Male reproductive health is affected by many factors including health conditions, genetic conditions, hormonal imbalances, infections, injuries, and lifestyle aspects such as diet and so on.
However, a man’s reproductive health also traces back to childhood, where development of the reproductive organs occur.
Dr. Ngechu Wambui, a medical officer, advises that parents have a key role to play on the reproductive health of their male children.
At birth and during the child’s growth, parents should observe their male children’s reproductive organs to ensure that the physical structure is okay.
“Ensure that the testicles are there, both of them. If its just one visit the doctor so that the issue can be established and handled early enough,” he advised.
Additionally, parents should be checking every morning if their child’s manhood can erect on its own.
“Both parents should be involved, don’t always leave your child with their care givers. Take time and check your child as he baths to ensure everything is okay so that tomorrow he grows into a man and a parent,” he said.
A child might also have a micro-penis, a condition that maybe genetic or caused by hormonal factors. The condition might be rectified if it’s by hormonal factors.
“The child might get the hormones and grow as a normal child,” Ngechu said.
Aside from that, Ngechu noted that the climate of where a child is brought up can have impact on his reproductive health in future.
“In English we say don’t cook your balls. Don’t keep them where the temperatures are hot. They need cooler places. The production of sperms in cooler areas is higher than in hot areas,” he said.
He urges parents not to dress their male children in tight bottom wears. Ngechu added that parents should refrain from leaving their male children in diapers for longer periods.
“Before we used to have nappies but nowadays we have diapers. A boy is not supposed to be in diapers always. He can use it only when sleeping and during the day he should be free so that his reproductive parts can breath and enhance his reproductive health,” he said.
The medical officer also suggested that parents should consider using waterproof beddings to avoid the boys spending the whole night in diapers.
“This will ensure that as the reproductive organs grow well and when he matures he will be okay,” Ngechu said.
