Infertility: Not Only A Woman's Struggle

Women are often the first to undergo a battery of tests when conception is slow to happen, but nearly half of all infertility problems are directly attributed to the male. Although low sperm count is the most frequent culprit, surveys reveal that only 17 percent of men ever get tested.

Dr. Lani Burkman, fertility advocate and founder of LifeCell Dx, says testing is important, but there are also several things men can do to help boost fertility naturally:

1. Eat zinc and selenium-rich foods. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seafood, nuts and low-fat proteins help boost zinc and selenium levels. Selenium has been found to contribute to healthy sperm, while a zinc deficiency may contribute to reduced fertility.

2. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Drinking alcohol and caffeine can affect male fertility. Burkman advises limiting caffeine to one cup per day, avoiding energy drinks, and avoiding alcohol intake before and while trying to conceive. She says moderate exercise can also help keep hormones happy, manage weight, and lower stress, all of which boost fertility.

3. Limit exposure to heat and chemicals. Exposure to excessive heat and chemicals, such as pesticides, fertilizers and radiation can lower sperm count. Using a laptop computer on the lap can also reduce fertility due to heat exposure.

4. Get some definitive answers. A recent survey conducted by SpermCheck, which manufactures home tests for sperm count found that 83 percent of men who are planning or trying to conceive assume they are fertile. "Most men make this assumption, but around half actually may have issues," says Dr. Burkman.

If you think you may have issues that affect your fertility, Dr. Burkman recommends making an appointment for a comprehensive sperm and fertility analysis. She explains that standard semen analysis can tell you the number of sperm, but cannot tell you if the sperm are fertile. At LifeCell Dx advanced semen analysis provides comprehensive sperm and fertility testing that is 90% reliable in predicting a man’s ability to produce a pregnancy.

Fortunately for Western New Yorkers, Dr. Burkman is located in Amherst. However, she is helping people all over the world. To learn more about Dr. Burkman’s pioneering work in fertility, including the past 12 years of research and development that has led to breakthroughs she is now able to offer to patients visit www.lifecelldx.com.

WNY Resource:
Lani Burkman, M.D., C.L.S.
LifeCell Dx
606 North French Road, Suite 6
Buffalo, New York 14228

716-408-3306
866-999-3296