Fertility

[bashzone]

I was effected with epididimorchitis around one and half year back. few months back i got my semen tested, the report stated low fertility rate. how do i increase the fertility/motality rate of trhe sperms. we are planning for a child. please suggest.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi.

Was the infection properly managed?

At this point, it is important to discuss this with your urologist or a fertility specialist if what you have is reversible or not. Infections of the testicles appear to affect sperm count and development. Also, in the long run there seems to be changes with testicular tissue which may affect fertility for a long time. This statement taken from an abstract of an article in Andrologia journal states that "there is clinical and pathological evidence that chronic inflammatory conditions of the testes can disrupt spermatogenesis and irreversibly alter both sperm number and quality." Also, "chronic epididymitis may result in reduced sperm count and motility. Impaired sperm motility because of epididymal dysfunction is frequently associated with an atypical staining behaviour of sperm tails."

Sources:

http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1439-0272.2007.00819.x
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1439-0272.2008.00837.x

I think it is best to discuss this with your urologist. It has been shown that regular exercises, zinc and avoidance of smoking as well as alcohol may increase sperm count and thus, enhance fertility. However, it is best in your case to ask your doctor if decrease fertility caused by testicular infection or inflammation may respond similarly.