Male Infertility Linked to Gum Disease

For men who are suffering from infertility problems, a trip to the periodontist might be in order. A recent study implicates gum disease as one of the causes of male infertility, after having seen an increased rate of gum disease among men having trouble with conceiving a child.

The Israeli study assessed 56 men between the ages 23-52 who came into a clinic for sperm analysis. Researchers found that only 13% of these men had healthy mouths, while over 80% of the men suffered from either gingivitis, chronic periodontal disease or aggressive periodontal disease. Accordingly a low sperm count or zero sperm count was found in 68% of the men.

While the researchers did not clearly explain why gum disease or mouth problems could be directly related to infertility, it is common knowledge now that gum and teeth problems are regularly linked to heart disease and other major diseases. These researchers did suggest, however, that treatment for the periodontal disease can result in increased sperm counts.

If you're a male struggling with infertility, and you suspect you may be suffering from gingivitis or periodontal disease, seek the assistance of a dentist or periodontist. You may be able to eradicate your reproductive problems by curing your mouth problems.