Sperm health is declining and infertility rates are rising. A study from the World Health Organisation has found that levels of infertility are higher than ever, with one in six adults experiencing the disease at some stage in their lives.
New figures are emerging from the World Health Organisation (WHO) that show an alarming rise in infertility rates. Statistics from a new report show that infertility affects around 17.5% of the global population, or roughly one in every six people. The report demonstrates that something is clearly wrong. In addition to highlighting the urgent need for better access to high quality, affordable fertility care, the study shows that people need to start taking steps to protect their fertility.
The report defines infertility as the failure to achieve a pregnancy after more than 12 months of regular unprotected sex. It looked at 133 separate studies on global fertility dating back to 1990. And excludes individuals that are menopausal or those that have had a vasectomy or hysterectomy.
The stats in the report show that infertility levels are similar across the globe, with developed and developing countries at similar rates. This means it isn’t a localised issue, but rather, a global health challenge. “The report reveals an important truth: infertility does not discriminate,” said WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “The sheer proportion of people affected shows the need to widen access to fertility care and ensure this issue is no longer sidelined in health research and policy.”
There are a number of medical treatments and workarounds for infertility, including in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) but they can be expensive and difficult to access. Usually, these procedures are self-funded. Forcing many to forgo treatment for financial reasons. While others push themselves into poverty to secure treatment. “Millions of people face catastrophic healthcare costs after seeking treatment for infertility, making this a major equity issue and all too often, a medical poverty trap for those affected,” said WHO Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health Research, Dr Pascale Allotey.
How You Can Boost Your Fertility
Outside of medical procedures, there are other ways to bolster your fertility. To improve your reproductive health, the answer can be as simple as adopting a healthier lifestyle, changing your diet and reducing stress. Not every solution will work for every person. Your best bet is consulting a health professional to find what works for you. With that said, these are the simplest ways to boost your fertility.
Add antioxidants to your diet
Antioxidant-rich foods have been shown to increase fertility and improve sperm health. Consuming foods that are high in antioxidants like zinc and folate is an easy way to power up your swimmers. These foods include nuts, berries, dark chocolate and leafy greens.
Stay away from trans fats
Eating the right amount of fats is good for your fertility and overall health. But there’s one type of fats that you need to steer clear of if you want to up your sperm health. Trans fats are commonly found in ultra processed foods. Fast food, pizza, cake and ice cream just got added to your no-no list.
Eat more fibre
Fibre is crucial in purging excess hormones and keeping blood sugar balanced. A high fibre diet can also lower estrogen levels, which has been proven to improve fertility.
Exercise more often
Fertility is closely linked to overall health. It’s no surprise then that one of the best ways to improve your fertility is to keep your whole body healthy. Exercise changes the energy balance in the body, finding the sweet spot for regular workouts is the ideal way to bolster sperm health.
Relaxing is key
You could argue that trying to conceive and increased stress go hand in hand. But as you get more stressed, your chances of conception go down. Take some time to unwind and relax to regulate hormonal changes and your fertility will dramatically Improve.
