Varicocele, a swelling of the tubes that suspend the testicles, should also be fixed promptly. And any male participating in a contact sport should wear protective gear to prevent injury to his testicles. Often, these infections are caused by sexually transmitted diseases. Protect yourself by using a condom or abstaining, and if you develop a problem, get help right away. It's just one of many reasons to quit.
Anabolic steroids are a proven path to infertility.
Some blood pressure and gout medications also interfere with fertility, and common antibiotics, such as tetracycline and erythromycin, can cause temporary declines. Finally, any man in his reproductive years who receives chemotherapy or radiation therapy should consider banking sperm. Any man who works around pesticides or heavy metals, such as cadmium, lead, and manganese, should wear protective gear. Although there's lots of talk about the effect of briefs, as opposed to loose-fitting boxer shorts, no scientific evidence shows a difference. We do know, however, that frequent excursions in a hot tub can cause temporary declines in sperm production.