What can be done as “preventive medicine” for male factor infertility?
It starts with avoidance of lifestyle issues that may be detrimental to sperm quality. Acquired causes of male factor infertility include exposure to toxins such as illicit drugs (marijuana, cocaine, etc.), heavy alcohol use, cigarette smoking, medications and excessive heat to the scrotal area. It is becoming increasing clear that recreational drugs can have an adverse effect on the testes and sperm quality. Chronic marijuana use may lower testosterone levels and affect sperm quality. Cocaine has been shown to have direct effects of killing testis cells (apoptosis), and may affect sperm concentration and motility. Anabolic steroids used for body building clearly will have direct effects on the testis through lowering the body’s ability to make its own testosterone. This is not always reversible. Cigarette smoking has been shown in both clinical studies and research studies to have effects on hormone levels as well as direct toxic effects on the testicle. Heavy alcohol use will cause l
