Wanting to have a healthy and lovely baby, a man who had been married for two years ate animal kidneys whenever he could, but his wife's belly showed no sign of pregnancy. A hospital check-up revealed that he himself had "oligospermia." A urology expert suspected that besides being related to his personal constitution, the man's sharp decrease in sperm count might be related to his excessive consumption of animal kidneys.
Many people enjoy eating animal offal, especially when barbecuing, with kidneys being a particular favorite among many men. Experts warn: while eating offal for health benefits, be cautious of cadmium, a heavy metal, that can damage sperm and cause infertility. The latest clinical research shows that the liver and kidneys of pigs, cattle, and sheep contain varying amounts of cadmium. While people consume these for nourishment, they are also ingesting cadmium, which can potentially lead to infertility. For smokers, the risk of infertility can be as high as 60%. Doctors remind: these offal foods, often considered "sperm-boosting," contain large amounts of cadmium. Not only can they reduce sperm count, but they can also affect the implantation of a fertilized egg. Due to cadmium's damage to chromosomes, the fertilized egg may fail to implant easily, affecting conception. Therefore, it is advisable for men to consume less kidney and other animal offal.
Another food that men should be mindful of is soy and its products. These foods are rich in isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen. As men reach middle age, their naturally secreted androgens begin to decrease. If they consume large amounts of estrogen, it can have a certain impact on their sexual function. Men over 40 should reduce their intake of these foods.