Sex often resorts to unverified online sources or follows unscientific advice from friends.
To dispel widespread misinformation about sex, News18.com is running this weekly sex column every Friday titled Let’s Talk Sex. We hope to start the conversation about sex and address sexual health issues with scientific insight and nuance through this column.
The column is being written by Sexologist Prof (Dr) Summary Jain. In today’s column, Dr. Jain addresses post-COVID male infertility and suggests some natural supplements that may be useful (with medical help) to combat the condition.
The initial hypothesis that COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory system has been falsified by a body of research that points to various other organ damage and physical conditions that result in a COVID-19 infection. Although there is no conclusive evidence, it is seen that male fertility is also being affected due to COVID-19. Therefore, many doctors have
Urged his patients, who had contracted COVID, to undergo fertility tests at the earliest.
It is being suspected that COVID-19 infection may damage testicular function in men and affect the production of sperms or the production of male sex hormones. In addition, COVID-19 induced depression and stress due to prolonged isolation, medication and suffering can also cause male infertility or reduce sperm count and affect men’s sexual power.
Temporary deterioration of semen parameters may also occur. Whether these issues are permanent or if they resolve on their own is not known for certain. COVID-19 is likely to threaten male fertility in four ways:
targeted attack
The high expression of ACE2 receptors in the testis – the virus’s preferred entry point – is a concern. The presence of the ACE2 receptor on germ cells, Leydig cells and Sertoli cells in the male genital system makes it a potential target of SARS-CoV-2 infection. COVID-19 causes a depletion of Leydig cells, while Sertoli cells can swell and detach. These cells are important for reproductive health and sperm production.
swelling
There is also concern that the effects of COVID-19 and the resulting inflammation may cause temporary or permanent damage to reproductive tissues. Hyperinflammation around the heart and surrounding muscles can also block or narrow the blood supply to the penis, which can lead to erectile dysfunction. Research published in July suggests that COVID-19 may exacerbate cardiovascular conditions, increase the risk of erectile dysfunction and increase the chances of developing sexual and reproductive health issues.
Total inflammation of the testicles, a condition called orchitis, does not seem normal. However, reports suggest that a high fever as well as an over-reaction of the immune system called a cytokine storm can lead to orchitis. This can harm permanent reproductive function.
Interference
The resulting system-wide inflammation of COVID-19 can also impair the endocrine system. In turn, men’s levels of testosterone and other sex hormones can be disrupted, compromising fertility.
Tension
Epidemic-related stress, anxiety and depression can also cause mood changes. Studies show that it can also affect sexual health. Studies indicate that 25 to 60 percent of infertile individuals have significantly more anxiety and depression than infertile men. Scientists don’t know for sure which came first — stress or infertility.
It is normal to experience some stress from time to time. But living with regular stress or dealing with highly stressful life events can lead to a drop in dopamine and serotonin production. It can negatively affect your sexual health and fertility.
How to Recover or Boost Sperm Count?
While not all infertility issues resolve on their own and need to be treated by a medical specialist, some lifestyle modifications and natural remedies can support the hormones that control sperm quality, which aids in the healthy development of sperm. Can help and improve sperm count.
To improve sperm count, eat a diet rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help reduce the number of free radicals (molecules that damage your sperm) in the body. Therefore, increasing the number of antioxidant foods in your diet can help improve sperm count.
Getting enough vitamins C and D is also essential. Vitamins C and D are good for boosting immunity. These nutritional supplements help increase sperm count while reducing the number of deformed sperm cells (lemons, kiwis, etc.). Tomato is rich in lycopene which improves sperm quality and production. COQ-10 is found in oranges, strawberries, cauliflower and nuts, and beta-carotene in sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach is also helpful in increasing sperm count.
Omega-3 fatty acids found in almonds and walnuts are also useful for increasing sperm count. Ashwagandha, a medicinal herb with many health benefits, may also be helpful. It can reduce anxiety and stress, and helps fight depression, boosting testosterone levels in men.
It is essential to cut out junk food and replace it with fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grain based foods. Certain foods such as walnuts, citrus fruits, most fish, dark chocolate, garlic, bananas, broccoli, turmeric, most leafy greens, and fermented nuts and seeds are good for improving sperm count.
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