El Camino Women’s Medical Group offers the latest Minimally Invasive Solutions for gynecologic problems. Drs. Amy Teng, Erika Balassiano, and Pooja Gupta, all members of AAGL (American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopy) are highly trained and experienced in the field of Minimally Invasive Gynecgologic Surgery. Dr. Erika Balassiano is also a graduate of the Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Fellowship at Stanford University, under the supervision of world-renowned Dr. Camran Nezhat.
Servicing Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Atherton, Palo Alto, Redwood City, Burlingame, Saratoga, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Los Gatos, Campbell, San Jose, Santa Clara, Silicon Valley, Milpitas, South Bay, East Bay, North Bay.
Sperm Health
By Kristina Dragovic, MD
When a couple has been trying frequently to conceive for a year with unprotected intercourse- Infertility is officially diagnosed. This can be a very trying time for a young couple that wish to start a family. The next step is to identify the cause, whether it originates from the female, the male, or in some unfortunate cases, both. When the male work up begins- there are four main causal factors dealing with sperm and their production: an innate disease within the glands responsible for hormone production (Hypothalamic/Pituitary disease), an issue in the testes (the sperm not being made or a lack of response/production of hormones), issues transporting sperm, and in the majority of cases, unidentifiable causes; these are referred to as male factor infertility. In addition to these specific issues, men who are in their 30’s and 40’s may also have a slight disadvantage as their sperm production changes with time. (2)
It is important for men to stay healthy in order to promote healthy sperm development and growth. Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding toxins like cigarettes and excessive alcohol, eating a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables, which contain natural anti-oxidants, all facilitate healthy sperm. (1) It has been shown that men who smoke have abnormal sperm studies compared to those who do not. (3) In addition to safe sex practices to avoid STD’s, which can damage and inflame the cells responsible for sperm development and production, it is important to find healthy ways to manage stress and maintain a regular exercise regimen to promote our natural anti-oxidant enzyme function. Another very important factor to sperm health is temperature and the advent of the laptop has shown to raise levels higher than normal (scrotal hyperthermia). This sustained temperature increase over time as the laptop is used has been hypothesized to have a negative impact on normal sperm development. (6)
When male factor infertility due to abnormal sperm count has been identified, we have seen great results so far with non-prescription supplements. Proxeed, like other over the counter supplements available (Fertility Blend, Male Fertility Supplement) prescribed by Urologists, are composed primarily of an amino acids, mainly L-Carnitine and Acetyl-LCarnitine, and anti-oxidants like Vitamin C, CoEnzyme Q and Selenium, which have been found to support healthy sperm development. (3) There are many factors that determine abnormal sperm counts: size, shape, motility, concentration of sperm and sperm metabolism to name a few. Unlike females who are born with all eggs for our entire lifetime, males continuously produce new sperm. As a man ages, changes in their sperm growth and development can lead to changes in DNA which effect their motility and metabolism. (5) It is the job of anti-oxidants to keep their cellular environment and the ejaculate which contains the sperm free of damaging particles known as reactive oxygen species. In addition, L-Carnitine and Acetyl-L-Carnitine are normally found in the cells called the epidydimis that nurture sperm development. These promote maturation and have also shown anti-oxidant properties. (4,5)
Overall, there are many lifestyle modifications that will aid in healthy sperm production and development. Avoidance of toxins, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and the use of supplements to prevent free radical damage and promote anti-oxidants all improve sperm health.
- http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/content/20/2/452.full
El Camino Women’s Medical Group offers the latest Minimally Invasive Solutions for gynecologic problems. Drs. Amy Teng, Erika Balassiano, and Pooja Gupta, all members of AAGL (American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopy) are highly trained and experienced in the field of Minimally Invasive Gynecgologic Surgery. Dr. Erika Balassiano is also a graduate of the Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Fellowship at Stanford University, under the supervision of world-renowned Dr. Camran Nezhat.
Servicing Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Atherton, Palo Alto, Redwood City, Burlingame, Saratoga, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Los Gatos, Campbell, San Jose, Santa Clara, Silicon Valley, Milpitas, South Bay, East Bay, North Bay.