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According to a report published in the journal Nature Reviews Urology, less oxygen reaching the testes impacts both the quantity and quality of sperm, potentially heightening the risk of male infertility
A recent study has shown a notable decrease in male fertility over the last five decades. (News18 Hindi)
The number of pregnancies achieved through IVF has significantly risen in recent years. Several factors contribute to the need for IVF, but doctors note that in 30% of the cases, men suffer from low sperm count or poor sperm quality. A recent study has shown a notable decrease in male fertility over the last five decades.
Multiple factors can lead to this reduction such as high-altitude trekking, sleep apnea, and varicocele (swollen veins in the scrotum) being the most critical contributors. All these issues result in reduced oxygen flow to the testes, which is referred to as testicular hypoxia.
According to a report published in the journal Nature Reviews Urology, less oxygen reaching the testes impacts both the quantity and quality of sperm, potentially heightening the risk of male infertility. If a man has been engaging in regular, unprotected sexual activity for a year without achieving conception, and the woman’s reproductive health isn’t an issue, it indicates male infertility.
A diminished ability to conceive is known as sub-fertility. Tessa Lord, Professor of Reproductive Health at Newcastle University in Australia and the study’s lead author, emphasizes testicular hypoxia as a key factor in reduced male fertility. Furthermore, chronic conditions like sleep apnea and varicocele consistently threaten men’s reproductive health.
How can Varicocele, sleep apnea and high altitude trekking affect male infertility?
Varicocele is a medical condition characterized by the enlargement of veins in the scrotum. It impacts 45 percent of men who are facing infertility. The swelling related to varicocele compresses the veins, limiting blood flow and oxygen supply to the testes, thereby affecting sperm quality.
Sleep apnea also significantly contributes to testicular hypoxia, caused by the obstruction of the airway during sleep due to throat muscle relaxation, leading to reduced blood oxygen levels. This lower oxygen availability also influences the testes, resulting in testicular hypoxia. The study indicates that testicular hypoxia can negatively affect sperm count and quality by interfering with hormone production and gene expression.
Oxygen levels are compromised at higher altitudes. Thus, individuals trekking in mountainous areas encounter lower oxygen levels, which leads to testicular hypoxia. While the study indicates that the fertility effects are temporary, even short episodes of testicular hypoxia can influence sperm parameters.
The research concludes that testicular hypoxia has played a role in the increase of male infertility in recent decades. It also suggests that infertility in fathers could potentially elevate the risk of infertility in their children.
