The joy of being a father is one of the most magical feelings men can experience in their lives.

Unless you overdo some things, that is.

Recent research shows that two in nine men suffer from fertility problems. Putting this in a broader perspective, eight to 12 per cent of couples are affected with infertility, and of all these cases, 40 to 50 per cent are due to males.

A study from IVI Fertility Middle East Clinic says that one of the main reasons considered for rise in infertility is the changing pattern of lifestyle. This is in addition to hormonal imbalances, physical and psychological problems, that also have an interesting correlation between men's overall health and their fertility.

Men who live a healthy lifestyle are more likely to produce healthy sperm. Infections, diseases, poor general health and factors triggered by consanguinity are other common causes of infertility in men in the UAE. Furthermore, factors like pollution and altered lifestyle are the key drivers for the increase in male infertility.

Let's get more specific:

. Smoking: Anyone can tell you this: smoking not just raises your chances of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and other health risks; it also can significantly decrease both sperm count and motility.

. Steroid use: Aside from anabolic steroids causing erectile dysfunction and infertility, it also can reduce testicular size.

. Long hot baths: Research suggests that it could temporarily impair sperm production, so try to turn down the heat when doing so.

. Wearing tight underwear: There are men who prefer this indeed, but it can also increase scrotal temperature, which, just like those hot baths, can result in decreased sperm count.

. Using laptops on lap: Same effect as the previous two - especially if your machine warms up at a really fast rate.

. Obesity: Going on regular binges can cause hormonal imbalance, thus reducing fertility.

. Heavy metal exposure: No, we're not talking about music; this is about exposure to metals such as lead, as this can also cause infertility.

"Two in nine men suffer from fertility problems," said Prof Dr Human Fatemi, consultant, reproductive medicine and reproductive surgery, and medical director at IVI Middle East Fertility Clinic. "Whilst the emotional toll women face when finding it difficult to become pregnant, men are regularly overlooked."

And while this definitely hits a man's ego, it's always best to consult an expert to determine the problem and rectify it.

"Men are known to delay visits to the doctor. However, it is important to note that of the cases of infertility, 40 per cent reasons are connected to the women, another 30-40 per cent are male factors and about 20-30 per cent are combined factors," added Prof Dr Fatemi.

Source: Khaleej Times