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 specialist and founder of LifeCell Dx, recommends advanced testing for all men when there is a delay in producing a pregnancy. 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. A good vitamin and mineral supplement is also helpful.

2.   Avoid alcohol, caffeine, nicotine (including the patch) and marijuana, as all of these substances create imbalances that can result in infertility.

3.   Moderate exercise can help keep hormones happy, manage weight, and lower stress, all of which boost fertility. Athletes and men who exercise heavily show a rise in stress hormones.

4.   Limit exposure to heat and chemicals. Exposure to excessive heat affects how sperm are produced. Common chemicals such as pesticides and lawn fertilizers can lower sperm quality. There is an ongoing debate about the possible effects of heat generated from a laptop placed on the lap or a cell phone carried in the hip pocket can impact sperm

5.   Limit exposure to heat and chemicals. Exposure to excessive heat and chemicals, such as pesticides, fertilizers and radiation can affect sperm quality. There is also speculation that the heat from holding a laptop computer on your lap or a cell in your hip pocket can reduce fertility.

6.   Get some definitive answers. Just receiving a basic sperm count will not tell you if you are fertile.  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 about half actually have issues," says Dr. Burkman. “Many of the men with a good sperm count do not have fertile sperm.”

If you think you may have issues that affect your fertility, Dr. Burkman recommends making an appointment for comprehensive sperm function tests. She explains that standard semen analysis can tell you the number of sperm, and whether they are moving, “but cannot tell you if the sperm are fertile.  At LifeCell Dx rapid and specialized testing provide information that is 90% accurate in predicting a man’s ability to produce a pregnancy.

Fortunately for Western New Yorkers, Dr. Burkman’s laboratory is located in Amherst. However, she is helping people all over the world by introducing sperm telemedicine. Over the past 15 years, Dr. Burkman’s pioneering work in fertility has included research and development within the University at Buffalo, and patent  breakthroughs for the new laboratory near Sweet Home Road.  Patients and physicians can learn more by visiting www.lifecelldx.com.

WNY Resource:

Lani Burkman, Ph.D.,
LifeCell Dx 606 North French Road, Suite 6 Buffalo, New York 14228Telephone: 716-408-3306 and
866-999-3296