Today, more than ever before, childless couples are seekingmedical assistance to deal with the problem of infertility.

About 15 per cent of couples attempting their first pregnancy fail. In approximately 30 per cent of cases, the problem is found in the man alone, and in another 20 per cent, both the man and woman are abnormal. Therefore, the male factor may be responsible in about 40 to 50 per cent of infertile couples.

The most common infertility problem in men is a low or abnormal sperm count. According to researchers at the British Medical Research Council and Copenhagen University, sperm counts among men worldwide have decreased by 50 per cent in the last 30 to 50 years. At the same time, other disorders of the male reproductive organs, including cancer of the testicles, undescended testicles and small and abnormal penises have more than doubled.

A low sperm count is diagnosed by a semen analysis. The normal semen parameters as established by the World Health Organisation are as follows:

Volume 1.5-5.0 ml per ejaculate.

Sperm density greater than 20

million sperm/ml

Motility greater than 60%

Morphology greater than 60%

normal forms

White blood cells 0-5 per high

power field

CHEMICALS THAT WEAKEN

The report suggests these disorders are a result of exposure of the unborn male babies to environmental chemicals that behave like the female hormone oestrogen. Studies done on pregnant women exposed to oestrogen drugs and oestrogen-like chemicals show a similar increase in such abnormalities and decrease in sperm levels in their sons.

"Humans now live in an environment that can be viewed as a virtual sea of oestrogens," comments one specialist. Women now take in these external oestrogens from a wide array of sources and consequently pass them to their developing sons, with the result being an increase in male infertility and genital abnormality.

This may also have a part to play in increasing levels of homosexuality in young men as well as precocious puberty and early sexual development in our girls.

Non-oestrogenic chemicals may also play a role in the drop in sperm count, and other male reproductive disorders. Such chemicals, which include some pesticides, plasticisers, food colourings, solvents, metals, dioxins, and alcohol, have been shown to disrupt testicular function in farm animals and in occupational settings.

All of the mechanisms by which these chemicals affect male fertility are not known, but scientists believe some may directly impair testicular function, whereas others may interfere with brain control of sperm production and other hormonal pathways.

DIETARY FACTORS

Diet has also been implicated. The standard practice of feeding commercial livestock and poultry with chemicals that behave like hormones is in my opinion a major problem. Heavy meat and poultry consumption may increase your risk of hormone imbalance and low sperm count.

Certain nutrients are essential for sperm production. These include adequate dietary protein, the B complex, particularly vitamin B12, as well as vitamins C and D, zinc and the essential omega-3 fatty acids.

Truncal obesity with increased abdominal body fat is another problem. The fat cells in belly fat can create high oestrogen levels, even in men.

WHAT TO DO

If you have been found to have a low sperm count, you probably have already been examined and evaluated by your health-care provider. If not, and you are concerned about your ability to father a child, make sure to have a thorough medical examination. This will help rule out other common medical or surgical causes of low sperm count. In addition to going the routine medical way, below are a few other useful recommendations.

DIET

Avoid the foods mentioned above that may contain hormones. A mainly plant-based diet is desirable. Seek to have seven to nine servings of fresh vegetables and fruit daily. Adequate healthy protein intake is essential. I strongly recommend the cellular nutrition programme for ideal nutrition. Lose excess body fat and aim toget to your ideal body weight.

SUPPLEMENTS

Supplement the diet with omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, vitamin C and the B complex. These should best be taken three times daily with your meals. The amino acid L-Arginine is also useful.

DETOXIFICATION

Start a programme of detoxification under the supervision of your doctor or health care provider. I use herbal cleansers, colon hydrotherapy and far infrared saunas.

HERBS

A number of herbs have been touted as being good for testicular function. I use ginseng, as it is an adaptogenic herb shown to elevate the levels of free testosterone, one of the hormones important to normal testicular function. To promote male potency, I recommend a combination of Siberian ginseng and Swiss oats. This is available commercially as a capsule called Male Factor 1000.

DO NOT OVERHEAT

The testicles reduce their sperm production when overheated. Avoid tight underwear. However, a regular daily sunbath is a very useful health practice.

AVOID STRESS

Regular exercise and proper stress management are vital. The mind-body connection is a powerful influence when dealing with the delicate issue of male infertility.