National congress on andrology to start tomorrow

LUDHIANA: Food adulteration, excessive use of mobile phones and increasing drug addiction among youngsters are the major causes of male infertility. And what adds to the problem is the fact that instead of consulting a qualified doctor, many rush to quacks. This will be discussed in a three-day National Congress on Andrology (related to male sex disorder) and Reproductive Medicine, starting from February 18, in Dayanand Medical College and Hospital.
Medical superintendent Dr BS Shah said, ‘‘Incidence of male infertility is rising at an alarming rate in states like Punjab, where many people are addicted to drugs that also contribute to birth defects in a child. According to a WHO report on semen count for 2010, the global semen count was 15 million per ml (mili litre), whereas 25 to 30 years ago, it was 60 million per ml. In states like Punjab, the decline is being caused by food adulteration, excessive use of cellphones and drug addiction, which are also causing ailments like hypertension, diabetes, depression and cardiovascular diseases among young people.’’ Dr Prem Kumar, secretary of managing society of DMC, said older men also encounter sexual dysfunction of andropause (male menopause), which leads to passive approach to life.
‘‘As a solution, they use viagra without any medical assistance, not realising that it may harm heart and sugar patients, as it increases heart rate. Keeping in view male sexual dysfunction, cancer of male genitourinary system, an interactive session will be held to clear doubts. Effect of food and lifestyle on semen will also be discussed in the seminar,’’ he added.