Infertility Symptoms’ Searches Surge 160% as Study Reveals 1 in 3 Men Unaware of Sperm Health Issues
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In the UK over 16.5 million men are affected by erectile dysfunction and one in seven couples have difficulty conceiving. [3-4] In 50% of cases where couples cannot conceive, the male is wholly or partly the reason. [5]
Fertility issues in men are typically caused by a low sperm count, decreased sperm mobility and abnormally shaped sperm cells, which has decreased globally by 50% over the past 50 years. To find out how much Brits really know about male fertility and erectile dysfunction, Superdrug Online Doctor quizzed 2,000 Brits on the signs and causes of these sexual health issues, intentionally including false answers to emphasise the key knowledge gaps.
What male fertility myths are Brits believing?
The results showed that all respondents believed at least one myth about male fertility and erectile health. The most subscribed to misconception is that wearing tight boxers can greatly impact sperm quality with 38% of respondents citing this as a leading cause of male infertility.
Dr Babak Ashrafi provides insight into why wearing tight boxers does not have a significant impact on sperm health: “The idea that tight underwear could contribute to male infertility is based on the premise that elevated scrotal temperature might harm sperm production and quality. The testicles are located outside the body as sperm production is more efficient at slightly lower temperatures than the body’s core temperature. However, there have been no conclusive studies to find a correlation between tight underwear and decreased sperm. Even if there is a minor increase in scrotal temperature due to tight underwear, it will only have a temporary effect on sperm production. The body has mechanisms to regulate temperature and protect the testes.”
Doing little to no exercise can reduce sperm health (34%) and cause erectile dysfunction (29%), follow among the most believed myths around male infertility.
What causes and signs of ED and male fertility are Brits not aware of?
Key knowledge gaps also showed a staggering 34% of men could not identify the top 3 signs of a low sperm count, with 91% of respondents unaware that decreased facial hair could be a sign. In reality, low sex drive and pain and swelling of the testicles alongside decreased facial hair are all key signs of a potentially diminished sperm count.
With regards to ways in which people can look after their fertility, 70% of Brits miss the detrimental impact of eating processed food and lack of sleep. This is particularly true for people above the age of 45, with only around one in four attributing these key lifestyle choices to having an impact on male fertility.
Only 16% of Brits attribute pornography as a leading cause of erectile dysfunction. In reality, excessive pornography can lead to desensitisation and rewiring of your sexual response making it hard to achieve and maintain an erection during intercourse.
Dr Hana Patel answers the most frequently asked questions about male fertility
In an attempt to bridge these knowledge gaps, Superdrug Online Doctor spoke to Dr Hana Patel, a general practitioner specialising in male fertility checks, to answer the five most frequently asked questions about male fertility on Reddit: [6]
- Should I make any life changes to improve my fertility?
The main way that you can look after your fertility is by leading a generally healthy lifestyle. Exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet as well and trying to reduce alcohol consumption and smoking are the best ways to promote sperm health. One other top tip is to have sex regularly. Regular ejaculation has been found to improve sperm count and quality by preventing sperm from becoming stagnant.
- Does the thickness of semen determine fertility?
When sperm is expelled in ejaculation it should have a thick consistency, thin semen can be a sign of a low sperm count. However, a very dense ejaculate can affect other seminal quality parameters such as sperm motility. Therefore, abnormally thick semen could also be a sign of fertility issues.
- Do higher numbers mean better sperm quality?
A high sperm count does not necessarily mean that you are more fertile than others, but it is often a sign of good sperm quality. Normal sperm densities range from 15 million to greater than 200 million sperm per millilitre of semen.
- When should I seek professional help?
If you have struggled to conceive after a year of trying, I would recommend both partners see a GP. Aside from this, pain or swelling of the testicles and changes in the consistency of your ejaculation may be signs that you should seek professional help.
- How does diet affect sperm quality?
Diet is an essential factor in fertility. Some vitamins and minerals (especially vitamin C, zinc, and selenium) are known to be important factors in the production of sperm. Generally, a diet low in fat with plenty of fruit and vegetables is recommended.
What to know more about your sperm health? Take this quiz to find out how your lifestyle choices are impacting your fertility.
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