Fertility Specialists Caution Would-Be Fathers of Internet Fallacies

Lexington, Massachusetts (June 28, 2007) – Fertility specialists are cautioning New England men striving to become first-time fathers to wade carefully through an abundance of misinformation about male fertility – fueled in part by an explosion of Internet tips.

“The Internet is a great resource to learn about fertility,” said Samuel C. Pang, M.D., medical director of Reproductive Science Center, the seventh largest reproductive medicine clinic in the nation. “However, it’s also an unending source of urban myths and half-truths, which may be counterproductive to couples attempting to start families.”

For example, contrary to what some Web sites such as revolutionhealth.com claim, there is no evidence that bike riding and icing the scrotum will change a man’s sperm count, says Pang.

Another urban myth holds that eating non-organic bananas can cause sterility. This claim is based on a report that chemicals used in growing bananas had a negative effect on the sperm of farm workers. However, there is no clinical evidence that men who eat the bananas could be similarly affected, according to Pang.

There is also a common belief that boxers and loose-fitting clothing enables sperm production. But there is no clinical evidence to support the notion, Pang says.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is generally the most important factor affecting male fertility. Pang offers advice on the following five factors for improving the chances of fatherhood:

• Smoking – Smokers often suffer from low sperm counts, decreased motility (the mobility of sperm), and a higher incidence of miscarriages.
• Substance abuse – Cocaine or heavy marijuana use appears to temporarily reduce the number and quality of sperm by as much as 50 percent. Excessive alcohol consumption also can damage sperm.
• Diet – A recent study of 1,558 men showed that men with a high BMI (Body Mass Index) have significantly poorer semen quality (on average 22 percent lower sperm concentrations) than men within the normal BMI range.
• Exercise – Moderate exercise can help maintain weight and encourage optimal health. The use of steroids and testosterone supplements, however, can decrease sperm production.
• Stress – Stress can interfere with the production of GnRH, protein hormones released from the hypothalamus, which stimulates sperm production.

As for nutritional needs, a healthy diet is the best way of all to get needed vitamins and minerals, Pang said, such as selenium and zinc, which have been shown to have a positive effect on sperm production. “Supplements can help, but there have been too few studies isolating them as singular influences on fertility. Nothing beats a balanced diet for absorbing essential nutrients.”

A small study by Yefim Sheynkin of State University of New York in Stony Brook, suggests that laptop computers can pose a long-term threat to the fertility of young men who use them, because they can reduce sperm formation by raising temperatures in the genital area. Pang notes that there’s not enough conclusive evidence yet, but suggests keeping the laptop on the desk, just to be safe.

About Reproductive Science Center

With eight locations throughout New England, Reproductive Science Center is the seventh largest medical practice of its kind nationwide, known coast to coast for its innovative patient care, advanced laboratory capabilities and for success rates that are among the highest in the United States. Founded in 1988, RSC is led today by a team of seven physicians – four of whom are women, making it one of the largest groups of female reproductive endocrinologists in the Northeast. RSC is a member of IntegraMed America, an exclusive network limited to the highest performing infertility practices in larger metro areas around the United States. More than one out of every five IVF procedures in the United States is performed in an IntegraMed practice. For more information, visit www.rscnewengland.com.