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Unraveling the Mistry of Men’s Health
by: Sandeep Mistry, M.D., M.P.H.
Lifestyle, Aging and Infertility
Did you know that every year 6 million couples seek medical advice for infertility?
There are even more couples that have difficulty conceiving children but lack the resources or knowledge to even seek medical attention. Of all infertile couples that undergo an evaluation, there is a male contributor to the problem identified HALF THE TIME. In fact, both patients and doctors underestimate the possibility that abnormal sperm may be an important factor to the couple’s difficulties. Many cultures and civilizations equate fertility with manliness or strength. This would help explain why men are reluctant to explore whether they may be the cause of a couple’s infertility.
Women dictate the pace of when couples decide to start a family and as that age creeps upward, the impact of age and lifestyle on men’s fertility becomes more important. The number of new fathers over the age of 35 has almost doubled in the last 30 years.
It is widely known that the chances for a woman to conceive a baby drop as she ages, especially after the age of 35. What is less well known is that one of the most important reasons for this drop in pregnancy rates have to do with the male partner.
Studies of couples undergoing high-tech infertility treatments have shown that even with assisted-reproduction a man's chances of fathering a child decrease with each passing year. Even though men are constantly making new sperm, the volume, motility (ability to move toward its destination, an awaiting egg), and structure of sperm all decline with age. Additionally, older fathers are at increased risk of having children with Down Syndrome and psychiatric disorders.
This is not to say that older men can not father healthy children even into their 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. However, as men delay fatherhood longer the impact of environmental and lifestyle factors on fertility may be getting worse. It is important to learn what lifestyle choices can impact sperm quality and seek help early if you feel that you may have a problem.
Tips on maximizing your fertility:
Stop smoking, the chemicals in cigarettes are toxic to sperm and their DNA.
Just Say No. Using marijuana even once every two weeks will have a negative effect on sperm.
Limit Coffee to 1 or 2 cups per day
Avoid excessive heat, including: prolonged saunas, hot tubs, or laptop use on your lap, and tight fitting shorts, all of which can damage sperm
Exercise regularly.
Limit alcohol to moderate amounts no more than twice per week.
Have good nutritional habits.
Do not take higher than recommended doses of Vitamins or supplements.
Be aware of sexual problems and do not hesitate to ask for medical help.
Sandeep G. Mistry, M.D., M.P.H. is a graduate of the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX where he also completed his residency in Urologic Surgery. He has a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and earned his Masters Degree in Public Health from the University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston. He is currently in private practice in Round Rock, Texas. For questions or to suggest future topics you can e-mail him at
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