Male fertility awareness is on the rise with a 26% increase in men accessing semen analysis services according to Waterstone Clinic, Ireland’s largest independent fertility specialists.
With International Men’s Health Week (MHW) just gone by, Dr Tim Dineen, Head of Laboratory Services at Waterstone Clinic outlined that men’s knowledge of the various factors associated with male infertility is rising.
He added that events such as MHW are important platforms to promote conversation around men’s health, and issues such as fertility. Male infertility accounts for approximately 30% of couples seen at Waterstone Clinic.
“When we compare the start of 2017 to the same period three years ago, the numbers of those undertaking semen analysis, where we analyse the health and viability of a man’s sperm, are up 26%. This is a sizeable increase. Men are becoming more proactive about their fertility and taking appropriate action.
“Simple lifestyle and diet changes can make a big difference to the quality of sperm,” he said.
Dr Dineen explained that this includes stopping smoking, as there is a 23% decrease in sperm concentration in men who smoke. “In approximately one quarter of cases; smoking causes a decrease in sperm quality and smokers are more likely to take 12 months or longer to achieve a pregnancy.
“Men should also engage in regular exercise to maintain a healthy BMI, as being overweight or underweight can affect fertility. Reduce caffeine intake, so ease off on the flat whites and espressos, and also reduce alcohol intake,” he said.
For those curious about their fertility or have recently started trying for a baby, self-referral fertility checks, such as My Fertility Check, can be booked online or by telephone. For more information, see myfertilitycheck.ie.
