13 surprising sperm destroyers that you may not know
When it comes to conceiving a child, there are many things that may not work – sperm allergies, poor egg quality and ineffective sperm. Although men produce millions of sperm per day, many external factors (such as temperature) can affect the health of these small swimmers. And because sperm take about 75 days to reach maturity, harming them can affect your fertility.
Here are 10 surprising factors that can affect a man’s sperm.
1) Excess heat
Be it because of intense exercise, hot bath, sauna or steam room, or because of laptops placed in the groin area, the prolonged use of a mobile phone or fever. Anything that raises body temperature to over 37.5 degrees will have an impact on sperm production.
2) Physical problems
A physical problem that can occur either because of trauma or simply because of aging. This condition can hinder blood flow in the testes, which will have an effect on sperm production. There could also be a blockage, which makes the passage of sperm difficult. A consultation with a urologist is recommended if you suspect that anatomical problems affect your fertility potential.
3) Professions
Some jobs are known to carry higher risks for male fertility than others. This is usually because the work in question involves exposure to chemicals or heat, known to affect sperm development and quality. Some of the work that may influence sperm health includes;
- Farmer·
- Chemical Engineer·
- Painter and decorator·
- Carpenter·
- Printer
4) Lubricants
It’s easy to overlook, but using a lubricant during sex that is not recognized as “friendly sperm” could dramatically reduce your chances if you try to have a child each month. Saliva contains digestive enzymes that damage sperm, so do not consider this a lubricant option. Use only brands that have been clinically researched and found to be safe for sperm.
5) Drugs
If your partner takes steroids or other strong medications to manage a particular disease, this could alter his sperm quality. If a drug is needed for any chronic health condition, do a sperm test to make sure sperm is not affected.
6) Weight
Research shows that in most cases, overweight men are more likely to produce poor quality semen. Even though an overweight man discovers through exams that his sperm parameters are correct, for the sake of his overall health and the energy that fatherhood requires, it would still be helpful to improve the diet and lifestyle to reduce excess weight.
7) Stimulants
The use of alcohol, excessive caffeine or smoking (cigarettes or marijuana) is not recommended for men trying to make a child. We all know people who can drink a number of alcoholic beverages and be slightly drunk while someone else will have effects after a glass of wine. Similarly, there are those who can drink three cups of coffee a day and experience no real side effects, while others who just have a cup in the morning may feel nervous for the rest of the day. But safety-side stimulants are not good for healthy sperm production.
8) Canned food
Of course, canned foods are convenient, but almost all of these canisters are coated with chemicals found in foods. Canned acid products, such as tomato paste or sauces, are particularly saturated with these chemicals. Choose fresh or frozen foods instead of canned foods whenever possible, and purchase foods like pasta sauce in glass jars rather than in tin cans.
9) Sex toys
We do not tell you to throw away your entire sex toy box, but to protect yourself and your partner, avoid dildos, vibrators, and male vinyl recreational equipment.
10) Shower products
- Phthalates (plastic softening chemicals) are not only found in your sex toys, but also in soaps, shampoos and scented cleaners, and in vinyl shower curtains. And the warmth of your shower makes it easier to get out of the chemicals.
- Choose a simple soap-and-shampoo in one, such as vegetable, without perfume. Although it is a children’s soap, it does the job. In addition, it does not contain flame retardants containing phthalate.
- Avoid personal care products that have a scent. And invest in a long-term hemp shower curtain instead of buying vinyl curtains every month or two.
11) Chemical products
Pesticides are designed to kill pests. Unfortunately, chemical pesticides are dangerous for humans and can harm your sperm production. It is useful to always wash your products, but pesticides are not only found in products, but also in food. So, eat organic foods whenever possible.
12) Toxic preservatives
The chemicals called parabens are used in many cosmetic products, cleaning products and even some foods processed as preservatives because of their inexpensive chemical antimicrobial activity. But studies have linked parabens to not only breast cancer, but also abnormal genetic changes in sperm. Opt for natural deodorants; eat organic and unprocessed foods as much as possible.
13) Added sugars
Hidden in almost every type of processed food you can find under your roof, added sugars can kill your sperm. Added sugars make all types of horrible things to your body. Do not exceed the recommended sugar levels, which are 5 teaspoons for women (20g); 9 teaspoons for men (36g); and 3 teaspoons (12g) for children. For reference, a can of soda usually contains up to 12 grams of sugar; a single slice of whole wheat bread contains up to 2 teaspoons of added sugar.
