Breaking Barriers: Overcoming Male Infertility Challenges Caused by Diabetes

Last update:November 18, 2024, 6:30 p.m. IST

In men, diabetes can interfere with reproductive health, particularly with sperm quality, hormone levels and overall fertility potential.

With a commitment to health, support from health professionals and the incorporation of fertility-friendly lifestyle habits, men with diabetes can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals of starting a family.

Diabetes, a chronic disease often associated with high blood sugar, affects various aspects of health beyond commonly known complications. One area significantly impacted, but less discussed, is male fertility. For men, diabetes can interfere with reproductive health, particularly with sperm quality, hormone levels and overall fertility potential. However, through targeted lifestyle changes, advanced medical interventions, and a proactive approach to health, men with diabetes can overcome these challenges and improve their chances of conception. Dr Prinka Bajaj, Senior Consultant Fertility Specialist, Oasis Fertility shares everything you need to know:

Understanding the link between diabetes and male infertility

Diabetes, especially when not well managed, can lead to hormonal imbalances that reduce levels of testosterone, the primary male hormone responsible for sperm production and libido. Additionally, high blood sugar can cause oxidative stress, a condition in which harmful free radicals damage cells, including sperm. This oxidative damage can affect sperm DNA integrity, motility (the way sperm move), and morphology (shape of sperm), all of which are crucial for fertilization. Studies have shown that men with diabetes are at higher risk of erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and retrograde ejaculation, a condition in which sperm recede into the bladder instead of exiting through the urethra.

Breaking down barriers through lifestyle adjustments

Lifestyle adjustments can play a transformative role in managing diabetes-related infertility. A nutrient-rich diet, regular physical activity, and a balanced sleep routine not only help regulate blood sugar levels, but also support hormonal balance and reduce oxidative stress. Foods rich in antioxidants, such as leafy greens, berries and nuts, can help combat oxidative damage, while regular exercise promotes blood circulation, beneficial for both general health and function reproductive.

Although infertility is often considered a women’s problem, it affects men and women almost equally. Studies suggest that about 10 to 20 percent of couples worldwide suffer from infertility, and about 10 percent of men have problems related to sperm production or health. Maintaining a healthy weight is another crucial factor, as obesity, often linked to type 2 diabetes, can worsen hormonal imbalances and reduce testosterone levels. A combination of resistance training and aerobic exercise, even for just 30 minutes a day, can help regulate weight and improve physical and mental well-being, essential for healthy fertility.

Medical advances for male fertility

For men facing significant challenges, medical advances offer hope. Fertility specialists may recommend targeted treatments like hormone therapy to correct hormonal imbalances or antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress. In more serious cases, assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), may be used to improve the chances of conception. ICSI, which involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg, is particularly useful in cases where sperm motility, morphology, or count are low due to factors related to diabetes. Advanced sperm selection methods such as microfluidics or MACS can help select sperm with less DNA fragmentation.

Take a proactive approach to reproductive health

Overcoming diabetes-related male infertility requires a proactive and multifaceted approach. Regular checkups, blood sugar monitoring, and consultations with endocrinologists and fertility specialists allow men to address health concerns earlier, making it easier to control their condition. Diabetes management isn’t just about lowering blood sugar; it’s about adopting a lifestyle that promotes overall health, including reproductive health.

Although diabetes presents unique challenges to male fertility, these challenges are surmountable. With a commitment to health, support from health professionals and the incorporation of fertility-friendly lifestyle habits, men with diabetes can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals of starting a family. Empowerment through knowledge and action can transform diabetes from an obstacle to a manageable aspect of a fulfilling reproductive journey.