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| Why an international coalition of doctors say male infertility is becoming a crisis |
A growing concern within the global medical community is the increasing prevalence of male infertility, a situation one in six heterosexual couples attempting to conceive now face, as per the World Health Organization. While extensive research exists on female infertility and treatment options such as in vitro fertilization, male infertility remains relatively underexplored.
Recently, an international team of experts made a compelling case in a published paper, urging governments and health systems worldwide to acknowledge the burgeoning "crisis" of male infertility.
Dr. Christopher De Jonge, an adjunct professor in the Department of Urology at the U of M Medical School and co-founder of the Male Reproductive Health Initiative, highlighted declining sperm counts as a visible indicator. This decline is attributed not only to genetic factors but also to environmental elements and lifestyle choices.
"Overweight, smoking, and similar factors disrupt optimal reproductive health," explained Dr. De Jonge in an interview with MPR News. "Cigarette smoking, for example, can impact DNA, potentially fragmenting it into abnormal pieces, a situation clearly detrimental to reproduction."
The primary objective of publishing their paper is to push international health organizations, healthcare systems, and insurance providers to reclassify male infertility as a legitimate medical condition, recognizing its prevalence and severity. Dr. De Jonge emphasized that patients have the right to diagnosis and treatment for this condition.
In terms of public awareness, Dr. De Jonge emphasized the need for more educational tools and public health campaigns. He pointed out a key difference between men and women's reproductive health awareness, saying, "Most females have a monthly reminder after reaching puberty. The man, on the other hand, lacks such a reminder. Once a boy leaves home, he often neglects seeking healthcare unless faced with an acute issue. Therefore, awareness about one's body and the importance of regular annual or biennial physical exams can offer opportunities for early detection and intervention."
The international coalition of doctors hopes that by shedding light on the male infertility crisis, they can ultimately lead to greater recognition, earlier intervention, and improved outcomes for couples struggling to conceive.
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