Trying to conceive a child can be an exciting time, filled with hope and anticipation. But for some couples, it can also be a frustrating journey.

If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for a year without success, you and your partner might be facing infertility.

Infertility is a common condition affecting about 1 in 7 couples and it can affect both men and women. We’ll be focusing on male infertility, what to look out for, and the reasons behind it.

Let’s clear something up first: there often aren’t any obvious signs of male infertility. The main indicator is simply the inability to conceive a child after a year of trying. However, there can be some underlying issues that might cause problems. By understanding these, you can have a more open conversation with your doctor and explore potential solutions.

5 Signs that might point toward male infertility

1. Sexual difficulties

This can include problems ejaculating, low semen volume, erectile dysfunction (trouble getting or keeping an erection), or reduced sex drive. These issues can sometimes be symptoms of hormonal imbalances or other conditions affecting fertility.

2. Testicular issues

Pain, swelling, or a lump in the testicle area can be a red flag.

Healthy sperm production relies on the proper functioning of the testicles, so any abnormalities there might need to be checked by a doctor.

3. Past medical history

Certain medical conditions like undescended testicles (when the testicles don’t move down into the scrotum before birth), infections (including sexually transmitted infections), or surgeries like vasectomy (a procedure for permanent birth control) can impact sperm production or delivery.

4. Lifestyle choices

Habits like smoking, heavy alcohol use, and recreational drugs can all affect sperm quality and count.

Working out is usually seen as the go-to solution for weight loss. You put in the effort, sweat through the workouts, and expect the scale to show your hard-earned results.

However, many find themselves frustrated when the weight doesn’t come off as expected. This common issue can be disheartening, but understanding why you’re not losing weight despite exercising can empower you to make the necessary adjustments and continue your fitness journey with confidence.

Let’s explore the key reasons why your workout might not be reflecting on the scale.

1. Gaining muscle mass

One of the most positive reasons for not seeing a drop in weight is muscle gain. Muscle is denser than fat and takes up less space in your body. Therefore, as you lose fat and gain muscle, your overall weight might not change, but your body composition is improving. You might notice your clothes fitting better or see more muscle definition​​.

2. Not drinking enough water

Hydration is crucial for weight loss. Water helps suppress appetite, boosts metabolism, and aids in digestion. When you’re dehydrated, your body might retain water, making you feel heavier. Aim to drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water daily, especially if you’re increasing your fibre intake​.

3. Eating more than you burn

Exercise can increase your appetite, and without mindful eating, you might consume more calories than you burn. Even healthy foods can contribute to weight gain if eaten in large quantities. Tracking your calorie intake can help ensure you’re in a calorie deficit, which is necessary for weight loss​​.

4. Not enough non-exercise activity

Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) plays a significant role in weight management. NEAT includes all the movements you do outside of structured exercises, such as walking, cleaning, and fidgeting. If your workouts leave you too exhausted to move much for the rest of the day, your overall calorie burn might decrease. Incorporating more daily movement can boost your NEAT and aid in weight loss​.

5. Lack of sleep

Sleep is essential for regulating hormones that control hunger and metabolism. Inadequate sleep can increase levels of ghrelin, the hunger hormone, and decrease levels of leptin, the hormone that makes you feel full. This imbalance can lead to increased appetite and weight gain. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night to support your weight loss efforts​.

6. Stress and hormonal imbalances

Chronic stress can lead to elevated levels of cortisol, a hormone that promotes fat storage, particularly around the abdomen. Additionally, certain medical conditions and medications can affect your weight. If you suspect stress or a health issue is hindering your progress, consider consulting a healthcare professional for guidance​​.

Malaria is a serious disease that affects millions of people around the world. It is caused by parasites transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes.

When someone gets malaria, they often feel very sick with symptoms like high fever, chills, headache, and muscle pain. If not treated promptly, malaria can become life-threatening.

However, with proper medical care and attention to diet, patients can recover.

Understanding malaria and its transmission

Malaria is transmitted through the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito infected with Plasmodium parasites.

When this mosquito bites a person, the parasites enter the bloodstream and travel to the liver, where they multiply. After leaving the liver, they infect red blood cells, causing the symptoms of malaria.

Treating malaria

The primary treatment for malaria is antimalarial medication prescribed by a doctor. The type of medication and length of treatment depend on the type of malaria parasite and the severity of the disease. Early diagnosis and treatment prevent complications.

Patients should follow their doctor’s instructions carefully and complete the full course of medication even if they start feeling better.

Foods to eat when treating malaria

Proper nutrition plays a vital role in the recovery from malaria. Here are some foods that can help:

• Fruits and vegetables: Fresh fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals that boost the immune system. Oranges, apples, carrots, and leafy greens are excellent choices.

• High-protein foods: Protein is essential for healing and rebuilding body tissues. Include lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, and nuts in your diet.
• Whole grains: Whole grains like brown rice, oats, and whole wheat bread provide necessary energy and fibre, aiding digestion and overall health.
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids is crucial. Water, fresh fruit juices, and coconut water help keep the body hydrated and flush out toxins.
• Soups and broths: Light soups and broths are easy to digest and can be nutritious. Chicken soup, in particular, is beneficial.

Foods to avoid when treating malaria

Certain foods can hinder recovery from malaria and should be avoided:

• Fatty and fried foods: These can be difficult to digest and may cause nausea or discomfort. Avoid fried snacks, heavy sauces, and greasy meals.

• Processed foods: Processed and packaged foods often contain unhealthy fats, sugars, and preservatives that can weaken the immune system.
• Caffeinated drinks: Coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages can lead to dehydration, which is not ideal when dealing with malaria.
• Alcohol: Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of antimalarial drugs and can also dehydrate the body.
• Spicy foods: Spicy foods can irritate the stomach and should be avoided, especially if the patient is experiencing nausea or vomiting.

Malaria is a serious disease that requires prompt medical treatment and proper care. Along with taking prescribed medication, eating the right foods can significantly aid in recovery.