male reproductive health issues

Source: This article male reproductive health issues has been created based on the article ‘Breaking the taboo around men’s reproductive health’ published in The Hindu on 12^th July 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- Social issues – Issues associated with health

Context: Despite affecting millions of couples worldwide and accounting for 50% of all infertility cases in India, male infertility remains stigmatized and shrouded in misconceptions.

What is the present state of male reproductive health issues?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 60 to 80 million couples worldwide struggle with infertility.

Extrapolated data suggests 13 to 19 million Indian couples face infertility issues. Male infertility accounts for 50% of these cases.

The infertility issues in males include absence of sperm, low sperm count, low sperm motility.

What are the factors that are causing these issues?

Sperm Issues: Male infertility can manifest in various forms, such as absence of sperm, low sperm count, and low sperm motility.

Internal Factors: Factors such as stress, hormonal imbalances, genetic anomalies, anatomical issues, and epigenetic influences play a significant role in male infertility.

Environmental Factors: External factors, including environmental pollution and the indiscriminate use of pesticides on crops, plastics, and plasticizers, can adversely affect fertility.

Lifestyle Factors: Lifestyle choices significantly influence male fertility. Diet, sleep patterns, work schedules, and the consumption of alcohol and tobacco are major contributing factors. Additionally, the growing trend of late marriages among the youth poses challenges due to the natural decline in sperm quality with age.

What steps can be taken to address this issue?

Awareness: Raising awareness about reproductive and sexual health is crucial.

Open Discussions: There is an urgent need for open and informed discussions about male reproductive health. Parents, especially fathers, play a critical role in educating their sons about reproductive health issues.

Life style changes: Young men should be encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyle practices. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, regular sleep patterns.

Timely Medical Interventions: Encouraging timely medical interventions can help address infertility issues early on, improving the chances of successful treatment and conception.

Stress Management: Stress is a major deterrent to reproductive health. Regular exercise, yoga, and meditation can significantly reduce stress and its adverse effects on well-being.