‘Nutrients have a positive effect on fertility’

Mariecar Jara-Puyod, Senior Reporter

With all the joys that a newborn brings, parents must not forget to have their baby go through the medical check-ups before going home, said a urologist on Thursday.

The advice was from Dr Muthanna Alrawi and it came about when Gulf Today asked him whether male infertility is a consequence of some neglect by the mother during her pregnancy.

“Male infertility has not been associated with neglect or deficiency during pregnancy but there should be thorough examinations for genetic abnormalities or defects among the newborns.”

The consultant urology at the Canadian Specialist Hospital explained: “Any abnormality in the genital area such as undescended testes and hypospadias, among others, should be managed by the doctor.”

Hypospadias is a congenital defect concerning the location of the opening of the urethra.

According to the KidsHealth from Nemours website, undescended testes or Cryptorchidism is the condition whereby the baby boy’s testes does not move down into the scrotum before birth especially among the premature born. If this continues up to six months from birth, “it is important to get treatment” because ignoring the situation would lead not only to fertility but also other medical problems in the future.

Alrawi said there are two classifications of male infertility. First is about the production of sperm and the other one has got to do with the “delivery of the sperm.”

In mentioning this, the urologist for 12 years pointed out that parents must ensure that their boys are fed with at least three square meals a day, when asked if male infertility is also a consequence of an imbalance in the diet and nutrition from childhood.

Saying that as always diet and nutrition play a crucial role in one’s health, Alrawi continued, “It is very important to have a diet rich in nutrients required for better sperm quality. Obesity is also related to fertility and it is imperative to keep the extra weight off.”

He identified the “nutrients to have a positive effect on fertility.” These are Zinc, vitamins and antioxidants such as berries, carrots, grapes, milk.

Alrawi who became a urologist because this focuses on men’s health and which “utilizes minimally invasive techniques in surgery to solve problems” also said: “Men should be encouraged to follow a diet favouring the consumption of seafood, poultry, nuts, whole grains, fruits and vegetables.”

He said supplements are often recommended or prescribed “to balance out the nutrition and should be consumed after consulting with a doctor.”

Alrawi added supplements are also a form of infertility treatment “in case of deficiency” aside from antibiotics against infections, and surgery.

For him, health insurance must cover the medical treatment and surgical interventions against male infertility because the condition is like any other form of disease.

“In a few cases, the patients choose to withhold treatment due to their inability to cover the expenses,” Alrawi said.

Meanwhile, over at Emirates Hospital Day Surgery and Medical Centre, specialist dermatologist Dr Manish Pahwa suggested that adolescents must be discouraged to indulge in the sugary and fatty comfort food just to cope with stress.

He said teenagers are prone to skin disorders namely eczema, acne, psoriasis, rosacea (the appearance of visible blood vessels and pus-filled bumps in the face), fever blisters, vitiligo (the appearance of white patches on the face, neck, arms for a long time) and hair loss, due to stress.

“In today’s fast-paced world, some teenagers turn to comfort foods containing sugar and fats to cope with stress. This is not good for the skin or physical health. These foods may worsen the pre-existing conditions,” he said, adding that the best way to manage stress among this age group is to provide them with balanced and nutritious meals and encouraging them to go into activities and hobbies they love.