Welcoming a new child into the world brings immeasurable happiness, emphasising the equal responsibilities and contributions of both parents before and during pregnancy.
Both men and women can have issues that affect fertility. Just as women make preparations for pregnancy, men too should take proactive steps to get ready for this significant life event. Being mentally and emotionally prepared, maintaining physical fitness, having a well-balanced diet and getting tested for any medical conditions (like erectile dysfunction, infertility or impotency) are mandatory before planning a pregnancy.
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A male factor is involved in approximately 50 per cent of the cases of infertility, says Dr Justin Dubin, urologist and men’s health specialist, Memorial Healthcare System, South Florida, USA. In approximately 30 per cent of the cases, the problem lies strictly with men, he said.
According to Dr Karthikeyan VS, microsurgical andrologist and urologist, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, with infertility catching up to young couples, men must be equally responsible in the journey towards pregnancy.
Before pregnancy: Things to keep in mind
If there is a delay in getting pregnant, men should come forward to get themselves tested and make equal effort to get treated in case there are problems, said Dr Karthikeyan. “Gone are the days of the blame game where the society always thought infertility is a women’s problem,” he adds.
Men who suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED) or premature ejaculation should not hesitate to consult an andrologist, as it’s not something to be embarrassed about or avoid. Dr Karthikeyan says, “The earlier the treatment is started, the better and more effective it will be. Male sexual problems can be treated, and the couple could conceive spontaneously. This takes a lot of stress off the wife and gives her peace and satisfaction.”
Testosterone levels in men
As per the American Neurology guidelines, the ideal testosterone level for men is around 452–600 ng/dL, and a testosterone level below 300 ng/dL is considered low.
Dr Dubin says, “The symptoms can include low energy, fatigue, body hair loss, facial hair loss, gynecomastia (enlarged male breasts), difficulty in focusing, mood issues, inability to lose weight and muscle loss.” Men experiencing these symptoms should consult a doctor, as ignoring them can lead to infertility.
What should men do during the pregnancy period?
Men should know how to take care of their better halves during pregnancy.
“Women experience a lot of tension and stress due to the social pressure of getting pregnant,” says Dr Karthikeyan. The pressure continues through pregnancy as well, he adds. “Women expect care, concern, compassion and love from their husbands during the pregnancy period.”
Helping them out in their daily chores, being together, making them comfortable (especially during an episode of morning sickness) and planning their routine consultations with the obstetrician can help out a great deal, explains Dr Karthikeyan.
He specifically adds, “Avoiding unnecessary fights, spending time together and ensuring their partners have taken their medicines can go a long way. Moreover, always remember that both husband and wife constitute a unit, and it’s not only the woman who should be concerned about pregnancy and childbirth.”
Pregnancy tips for men
Dr Chirag Bhandari, andrologist, men’s health coach and founder of the Institute of Andrology and Sexual Health (IASH), Jaipur, recommends the following measures that men should take before and during the pregnancy period:
- Being mentally and emotionally prepared: Becoming a father is a significant life change that requires a lot of emotional and mental preparation. Men should be ready to take on the new responsibility of being a father.
- Focusing on physical health: Men should prioritise their physical health by maintaining an active lifestyle. Besides exercising for 30–40 minutes (at least three to four times per week), they should also practice yoga and meditation to reduce stress.
- Eating healthy: A Mediterranean-style diet, which includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, legumes and eggs, can help improve overall health in men and boost their sexual health.
- Getting screened for medical conditions: Men should undergo screening for underlying medical conditions like ED, infertility or impotency. They can undergo a semen analysis to check for any potential issues that could impact fertility. If any issues are detected, they should be treated accordingly before planning a pregnancy.
- Being supportive and involved: Men need to be supportive and involved throughout the entire pregnancy journey. They should attend prenatal appointments, help with household tasks and make their partner comfortable during the pregnancy period.
Takeaways
- Infertility is not just a women’s issue. Both men and women can have problems that affect fertility. A male factor is involved in approximately 50 per cent of the cases.
- Taking measures like being mentally prepared, maintaining an active lifestyle, getting screened for underlying conditions and being supportive are vital before and during the pregnancy period.
