Originally published September 26 2005
Drinking, smoking and overeating put men at risk for fertility problems, UK doctors say
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Doctors in the United Kingdom say that more than two and a half million men risk developing fertility problems by drinking, smoking and eating too much, and The Daily Mail reports that the number of male infertility cases is increasing at an alarming rate.
Research has already found a rising number of men are being treated for poor fertility, something that was for many years regarded as largely a women's problem.
Among couples with infertility problems, an estimated 40 per cent of cases are down to the male partner.
Experts have found both the quality and quantity of male sperm appears to be in decline and predict that within a decade one in three couples will need help with fertility.
A survey of British GPs and their patients has found that nine per cent of British men - 2,572,000 - could have a low sperm count.
Nearly half of the doctors - 44 per cent - claim smoking is overwhelmingly the main factor, says the survey for Norwich Union Healthcare.
Almost one in ten said excess alcohol was affecting sperm counts - even before the introduction of licensing changes which will lead to longer drinking hours.
Two out of three GPs want greater public awareness of the issue.
But 90 per cent said they did not have the time to offer male fertility clinics or similar services.
GP Ann Robinson said the survey was a timely warning for Britain's youth.
'Lifestyle is a huge contributor to the health of the nation and male fertility is just one area adversely affected by an unhealthy lifestyle,' she added yesterday.
'These results are shocking and should be a wake-up call to men and women that drinking and smoking too much can affect your ability to start a family.
Dr Doug Wright, clinical spokesman for Norwich Union Healthcare, said: 'The report clearly disproves the common misconception that women are the only sufferers of fertility issues.
It's only fair that men accept their responsibility in the equation and change their lifestyles now before it's too late.'
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