Health Articles : Mens Health : Male Infertility
Male Infertility : Stay Away From Radiation
Avoid MasturbationOver 50% of couples deal with infertility problems primarily because of male infertility. Male infertility is on the increase worldwide because of environmental factors ..... Male infertility has peaked in recent times even as there is a world population explosion. Male infertility has been on the decline since the 1930s. There are several biological and environmental factors that are responsible for the current epidemic of male infertility. It is instructive to remember that in 40% of couples seeking treatment for infertility, male infertility is the leading cause of failed conception. Male infertility is characterized either by a low sperm count, bad quality sperms, low sperm motility or lack of semen. Male infertility is now medically curable; but there are no guaranteed results. A two-pronged approach comprising of lifestyle changes and medicines is usually advocated. One of these directives is to avoid radiation. There is a direct linkage between radiation exposure and a low sperm count.
Radiation And Male Infertility
Radiation usually causes what in medical terms is called transient infertility in males. In lay language, this means male infertility incurred through radiation is a reversible condition. How radiation treatment induces sterility in men is well known. Any radiation treatment or x-ray affects any rapidly dividing cell; cells that produce sperm are extremely sensitive to radiation damage. Exposed to significant levels of radiation, these cells may take up to two years to resume normal cell production. If these cells suffer high doses of radiation, they may tragically never recover. The safe course to maintain male fertility is to avoid radiation. For radiation workers in nuclear plants, in armament manufacturing, in medicine, occupational exposure may induce male sterility. This male infertility has been noticed even with the use of protective lead gear where radiation doses are low. It is a similar scenario for those undergoing radiation as therapy in cancer treatment. A serious side effect is male sterility. However, in a majority of cases this male infertility, mainly a low sperm count, reverses itself in 3 months. Normal sperm count is restored naturally after radiation is discontinued.
Conclusion
Hence it is obvious that male infertility can be caused by radiation. The best course is to avoid radiation when planning conception. In occupations that involve working with radioactive material, a prudent approach is to wear protective gear. In case radiation is suspected as the cause of male infertility, it is better to consult your physician.
|