quality can also affect a couple’s ability to conceive.
This article explains:
- what male infertility means
- common causes and warning signs of male infertility
- lifestyle habits that affect fertility in men
- how men can improve fertility naturally
What is Male Infertility?
Male infertility is when a man has difficulty getting a woman pregnant after a period of regular unprotected sex. It means there may be challenges with the man’s reproductive ability that make conception harder than expected.
For pregnancy to happen naturally, healthy sperm must be produced and able to reach and fertilise the egg. When this process is affected, it can reduce the chances of conception.
Male infertility is a common health issue and can affect men of different ages. It is also important to know that infertility is not only a woman’s issue, as men can also play a significant role in fertility challenges experienced by couples.
What Are Some Common Signs of Male Infertility?
Male infertility does not always cause obvious symptoms, and many men only discover a problem when pregnancy does not happen after trying for some time. However, some signs may point to an underlying fertility issue.
Common signs of male infertility include:
- Difficulty getting a partner pregnant after regular unprotected sex
- Low sex drive or reduced sexual desire
- Problems with erection or maintaining an erection
- Difficulty ejaculating or changes in ejaculation
- Pain, swelling, or discomfort in the testicles
- Reduced semen volume
- Changes in facial or body hair growth
- A history of repeated infections or injury affecting the reproductive organs
If any of these seem familiar to you, it is advised to speak with a doctor early rather than wait and assume it will resolve on its own. A doctor on Koyo is always available to answer your questions and guide you on the right next steps from the comfort of your home.
Some men may have no noticeable signs at all, which is why fertility testing can be helpful when there is a delay in conception.
What Are the Common Causes of Infertility in Men?
Infertility in men can be caused by medical conditions or lifestyle and environmental factors that affect the sperm in many different ways. In many cases, these issues build up over time, even without any obvious warning signs.
Here are some of the most common causes of male infertility:
- Low sperm count
This is one of the most common causes of male infertility. It simply means there are fewer sperm in the semen than normal, which reduces the chances of fertilisation.
- Poor sperm movement (low motility)
For pregnancy to happen, sperm must move properly to reach the egg. When sperm are weak or slow, it can reduce fertility even if the sperm count is normal.
- Abnormal sperm shape
While this is not a major cause of infertility in men, sperm need to be properly shaped to function well. Abnormal sperm shape can affect how well the sperm move and how easily they fertilise an egg.
- Hormonal imbalance
Male fertility depends on hormones that control sperm production. When these hormones are not balanced, it can lead to reduced sperm production or poor sperm quality.
- Varicocele
This is a swelling of veins around the testicles. It is a common cause of male infertility, which usually goes unnoticed, but it can affect temperature and reduce sperm quality over time.
- Infections
Some infections, such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and HIV, among others, that affect the reproductive system can damage the sperm or block the pathways sperm use to travel during ejaculation.
- Blocked sperm ducts
This happens when there is a blockage in the tubes that carry sperm from where they are made to where they are released during ejaculation. So even if the body is producing sperm normally, they may not be able to pass through and come out in semen. This can reduce or completely prevent a man’s ability to cause pregnancy.
Lifestyle Factors that Can Affect Male Fertility
Many cases of male infertility are linked to daily habits and lifestyle choices that affect sperm health over time.
- Smoking
Smoking cigarettes or marijuana can reduce sperm count and damage sperm quality, which can make conception more difficult.
- Alcohol consumption
Drinking alcohol in large amounts or on a regular basis can disrupt hormone balance in the body. Over time, it may lower testosterone levels, which can affect sperm production, thereby reducing male fertility.
- Poor diet
When a man regularly eats food that lacks major nutrients, like fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and protein, it can affect how the body produces and maintains healthy sperm. Over time, this kind of diet may lower sperm quality and make it harder to achieve conception.
- Obesity and excess weight
Being overweight can disrupt hormone levels in the body, which may lead to lower sperm production and reduced fertility.
- Stress
Long-term stress can affect hormone balance, sexual health, and sperm production, and this can reduce fertility in men.
- Exposure to chemicals
Men who work in environments with chemical substances may unknowingly be exposed to elements that can affect male fertility.
How to Improve Male Fertility Naturally
Improving male fertility is not always about medical treatment alone. A lot of the time, the things a man does daily can either support or reduce sperm health over time.
Here are some helpful and practical steps to improve male fertility
- Maintain a healthy body weight
When a man is overweight, it can affect hormone levels in the body, especially testosterone, which plays a big role in sperm production. It doesn’t mean someone has to become extremely slim, but keeping a balanced weight through exercise and healthier eating can be of great help.
- Eat a more balanced diet
Food matters more than most people think. When meals are heavy on processed food and low on nutrients, the body doesn’t function at its best. It helps to add more fruits, vegetables, eggs, fish, beans, and other protein-rich foods for the body to produce healthier sperm and improve reproductive health.
- Reduce alcohol and avoid smoking
Alcohol and smoking are two habits that can affect fertility. Heavy drinking can disturb hormones, while smoking can damage sperm quality. To improve fertility health, cutting back or stopping these habits totally gives the body a better chance to recover and improve sperm health.
- Stay physically active
Movement helps the body function better overall, including the reproductive system. Simple activities like walking, light jogging, or regular exercise can improve blood flow and balance the hormones. What’s important here is consistency and not extreme workouts.
- Manage stress better
When a man is constantly under pressure, it can affect hormones linked to fertility. Finding time to rest can sometimes help the body stay in a better reproductive state.
- Get enough sleep
Poor or irregular sleep can affect sperm production, especially if long-term. Simply getting consistent, good-quality rest each night supports fertility more than most people realise.
- Be mindful of harmful exposures
Some work environments expose men to substances like harmful chemicals that may affect fertility over time. While this can’t always be avoided, doctors advise that using protective measures where possible and reducing unnecessary exposure can help protect reproductive health.
If you are trying to conceive or have concerns about your fertility, speaking with a Koyo doctor online can help you get personalised support based on your health and lifestyle.
Can Heat Affect My Fertility and Sperm Health?
Yes. Prolonged heat exposure can affect sperm health. In fact, this is one of the major causes of male infertility in Nigeria, but unfortunately, it is often overlooked. In many parts of the country, men are exposed to high temperatures almost daily, whether through the weather itself or the kind of work they do.
The testicles are very sensitive to heat and need to stay slightly cooler than the rest of the body for proper sperm production. When a man is frequently exposed to heat, such as sitting in hot vehicles for long hours, working in high-temperature environments like welding or vulcanising, or wearing very tight clothing or underwear, it can gradually affect sperm quality.
Even habits like placing a laptop directly on the lap, and taking long, hot baths can raise the temperature around the testicles. And over time, this may reduce sperm count and affect fertility.
Can Keeping My Phone in My Pocket Affect My Fertility?
Keeping your phone in your front pocket all day may not be the best habit, especially for men who are trying to conceive or simply want to protect their reproductive health.
The main concern is prolonged heat and close exposure to the groin area. Phones often get warm during calls, charging, gaming, streaming, or heavy use. Since the testicles need to stay slightly cooler than the rest of the body for healthy sperm production, regular heat in that area may not
Now, this does not mean putting a phone in your pocket will automatically cause infertility. Fertility is influenced by many things like age, smoking, alcohol use, weight, stress, and medical conditions. But if a man is trying for a baby, or simply wants to be cautious, it may be smarter to keep the phone in a bag, on a desk, or in a back pocket when possible.
In simple terms, it’s not something to panic about, but it is an easy habit to improve.
From the Desk of Koyo Doctors
When a couple is trying to have a child, the responsibility should never rest on one person alone. Too often, pregnancy planning is seen as something for the woman to carry, while the man remains passive in the process. In reality, conception involves both partners, and male fertility plays an important role in the pregnancy journey.
A man should be just as involved and intentional as the woman. The health of the sperm matters because what the man contributes is what joins with the woman’s egg, and what she then carries and nurtures throughout pregnancy. When both partners make healthy choices and support each other, they give themselves a better chance of conception and a healthier pregnancy journey.
For men who are not trying for children yet, but hope to become fathers someday, it is still wise to start caring for your body now. Choices made today around smoking, alcohol use, diet, exercise, sleep, and stress can affect reproductive health in the future.
Taking care of your body now is both an investment in your present health and also in the family you may hope to build later.
