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The Most Common Symptoms Of Herpes

It's time to change the narrative around herpes, replacing fear and stigma with knowledge and compassion

Herpes is one of the most common viral infections affecting millions worldwide, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood. For many people, hearing the word "herpes" can trigger fear, shame and a deep sense of stigma. This is due largely to the nature of the infection and its association with sexual transmission. However, herpes is much more than a sexually transmitted disease. It can manifest in several ways, each presenting its own set of symptoms. Understanding the signs and symptoms of herpes is critical not only for managing the condition but also for reducing its spread and the emotional distress it often causes.

This article will walk you through the most common symptoms of herpes, emphasizing the importance of awareness, early detection and medical support. The more we know about the virus, the easier it becomes to navigate the physical and emotional toll that herpes can take.

What is herpes?

Herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), and it primarily comes in two forms: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 is typically associated with oral herpes — which causes cold sores around the mouth — while HSV-2 is responsible for genital herpes. Both strains, however, can affect any part of the body. Although many people live with the virus without ever experiencing an outbreak, others endure regular flare-ups that lead to a range of symptoms.

It's important to note that while herpes is often linked to sexual transmission, HSV-1 can also be spread through non-sexual contact — such as kissing or sharing personal items like utensils and towels.

Subtle signs that can be overlooked

Herpes symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, and sometimes the signs are so subtle that they go unnoticed. For some individuals, the virus may lie dormant in the body without causing any visible symptoms for years. This is why many people may not even realize they are carriers of the virus.

One of the most common early signs of herpes is tingling or itching around the area where the infection will manifest. This sensation can occur before any visible outbreak, serving as a warning sign of an impending episode. If you notice unusual tingling around your mouth, genitals, or buttocks, it might be an early sign of herpes. However, these symptoms are often dismissed as minor skin irritations, leading people to unknowingly spread the virus.

Visible symptoms

Once the virus becomes active, it often leads to more obvious symptoms. The hallmark of a herpes outbreak is the appearance of small, painful blisters or sores in the affected area. These blisters are typically filled with fluid and eventually burst, leaving behind ulcers that can be incredibly painful.

For oral herpes (HSV-1), these sores most commonly appear around the lips or inside the mouth. They are often referred to as "cold sores" or "fever blisters," and while they can be painful, they are usually temporary and heal within a couple of weeks.

In the case of genital herpes (HSV-2), the sores appear around the genital or anal area, causing discomfort, itching and sometimes a burning sensation while urinating. These sores can be accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches and swollen lymph nodes.

It's crucial to understand that herpes can also affect other parts of the body, including the eyes, fingers and even the brain in rare cases. Ocular herpes, for example, can lead to painful eye infections that can result in vision loss if left untreated.

Recurrent outbreaks and their triggers

One of the most challenging aspects of living with herpes is the recurrence of symptoms. For many individuals, outbreaks can happen periodically, especially during times of stress, illness or fatigue. Hormonal changes — particularly during menstruation — can also trigger outbreaks in women.

The frequency of outbreaks varies from person to person. Some people may experience multiple episodes per year, while others might only have one or two in their lifetime. Despite these recurrences, the severity of the symptoms tends to decrease over time as the body builds a degree of immunity to the virus.

Recognizing your personal triggers can help manage and potentially reduce the number of outbreaks. For example, managing stress levels, maintaining a healthy immune system and getting enough sleep can play a significant role in controlling herpes flare-ups.

Emotional and psychological impact of herpes

Herpes is not just a physical condition — it can take an emotional toll as well. The stigma surrounding herpes can lead to feelings of shame, isolation and anxiety. Many people with herpes fear judgment from potential partners, which can severely impact their romantic and social lives.

This emotional burden can sometimes be more difficult to deal with than the physical symptoms. Support groups, therapy and open communication with partners can make a significant difference in coping with the emotional challenges of living with herpes. It's important to remember that herpes is a manageable condition, and having it does not define a person's worth.

When to seek medical advice

If you suspect that you might have herpes, it's important to consult a health care provider. Early detection can help in managing symptoms more effectively and reducing the risk of transmitting the virus to others. A health care professional can provide a proper diagnosis through visual examination and laboratory tests.

There are antiviral medications available that can help control outbreaks and reduce the likelihood of transmission. While there is no cure for herpes, treatment can greatly improve the quality of life for those living with the virus.

The importance of education and communication

One of the most powerful tools in combating the spread of herpes is education. Understanding how the virus is transmitted, recognizing the symptoms and knowing how to reduce the risk of transmission are all key components of managing herpes.

Open communication with partners is also critical. Many people with herpes fear rejection or judgment, but being honest about the condition can lead to stronger, more trusting relationships. By normalizing conversations around herpes, we can work to reduce the stigma and support those who are living with the virus.

Moving forward with knowledge and compassion

Living with herpes can be challenging — both physically and emotionally. However, by understanding the symptoms and how to manage them, individuals can live fulfilling lives while minimizing the impact of the virus. Whether it's recognizing early warning signs, managing outbreaks or seeking emotional support, taking control of the condition is possible.

It's time to change the narrative around herpes, replacing fear and stigma with knowledge and compassion. By educating ourselves and others, we can create a more supportive environment for those affected by herpes, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and healthier relationships.

This story was created using AI technology.

What Is Syphilis? And Why Are Rates Rising?

Jack Smith woke up one morning to discover a small hard sore on his penis. When it didn't go away…

Jack Smith woke up one morning to discover a small hard sore on his penis. When it didn't go away within a couple of days, he went to a clinic where he was examined, was asked about his sex life and was given a blood test, which registered positive for syphilis. He was lucky that the clinic had been made aware, through public service health campaigns, to be on the lookout for the infection.

Smith was shocked and immediately regretted not speaking with his sexual partners about their sexual habits. He also regretted that he'd been careless and wasn't always using a condom during sexual intercourse. Fortunately, the infection was found at an early stage, and Smith was treated with a dose of penicillin. Had he waited longer, he may have had to have more than one treatment and could have suffered lasting complications.

Smith is not a real person, but stories like this are playing out daily across the country. Syphilis is rising at alarming rates in the United States. It's affecting all age groups in all regions of the country. Since 2000, the number of syphilis cases has been steadily increasing. Between 2018 and 2022, cases of the disease increased by almost 80% to 207,000 cases, the highest number recorded since the 1950s. In 2022, the number of babies born with syphilis (congenital syphilis) was about 3,755, an increase of 93% in ten years.

"Syphilis is curable in all stages, but there's a lack of awareness about the causes of the disease, the symptoms of the disease and the availability of testing and treatment," says Dr. Michael Angarone, an infectious disease specialist at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine.

[READ: Guide to Sexually Transmitted Diseases.]

What Is Syphilis?

Syphilis is a common curable sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. Syphilis can cause serious health problems if not treated early. It's transmitted through anal, genital or oral sexual contact, or from a mother with syphilis to a fetus.

Without treatment, which consists primarily of penicillin shots, syphilis can cause serious problems, including damage to the brain, the heart and other organs. It can also cause blindness, deafness, paralysis and sometimes death. About 10% of patients who are not treated for syphilis end up dying from this infection.

Syphilis starts as a painless sore that can go unnoticed. It typically appears on the genitals, rectum and mouth. It is spread through direct contact with sores.

It can be transmitted sexually only in its early stages, but syphilis can stay in the body for many years without symptoms. A pregnant woman can pass it on to a fetus at any stage.

[Read: Living With an HPV Infection.]

The Stages and Symptoms of Syphilis

The syphilis bacterial infection develops in stages, each of which has specific signs and symptoms. While it can be cured at any stage, damage that has occurred before treatment is usually not reversible.

Syphilis is known as "the great mimicker" because of the way it manifests itself — liver inflammation, cardiac issues, rashes and swollen lymph nodes — can be chalked up to so many other causes. Its symptoms and consequences mostly depend on its stage. However, patients can develop neurosyphilis and ocular syphilis — or syphilis that has spread to the nervous system or brain — at any stage of the disease. If that happens, it can lead to serious, irreversible conditions including blindness and dementia.

4 stages of syphilis:

Primary Syphilis. In the first stage of syphilis, sores called chancres appear in the spot where bacteria entered the body. Most people develop one chancre, but some develop more than one. Sores may go unnoticed, as they are firm, round and painless and may be hidden in or around the penis, vagina, anus, rectum, lip or mouth.

A sore usually lasts for about 3 to 6 weeks and heals on its own whether it's treated or not. Treatment stops the infection from moving to the secondary stage.

Secondary Syphilis. In the second stage of syphilis, while a chancre is healing or a few weeks after it has healed, a rash may appear first on the trunk of your body (chest, stomach, pelvis, back) and can spread to your arms and legs, the palms of your hand and the soles of your feet.

The rash is usually not itchy and may look red, reddish brown and rough. Sometimes, the rash is so faint it's barely visible.

In addition to a rash, symptoms of secondary syphilis include the following:

— Wart-like sores in your mouth or genital areas

— Hair loss

— Muscle aches

— Fever

— Sore throat

— Headaches

— Fatigue

— Weight loss

— Swollen lymph nodes

These symptoms will usually go away on their own, but without treatment, the infection will move to the next stage, the latent stage — and maybe to the tertiary stage of syphilis. Symptoms could come and go for months or years.

Latent Syphilis. The latent stage of syphilis is also called the hidden stage because there are no visible signs or symptoms of the disease. They may never come back, but without treatment, the infection can remain in your body for years and you may have serious problems, including brain and cardiovascular disease.

Tertiary Syphilis. Tertiary syphilis is very serious. After latent syphilis, up to 30% to 40% of those who don't get treatment will progress to the tertiary stage. It usually appears about 10 to 30 years after the original untreated primary infection.

Complications of tertiary syphilis can include the following:

— Brain damage

— Nerve damage

— Eye damage

— Heart damage

— Blood vessel damage

— Liver damage

— Brain and joint damage

— Death

[Related:Health Screening Tests Every Woman Should Have]

What Is Congenital Syphilis?

Congenital syphilis is a severe and often life-threatening infection seen in infants whose mothers were infected and not treated. It can be passed to a baby thorough the placenta or during birth.

When syphilis is transmitted during pregnancy, the result can be miscarriage, infant death or lifelong medical problems. Up to 40% of babies born to a mother with untreated syphilis die from the infection.

At birth, infants with syphilis who survive may have no signs of the disease, but if a baby is not treated right away, serious problems can develop within a few weeks. Those problems include:

— Sores and rashes on the skin

— Fever

— Jaundice or discoloration of the skin and eyes

— Anemia or not enough red blood cells

— Swollen spleen and liver

— Rhinitis or sneezing or stuffed and drippy nose

— Bone change

Later symptoms can include deafness, vision problems, problems with teeth, collapsed nose bridge and impaired brain development.

[READ: How to Cope With Common Sex Problems.]

Who Is at Risk for Syphilis?

Anyone who is sexually active and having vaginal, anal or oral sex without a condom with one or more partners is at risk for contracting the disease.

Due to health inequities like a lack of sex and public health education, inadequate access to health care and cultural barriers to care, syphilis tends to be more common in some racial/ethnic and sexual minority groups.

Dr. Matthew Hamill, a specialist in sexually transmitted infections at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, says that there have been changes in services for sexually transmitted infections in public health clinics. Since 2003, there has been a 40% reduction in investment in sexual health services with fewer clinics operating.

Increased substance abuse linked to risky sexual behavior is also contributing to the rise of syphilis.

Jessica Leston, a public health professional who has been doing educational outreach work with Native tribes for more than 20 years, says that many Native people get their health care through the Indian Health System, which she says is funded at less than 20% of need. American Indian and Alaska Native people are experiencing the highest rates of syphilis in the U.S., comparable to rates recorded from the pre-penicillin era when syphilis was difficult to cure.

Gay and bisexual men are also disproportionately impacted by syphilis.

Who should get tested for syphilis?

If you think you're at risk for syphilis, you should seek out a health care provider who can test you for the disease. The following are good reasons to ask to be tested:

— You are regularly having sex with more than one partner.

— You are having unprotected sex (without a condom).

— You've had sex with someone who has syphilis.

— You have a partner who has tested positive for syphilis.

— You have another sexually transmitted disease like HIV.

— You are gay or bisexual.

— You live in a community that has high rates of syphilis.

— You are pregnant.

"All pregnant women should be tested for the disease at least twice during pregnancy and at labor and delivery in high prevalence areas," says Dr. Peter Leone, an infectious disease specialist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. "The only way to know for sure if you have syphilis is to be tested."

Proper diagnosis of syphilis involves a discussion of sexual history, a physical exam and blood tests, he adds.

Although not all are highly accurate, home tests for syphilis are now available online, so that you can test yourself in the privacy of your own home.

How Is Syphilis Treated?

Syphilis is curable at any stage when treated with an antibiotic, usually penicillin. The duration and dose of medication needed depends upon the stage of the disease. Damage caused by the infection prior to treatment may not be reversible.

You should also contact anyone with whom you've had sex in the last three months to help limit the spread of disease.

After you've been treated for syphilis, your healthcare provider will test your blood again to be sure the infection is gone. Be sure to practice safe sex after you've been treated, as you can get syphilis again. If you think you're at risk, get tested again.

"Syphilis is generally very easy and straightforward to treat and responds to one or more injections of penicillin," says Hamill. "For late syphilis or for syphilis you've had for a year or more, you'll need to get one shot a week for three weeks."

In addition, Hamill says there is now an antibiotic to take after having sex for people who are at high risk.

If syphilis is so curable, why are the numbers of cases rising?

Although screening and treatment for syphilis is easy, highly accurate and effective, rates of the disease are continuing to rise. Much of the public continues to have limited understanding and knowledge of what syphilis is, how it's spread, how to recognize it and what to do about it.

"We need to do a better job of letting the public know that syphilis is still around, how to recognize the signs and symptoms of the disease and that screening and treatment is available," says Hamill.

In addition to better educating patients to be open and honest with healthcare providers about their sexual activity, healthcare providers need to learn how to speak with patients about STIs.

"People should feel empowered to ask their health care providers for tests that are usually covered by insurance," says Hamill, "and clinicians should be comfortable asking patients about their sex lives."

BRIDGE CLINIC SERIES: Male Factor Infertility

Male factor infertility

Fatherhood, once taken for granted, has become a seemingly unattainable goal for increasing numbers of men worldwide. This phenomenon is not limited to developed countries as recent studies have reported a significant prevalence of male factor infertility in sub–Saharan Africa.

This decline in fertility rates gives rise to social challenges, particularly the aging population phenomenon. In a study published in 2020, researchers employed a statistical model, known as the Cohort-Component Fertility Model at Age 50 (CCF50), to project future total fertility rates across the global population. The study predicted that by the year 2100, a total of 183 countries will have fertility rates below replacement levels. The global forecast for 2100 indicates that the population of individuals aged 65 and above will be 1.3 times greater than the population of individuals under the age of 20. This demographic shift resulting from low fertility rates will have significant adverse implications for global development.

Alarmingly, a study aimed at identifying the prevalence, and trends of male factor infertility in Nigeria and South Africa over a period of ten years between 2010 and 2019 found that significant trends of decreasing values were observed in normal sperm morphology, progressive motility, and the ejaculatory volume, indicating a progressive deterioration of these values in both countries.

In addition, in many Sub-Saharan cultures, male infertility is often stigmatized and viewed as a personal failure, shameful, and a sign of weakness. Traditional beliefs and societal expectations emphasize masculinity and fatherhood, making infertility a sensitive topic. Some common perceptions include beliefs in witchcraft or curses as causes of infertility; shame and embarrassment for the individual and family; fear of social ostracism and loss of status; expectations on men to prove their virility through fatherhood; and limited understanding and discussion of issues regarding infertility. The stigma often extends to the female partner, assuming female infertility or wrongdoing.

These cultural attitudes can lead to delayed seeking of medical help; increased psychological distress; marital and family conflicts; and social isolation.

However, there is a growing movement to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote support for male infertility in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Bridge Clinic is making significant strides in addressing male infertility in Sub-Saharan Africa through a multi-faceted approach that focuses on raising awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting support.

Bridge Clinic organizes forums, programs and workshops to educate couples about the importance of reproductive health and regular check-ups, which helps in early detection and treatment.

By facilitating open discussions about male infertility, Bridge Clinic helps to normalize the conversation, making it easier for men to talk about their issues without fear of judgment.

Bridge Clinic also offers professional counselling services to help men and couples cope with the emotional and psychological impacts of infertility.

Bridge Clinic provides a holistic approach to treatment, which includes lifestyle advice, nutritional counselling, and stress management, catering to the overall well-being of our patients.

Through these comprehensive strategies, Bridge Clinic is playing a pivotal role in changing the narrative around male infertility in Sub-Saharan Africa, fostering an environment where men feel supported and empowered to seek help.

Male factor infertility, a common reason for delays or difficulties in conception, is the inability of a male to make a fertile female pregnant after a minimum of one year of regular unprotected intercourse, primarily due to poor sperm quality.

Sperm, also known as spermatozoa, are the male reproductive cells in sexual reproduction. They are produced by the testicles in the male body. The process of sperm production is called spermatogenesis. This process takes around 70-80 days, and the body produces millions of sperm daily.

Hormones like testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) regulate spermatogenesis which begins during puberty and continues throughout the man's life although the quality and quantity of sperm produced declines with age. The age at which this decline starts and the rate at which it progresses can vary significantly between individuals. The following are some general guidelines

Age 40-50: Sperm quality and motility may start to decline, making it more difficult to conceive.

Age 50-60: Sperm count and quality decline more significantly, increasing the risk of birth defects and miscarriage.

Age 60+: Sperm quality and motility decline substantially, making it challenging to conceive naturally.

These are general trends, however, and individual variations are significant. Lifestyle factors, medical conditions, and environmental exposures can also impact sperm quality.

Male infertility is diagnosed by a healthcare provider who will review the man's health history and perform a physical examination.

Other tests for male infertility may include semen analysis, blood tests to check hormone levels and rule out other problems, and imaging tests to examine the testicles, blood vessels, and other structures inside the scrotum.

Some individuals may be more at risk of male infertility if they have had past inflammation of the prostate or past genital infections, injury to or twisting (torsion) of the testicles, early or late puberty, exposure of the genitals to high temperatures, hernia repair, or undescended testicles.

Certain prescription medicines including medicines for ulcers, psoriasis, depression, and high blood pressure can also increase the risk of male infertility.

Symptoms of male infertility include, but are not limited to, the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse, erectile dysfunction, painful ejaculation, reduced sexual desire, testicular pain or swelling, and breast tenderness or enlargement.

Problems with making healthy sperm are the most common causes of male infertility. Sperm may be immature, abnormally shaped, or unable to swim. In some cases, the man may not have enough sperm (Oligozoospermia, defined by the World Health Organization as a sperm concentration of less than 15 million per milliliter) or he may not produce any sperm (Azoospermia).

This problem can be caused by many different conditions, including infections or inflammatory conditions. One example is infection with the mumps virus after puberty.

Hormone or pituitary gland problems such as Hypogonadism (low testosterone) which impact sperm production and quality, also affect male fertility as well as tumors in the pituitary gland which can affect hormone regulation, impacting sperm production.

In rare cases, the man may have immune problems in which he makes antibodies against his own sperm. This is known as Autoimmune Infertility or Antisperm Antibodies (ASA). This occurs when the immune system mistakenly recognizes sperm as foreign and attacks them, producing antibodies to neutralize or destroy them.

Lifestyle factors including tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, and steroids have been shown to negatively sperm quality. Alcohol consumption has a more pronounced effect on reducing sperm maturity and causes more DNA damage than smoking.

Increasingly, research suggests that environmental endocrine disruptors (EDCs) play a significant role in the development of male infertility by creating the conditions that can lead to testicular hypoplasia syndrome, which is one mechanism that affects male fertility.

EDCs are chemicals in the environment that can interfere with the body's endocrine system, which regulates hormones. These substances can mimic or block the effects of hormones, leading to changes in development, growth, and function.

Common examples of EDCs include pesticides such as DDT; some plastics like BPA and phthalate; heavy metals including lead and mercury; personal care products which contain parabens and triclosan; and industrial chemicals, particularly PCBs and dioxins.

Furthermore, EDCs may have substantial effects on reproductive function in embryos and can have long-lasting impacts on offspring.

Genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis (CF) can affect male fertility in several ways. CF can cause the vas deferens to be blocked or absent, preventing sperm from leaving the body during ejaculation. CF can also affect sperm quality and motility, making it harder for sperm to fertilize an egg. Men with CF may have a lower sperm count than average.

CF can cause semen to enter the bladder instead of the penis (retrograde ejaculation) during ejaculation and disrupt hormonal balances, affecting fertility. CF can also increase the risk of testicular damage due to inflammation and infection.

Hereditary problems like hemochromatosis, a disorder that causes the body to absorb excessive iron, leading to iron accumulation in the body and damage to organs can affect male fertility in several ways, including lower sperm production, sperm dysfunction affecting sperm motility and morphology, hormonal imbalance, testicular damage, erectile dysfunction, and reduced libido.

Anything that blocks the genital tract can stop the flow of semen and prevent conception. This could be a genetic or birth defect or an infection or inflammation from a sexually transmitted disease. Other causes include scar tissue from surgery or twisted, swollen veins in the scrotum.

Fertility clinics evolved to meet these challenges and, although issues relating to female infertility have received widespread attention, several treatment options have been developed to specifically address male infertility.

Hormone therapy and medication treats hormonal imbalance and infections like prostatitis, epididymitis and orchitis. Surgery treats varicoceles, blockages, and retrograde ejaculation.

Assisted reproductive technology (ART), which includes intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and sperm donation, treats decreased sperm mobility, Oligozoospermia and Azoospermia.

Bridge Clinic takes a comprehensive approach to treating couples with male factor infertility which begins with a thorough review of both partners' medical histories.

A physical examination, especially for the male partner in this case, will assess any physical anomalies that might affect fertility.

Several laboratory tests are taken including semen analysis to evaluate sperm count, motility, morphology, and other factors as well as hormonal assays to check levels of testosterone, FSH.

Recommendations are made for a healthier lifestyle which may include diet changes, reducing alcohol intake, quitting smoking, managing stress, and weight management.

Hormonal treatments or medications that can improve sperm quality or address infections and inflammations may be used.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) in which sperm is washed and concentrated before being placed directly into the uterus, is often used when mild sperm issues are present.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) where eggs and sperm are combined in a laboratory setting, allows for fertilization outside the body.

In some cases, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) a process by which a single sperm is injected directly into an egg, is employed. This is particularly useful in instances of very low sperm count or poor sperm motility.

Sperm retrieval techniques such as Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE) or Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (MESA) can retrieve sperm directly from the testes or epididymis.

Psychological counselling is provided to help couples cope with the emotional stress of infertility treatments.

Bridge Clinic blends these medical and supportive approaches to offer tailored fertility solutions, helping couples achieve their dream of parenthood

There are several lifestyle changes men can make to help prevent infertility. These include maintaining a healthy BMI, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption, and exposure to toxins.

Men should keep the scrotum cool by avoiding tight clothing, hot tubs, and saunas, which can increase scrotal temperature and negatively impact sperm production. Excessive cycling or biking places prolonged pressure on the perineum which can also affect sperm quality.

High stress levels can affect hormone balance and sperm quality. Meditative techniques such as yoga can help to manage stress as well as 7-8 hours of sleep per night.

Several recreational drugs have been linked to male infertility, including marijuana, opioids such as heroin and fentanyl, cocaine, amphetamines (methamphetamine), and MDMA (ecstasy), all of which can decrease sperm count, motility, and increase abnormal sperm morphology.

The use of anabolic steroids such as testosterone, dianobol and nandrolone can significantly impact male fertility, leading to oligospermia or azoospermia, shrunk testicles (testicular atrophy), breast tissue growth (gynecomastia), reduced libido and erectile dysfunction.

It is essential to note that the effects of recreational drugs on male fertility can be temporary or permanent, depending on the drug, duration of use, and individual factors. Quitting drug use can often lead to improvements in fertility while certain supplements like zinc, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids help support sperm health.

Wherever possible, men should limit their exposure to EMFs (electromagnetic fields). Some studies suggest that excessive exposure to EMFs from devices like laptops and cell phones may affect sperm quality.

Although some causes of male infertility are unavoidable, getting regular health check-ups as well as following the tips mentioned above can help identify potential issues early on and reduce their risk.

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