Three Everyday Things That Can Impair Male Fertility

Every day, men are faced with situations and products that can have a negative impact on their fertility. Because of their pervasiveness, many of these things are often never even considered as being problematic. In order to achieve optimum fertility health and sperm quality, men should do more than just adjust their diet or quit smoking—they need to also be aware of the various common, everyday products and situations that can play a role in their fertility health.

Air Dust Pollution
For people living in urban areas, air pollution has been linked to a number of health problems, including increased numbers of respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular damage. Not only can polluted air harm your heart and lungs, but it can also damage your fertility. You can protect yourself from air pollution by making a few adjustments to your regular routine and:

• Looking up the air quality of the day and, if possible, staying indoors when the air quality is bad
• Avoiding high-traffic areas when possible

Food Containers and BPA
BPA, or bisphenol-A, is a chemical commonly found in many household items, including plastic food containers and canned foods. BPA supposedly mimics the structure and function of estrogen, which is partially why many scientific researchers believe that it causes a wide range of fertility and sexual health issues. For men, BPA can be linked to low sperm count and concentration, erectile dysfunction, and even lower-quality embryos.

You can limit your BPA exposure by:

• Drinking only from containers made from glass or BPA-free plastic
• Eating less canned foods
• Not microwaving plastic food containers

Hygiene Products and Parabens
Many common products that men use every day, including soaps, moisturizers, and deodorants, often contain what are known as parabens. Parabens are synthetic chemicals that are regularly used as preservatives. Like BPA, parabens are thought to cause disruptions to the endocrine system by mimicking hormones. Some research studies have found that men with higher levels of parabens also have a higher chance of sperm with damaged DNA, decreased sperm motility, and abnormal sperm morphology.

Because parabens are so prevalent, it can be difficult to avoid them altogether. However, limiting your exposure to them even a little can help protect your fertility. You can accomplish this by:

• Choosing skincare and hygiene products that are paraben-free—many of them say it right on the packaging
• Reading the ingredients in personal care products and keeping an eye out for words that contain ethyl, butyl, methyl, and propyl
• Avoiding products with fragrances and perfumes

Learn More
Although there are a number of surprising everyday factors that can have a negative impact on male fertility, making a few simple changes to your routine can help reduce your risk for fertility problems. To learn more about how you can maintain and enhance your fertility and sperm quality, set up a consultation with a fertility specialist today.