Exposure to Heat
The testicles hang outside the body in the scrotum because normal sperm maturation requires temperatures below normal body temperature. Artificial exposure of testicles to heat may interfere with normal sperm maturation. Excess heat applied to the testicles of animals causes a decrease in the sperm production. Men who use hot tubs also experience a decline in sperm production. The complete maturation process for sperm requires approximately three months. Consequently, sperm concentration, motility and function are affected by exposure to any factors that interfere with normal sperm maturation in the prior three months.
It is recommended not to use hot saunas when trying to conceive nor during fertility treatments.
Affect of Drugs on Sperm
Drugs which can adversely affect sperm production include tobacco, alcohol, recreational drugs, anabolic steroids which are used by some athletes, and certain prescription medications. In most cases, sperm production returns to normal within three to six months after these drugs are discontinued but in some cases, prolonged and excessive use of these drugs may have permanent effects on sperm production. It is important that you inform your physician of any drugs or medications you have used in the past or are currently using.
Tobacco, Alcohol & Drugs
Tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs are dangerous for both you and your unborn baby. These substances have bad effects on the fetus at a time when organs are forming, causing damage that can last for the lifetime of the baby.
- Smoking or use of any nicotine products during pregnancy can slow your baby’s growth, cause miscarriage or premature labor, and increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause physical and mental birth defects.
- Studies have shown that consumption of illegal drugs during pregnancy can result in miscarriage, low birth-weight, premature labor, placental abruption, fetal death and even maternal death. If you are planning to get pregnant and you use any of these substances, now is the time to quit. Don’t be embarrassed to ask your health care team if you need help quitting.
Do You Smoke Cigarettes?
Virtually all studies support that smoking has an adverse impact on fertility. Active smoking by either partner has adverse effects. The negative impact of passive smoke exposure is only slightly smaller than for active smoking. The use of a nicotine inhaler, nicotine nasal spray, nicotine patch, nicotine lozenge and other tobacco substitutes has the same negative effects on fertility as active or passive smoking.
Female smoking decreases success rates with IVF. Male smoking decreases success rates with IVF Smokers have increased rates of miscarriage with IVF pregnancies. Smoking cessation may improve natural fertility and improve success rates with fertility treatment.
Do You Drink Alcohol?
Studies have shown that alcohol consumption by both the male and female partner diminishes the chances of success with fertility treatment. It is recommended that drinking be avoided at least one month before beginning any fertility treatment.
Do You Take Illegal Drugs?
The use of recreational drugs has been shown to have a negative impact on fertility and diminishes the chance of fertility treatment being successful.