Males who regularly eat foods that increase their blood sugar levels are more likely to experience fertility complications compared to those with lower blood sugar levels.
Researchers have found that high blood sugar levels can trigger erectile dysfunction, and in some cases infertility.
High blood sugar levels can affect a man’s fertility by reducing their sperm quality and quantity, the study has reported.
In the last 50 years, infertility in men has increased significantly due to sperm quality halving. Millions of men in the UK are impacted by erectile dysfunction – the persistent inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse.
This finding reveals that a man’s lifestyle choices can preserve or revive their reproductive health.
Men can lower their blood sugar levels by cutting out white rice, white bread, pastries, processed snacks and sugary drinks.
A total of 200 men took part in the study, which started in 2014 and finished in 2020. The researchers looked at the participants’ erectile functioning, hormone profiles, metabolic health and semen.
They found that sperm movement and erectile function lowered the most in men with minimally elevated blood sugar levels.
Lead author Dr Michael Zitzmann said: “This means that men can take steps to preserve or revive their reproductive health with lifestyle choices and appropriate medical interventions.
“We’re hopeful that the information gleaned from this study will help doctors and their patients formulate effective male sexual health maintenance plans.”
He added: “We now know that it’s in our power to retain sexual and reproductive wellbeing in men, even as they age.”
Smoking and drinking alcohol can also affect a man’s fertility, as well as past injury or damage to the testicles, prior research has revealed.