Men who are infertile can be caused by eating too much meat

The high protein content in red meat can help build and maintain body muscle strength. Men also need more protein intake than women. Therefore, it is only natural that many men regularly eat red meat. However, you may have to start limiting your meat intake if you are planning to have children. There have been many studies that state that a bad diet characterized by eating mostly red meat (whether it's beef, mutton, or pork) is one of the main risk factors that make men infertile. How come?

What does eating meat have to do with making men infertile?

A joint study between Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital involving 141 adult men who were undergoing IVF or ICSI programs found that a group of men who ate too much red meat and processed meat (sausage, bacon, corned beef, etc.) reported a decrease in fertility of up to 65 percent, when compared to the male group who ate poultry meat (eg chicken or turkey) which only decreased by about 78 percent.

Red meat is high in saturated fat and cholesterol. A diet like this is a risk factor for obesity which can reduce sperm quality, both in terms of number, shape and ability to swim toward the egg. If there is only one sperm abnormality from these three factors, the higher the risk of a man being infertile or perhaps even infertile.

This evidence is strengthened by a study published in Very Well. The research found that men who were overweight were almost twice as likely to have lower sperm counts and poorer sperm (to egg) movement.

However, male fertility is not only seen from the many servings of red meat he eats

Apart from a diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol that is at high risk of obesity, there are many other things that can reduce male fertility. For example, alcohol consumption, smoking, and the habit of staying up late.

Alcohol causes the level of the hormone testosterone to decrease in the blood. Though the hormone testosterone plays an important role in reproduction. For example, to achieve penile erection and increase sexual arousal. Alcohol also affects the function of the cells in the testes that play a role in sperm maturation. Meanwhile, the toxic substances from cigarettes can cause various problems with the quality of your semen and disrupt the hormonal balance thus lowering your fertility level.

Living a healthy lifestyle, the key to maintaining male fertility

A married couple is arguably infertile if they have tried to have children for more than one year. At least 35-40 percent of the total cases of couples who find it difficult to have children are caused by men who are infertile because of poor sperm quality.

Living a healthy lifestyle is the main way out of fertility problems. Reducing consumption of red meat and processed meat, quitting smoking, not drinking alcohol, exercising more diligently, and losing weight are some of the principles of a healthy life that can increase male fertility. Experts are now also encouraging people to consume more fruits and whole grains to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.

In essence, you are required to have a healthy lifestyle and reduce things that are bad for health, so that you and your partner are in the healthiest condition and have a high success rate to be able to have offspring.

However, if you and your partner are still having trouble having children even after all these healthy habits are done, it is better to consult with your doctor to discuss the possibility of undergoing IVF or adoption.