While male infertility is not always preventable, there are things that men can do to protect the health of
their sperm cells. Recent scientific studies in the field of male infertility provide quite a few simple
suggestions for men interested in optimizing their fertility.
Recommendations to get enough sleep, incorporate healthy foods like carrots and walnuts into their diet,
and limit their consumptions of less healthy fare like bacon and red meat will come as no surprise to most
men. “Behaviors that are good for overall health seem to be good for fertility health,” confirms Austin
fertility specialist Dr. Parviz Kavoussi. “A well-balanced, healthy diet and exercise are key.”
Other recommendations address a distinctly modern danger: new technology. Researchers encourage
men to be wary of having cell phones, laptops and other technology near their testicles. For those who
need to keep their tech close, wearing protective undergarments with built-in radiation shielding may be
something to consider. “With so many men walking around with cell phones in their front pockets and
using laptops on their laps, there is concern about exposure and its impact on the reproductive organs,”
points out Dr. Kavoussi. “The testicles are among the least protected organs in a man’s body. Whether it
is due to heat transfer or radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation, there are a number of studies now
showing that having these devices in such proximity to the testicles has a detrimental effect.”
As a reproductive urologist specializing in male infertility, sexual medicine and microsurgery, Dr. Kavoussi
uses his expertise to aid patients struggling with male infertility, which can be triggered by medical issues,
environmental causes and lifestyle choices. Treatments employed to up the odds of achieving a
pregnancy can include sperm retrieval, surgical corrections and lifestyle changes. He is proud to practice
at Austin Fertility and Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, the only private fertility center in the country
that has fellowship trained specialists in both male and female infertility on staff.
To schedule a personal infertility consultation with Dr. Kavoussi, contact Austin Fertility and Reproductive
Medicine/Westlake IVF at (512) 444-1414.