In the ever-evolving landscape of modern society, traditional values and structures often face challenges and transformations. One such institution that has significantly shifted over time is the concept of the undivided family. In India, where family ties have historically been deeply rooted in culture and tradition, the erosion of undivided families is becoming increasingly evident, with a parallel rise in divorces among cosmetic families.

Undivided families, also known as joint families, have long been the heart of Indian culture. These extended family units typically include multiple generations living under one roof, sharing resources, responsibilities, and a strong sense of cultural identity. The undivided family system fosters mutual support, interdependence, and a collective approach to decision-making, thereby promoting stability and harmony within the household and in the society.

However, as India undergoes rapid modernisation and urbanisation, the traditional structure of undivided families is gradually giving way to nuclear families or cosmetic families. These smaller family units consist of parents and children living independently, often in pursuit of individual aspirations and lifestyles. While this shift may offer greater autonomy and flexibility to its members, it also comes with its set of biggest challenges, particularly concerning family bonding and support systems.

One of the primary consequences of the decline of undivided families is the rising trend of divorces among cosmetic families. Unlike the robust support networks provided by undivided families, nuclear families may struggle to navigate the complexities of modern life without adequate family members support. Pressures from work, finances, and expectations can strain marital relationships, leading to increased instances of marital discord and ultimately, divorce.

Furthermore, the absence of a strong cultural education system that instils the values of cooperation, mutual respect, and family members’ duty worsening the challenges faced by modern families. Without a solid foundation in traditional values, individuals may prioritize individual desires over familial obligations, further eroding the togetherness.

To address the growing prevalence of divorces in modern Indian society, there is an urgent need to revive the essence of undivided families and promote a culture of familial unity and solidarity. This can be achieved through a multifaceted approach that includes:

Cultural Education: Introducing comprehensive educational programs that emphasizes the importance of undivided families, traditional values, and familial bonds from an early age.

Community Support: Establishing community-based initiatives and support networks that provide assistance, guidance, and counselling to families facing marital challenges.

Policy Interventions: Implementing policies and programs that incentivize the preservation of undivided families, such as tax benefits or social welfare schemes. So, Governments have major role to play in this concern and also the judicial system as in many divorce cases the applicant misused the rules introduced to safeguard them. Divorces can have profound impacts not only on individuals and families but also on the fabric of society as a whole. Recognizing the significance of marital stability and the need to mitigate the adverse effects of divorces, it is imperative to implement stringent verification systems and ensure that the financial burden of divorce proceedings is borne by the applicants themselves.

Communication and Conflict Resolution: Encouraging open communication and conflict resolution within families through dialogue, mediation, and free counselling services.

Role of Media and Entertainment: Leveraging media platforms and popular culture to promote positive portrayals of undivided families and reinforce traditional values.

By revitalizing the institution of undivided families and nurturing a culture of familial solidarity, India can mitigate the rising tide of divorces and cultivate stronger, more resilient family units. Embracing the timeless wisdom of traditional values while adapting to the demands of modern life is key to safeguarding the foundation of society—the family.

In conclusion, the restoration of undivided families is not merely a return to tradition but a vital step towards building a healthier, more harmonious society—one where familial bonds are cherished, marriages are fortified, and individuals find strength and solace in the embrace of their extended family.

Also read : Articles from Ajitkumarr

Ajitkumarr
Director, Aavishjia Private Limited
No. 28, 2nd Main Road, Muniswamy Layout,
Vidyaranyapura, Bengaluru 560097
Mail ID : marketing@aavishjia.com
https://www.aavishjia.com
Ph: 98451 83494

The post Why Divorces increased in INDIA appeared first on Health Vision.

Cases of abuse of elderly people are steadily increasing in India, experts have said. People over 60 years of age who are living alone due to reasons like abandonment or children migrating to other cities are especially vulnerable to crime, health emergencies, physical and psychological abuse by relatives or caretakers.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau data the number of reported cases of elder abuse has been steadily increasing in recent years. One in every six senior citizens faces abuse globally. According to some studies, the prevalence of elder abuse in India ranges up to 61.7%. These numbers are vast, despite many cases going unreported.
According to a report by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 5.7% of seniors 60 years of age and older live alone in India. Just 43.9% of those 60 and older say they are content with their lives. A survey conducted across 22 cities in 2022 found that 58% of elders in India suffered some kind of abuse, either by their own children, other relatives, or their house help. The reported cases ranged from ‘disrespect’ and ‘verbal abuse’ to ‘neglect’ and ‘physical violence’. Other aspects included being emotionally or psychologically abused and financial challenges. These are alarming statistics. This is where the need for awareness and support comes into play to protect vulnerable elders.
Elders need care and comfort to lead a healthy life without worries and anxiety. Lack of awareness regarding the changing behavioral patterns in elders at home may lead to abuse by known and trusted individuals. When a loved one ages, they lose the ability to do something or the other, which takes a toll on them. By providing them with proper elder care, we can give them the peace of mind they need. At-home care helps elders lead a high quality of life throughout their golden years, compared to institutional living in old age homes.

Tarun Sharma
Founder & CEO, Yodda Elder Care

Seniors are prone to several health conditions and chronic diseases like diabetes, arthritis, or hypertension. They also suffer from mobility issues, age-related cognitive decline, and vision and hearing problems. Abandonment of the elderly is a form of abuse. Living alone, they are fragile and vulnerable, and their healthcare needs become critical. We answer about 1,000 calls daily for ambulances, out of which about 20% are for people above 65 years of age, these numbers will substantially increase if we work on generating awareness among elders living alone. Pre-hospital care during medical emergencies by trained paramedics in ambulances and timely medical response is critical in such cases. These can significantly improve outcomes and increase the chances of survival of elders being rushed to the hospital. It is important for elders to have easy access to a fully equipped ambulance service.
Not all ambulances are the same. To provide adequate emergency pre-hospital care to the elderly, ambulances need essential equipment like oxygen cylinders, airway management tools, defibrillators, and medications. They should be staffed by trained healthcare professionals, such as EMTs or paramedics, who have expertise in geriatric care. Communication devices are necessary for seamless coordination with the healthcare provider. Integrating technology and digital solutions into ambulances can significantly enhance emergency care for elderly patients. 5G ambulances are a big help in providing timely care and ultimately saving more lives of elderly patients on the way to the hospital.
Currently, there are 138 million people over the age of 60 in India, comprising 67 million males and 71 million females. This number is set to reach over 300 million by 2051. According to the United Nations Population Fund, the size of the elderly population in India will nearly double to touch 192 million by 2030. By 2050, every fifth Indian will be an elderly person.
Pranav Bajaj
Co-Founder, Medulance Healthcare

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Relationships have been found to be associated with health and well-being. Recent research has shown that quality relationship significantly effects the well-being of people. Marriage is one of the institutions which can play an important role in moderating the health and well-being of spouses.  It has been found that most of the problems in marriage life occur because of

1. Faulty, blaming and dehumanizing communication

2. Power struggle: When any one of the spouses try to dominate over the other spouse by underming his/her value

Spouses can enhance their marital satisfaction by using the following tips which not only strengthen the marital bond but also increase the love between them thereby marital satisfaction and their health. Clinical psychologists trained in marital enrichment suggests the following simple psychological methods to cultivate marital bliss among the spouses.

1. As Best friends: Marital life becomes highly satisfying when both the spouses consider each other as “Best Friends”. No one is either inferior or superior.

2. Expressing your positive emotional feelings for the spouse strengthen marital bond. Saying to your spouse “I love you dear, you are so nice and loving, you are looking great today” always make the bond very strong. Expressing your love and care through physical intimacy like kissing the spouse when leaving the home for work and on entering the home works great. Just asking the partners “How are you?” works great too.

3. Chore sharing: When spouses share the work with each other no one feels burdened up because of over work. This is also one of the methods to enhance marital bliss. Marital issues arise often when partners start perceiving I am working more than you. Following rigid gender stereotypes often causes marital problems.

4. Fixing some time whenever possible to go out for outing even for 30 minutes works great. Just take tea together in a café/any outing place is great. Remember relationship doesn’t always depend upon your material spending but just spending time outside with care and love is highly satisfying.

5. Giving gifts even a small chocolate works great for spouses

6. Always respect your spouse as a human being and focuses on his/her strengths. Always keep reminding each other’s strengths and positive traits that you like in your spouse.

7. Respecting your partners’ opinions, beliefs and allowing her/him to think independently as human being also brings marital bliss. Remember both independence and interdependence is key to marital bliss.

8. Always remember marriage life might bring some issues which might disturb any of the spouses. Having this realistic expectation is very important. Try to use problem-solving approach to deal with the issue at the earliest.

9. Avoid nagging, blaming and dehumanizing communication with your partner. If you have some issue with your partner about which you are not comfortable, always discuss with him/her when the partner is alone not in front of others

10. Always be empathetic with partner: Empathy is not the same as sympathy. It means trying to see the world also from the spouse point of view in terms of her beliefs and emotions. It helps connecting them together.

11. Partner’s should cherish each other life aspirations and help each other to achieve their respective life goals too. Marital relationship is both interdependent and independent. Both should be cherished.

12. Emotional validation: When the partner is upset about something, allow her/him to express her/his discomfort and expressing the concern does work great.

13. Humor: Spouses who make each other laugh on the jokes also strengthen the marital bond.

14. Loving “Nick name” of the spouse also strengthen the marital bliss. For example calling the spouse by some beautiful nickname works great.

15. Always keep watching marriage album/video each month or two months help a lot in enhancing marital bliss.

16.Always avoid discussing your partners’ fault in front of others. Always hide the faults and appreciate the strengths.

It is always advisable to consult a clinical psychologist to improve one’s marital bond and marital satisfaction.

Dr. Mustafa Nadeem Kirmani

Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology

Amity Institute of Clinical Psychology

Amity University Haryana, Gurgaon

Email: mnkirmani@ggn.amity.edu

Mob: 8295320920

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Over the last year the pandemic has turned our world upside down causing a lot of stress, suffering, grief, and disruption in our lives. It created total chaos and uncertainty around the world and brought about unprecedented health crisis. The current crisis in India brought on by the fatal second wave of the pandemic, the grief and despair in the surroundings is overbearing. It is hard not only for the ones infected but also for their families, friends and for the frontline workers helping them! While we are all aware about the tools and solutions for the physical well-being of people trapped in the midst of this pandemic, we are harshly unaware and ill prepared for the ramifications of this pandemic on the mental health of those who survive!

Sameer Bhide, author, and survivor of a rare haemorrhagic stroke has encountered grief and loss very closely. His stroke took away much more from him than his physical well-being. After his stroke he had two brain surgeries, spent a month in a medically induced coma, then had to stop working and went through a divorce and was left dealing with a lot of physical and emotional pain. Just like that, his life as he knew it, was turned up-side down! Leveraging from his own experience, described in his memoir, ‘One Fine Day’, Sameer shares 5 tips that can be helpful in dealing with grief and loss. These include:

1. Allow yourself time to heal: The first step to dealing with grief and loss, is acceptance. It is an immensely hard and painful task to come to terms with your grief and loss. Anger or escapism are options for many. But this only makes thing worse. Consciously accepting the fact, will help set the perspective right and thus needs to be done. Once the acceptance has come, one needs to give oneself as much time as needed to heal. No matter what anyone may say, it is perfectly okay to grieve.

2. Create a routine: While the process can be all consuming and might be self-depreciating, it is important to tackle this practically. Setting up a simple but well-structured routine for the day is important to ensure that the normal well-being and functionality is maintained. Simple things like personal hygiene, regularly eating meals, completing daily mundane chores and spending time with family, can be comforting and liberating.

3. Find a goal or purpose: The next important step to overcoming grief is to find a higher, selfless purpose or have a goal that can help one to look over their personal loss and be a part of something larger.Finding a collective higher purpose is one of the biggest forms of healing. From volunteering, joining a self-help group, planting trees,donating free meals, to setting up personal career or health goals and working towards them, can be huge accelerator to come to terms with one’s grief.

4. Pursue Hobbies: Apart from the above, cultivating or indulging in a hobby – any form of activity that can bring joy or peace, helps tremendously in the process of transforming grief into a lighter, less empowering sadness. It could be things such as creative pursuits like music, writing, painting, or dancing – which can also help express one’s emotions, or it could be other things such as collecting stuff, gardening or indulging in sport, etc. All of these can help take the mind off the constant feeling of loss, and escape into something that is more calming and peaceful. Whatever it may be, indulging in a hobby on a daily or weekly basis can be an excellent form of handling negative emotions and grief.

5. Seek professional help: Last,but not the least, seeking out the help of a professional to process the sense of sadness, loss, and inability to move on, is always the best way to go. Speaking to a psychologist can help to not only acknowledge and express one’s emotions, but also gain guidance and insights into overcoming common roadblocks and observing self-depreciating thought patterns.

Although grief and loss are an integral part of life, they are equally unforgiving and harsh on everyone who comes to bear them. The points above are practical steps which helped me to deal with some of the most intense emotions and have been effective and even life altering in many ways. In my small effort to spread hope and positivity, may these be of help to those reading it and may the pain and suffering ease for everyone.

Sameer Bhide

(Author is survivor of a rare haemorrhagic stroke and suffered a lot of physical and emotional pain)

The post How to deal with grief and loss? Here are 5 helpful tips appeared first on Health Vision.

In a world full of notifications, long working hours and stay-at-home culture which are changing our dietary and physical activity patterns for the worse. While information and awareness about diet and exercise is more commonplace, an often overlooked domain is mental health. People suffering from stress, anxiety and depression are often considered as social outcasts in the Indian culture. Due to which, awareness and treatment mechanisms are still difficult to access as a good mental health is more than just the absence of any illness rather its a state of well-being as a whole.

As WHO also states “that there is no health without mental health” as mental and physical health are fundamentally interlinked with each other and their relationship is more evident when seen with the perspective of chronic conditions. The stress can affect the body and can cause Psychosomatic Diseases which involves both body and mind and they are thought to particularly get more worse with stress and anxiety. The physical symptoms in this disease mainly originates from the mental or emotional causes. Few examples would include ulcers, hypertension, asthma, eczema, migraines, kidney disorders, liver disorders etc and this happens because cortisol which is mainly a primary stress hormone increases the glucose in our bloodstream and increases the use of glucose by the brain which created more demand by the body.

Emotional problems may lead to  changes in our physical well-being:

It also alters the immune system response and also suppresses the function of our digestive tract. The other stress hormones such as glucocorticoids, catecholamines, vasopressin, gonadotropins and thyroid hormones all get affected and may be required for the fight or flight response of the individual to stress. Also various Emotional Problems like anger, panic, fatigue, sleep disorders etc may lead to a lot of worse changes in our physical well-being in the long run.

Therefore, according to few researches it has been found that stress, anxiety and fear acts as a slow poison for us and can equally harm the way alcohol or other drugs do to our body. Undoubtedly, Stress Is a spice of life and our life maybe incomplete without stress as it gives a good kick to our life and we tend to accomplish our tasks more efficiently but it should also be balanced in a way that our health does not get affected.

Stress and mental illness:

Stress can usually be triggered by a lot of things happening in our life and few factors may also get involved which includes biological, life changing, environmental, personal, financial etc. Our mental health is often missing from the public health debates even though it is a very critical part for our well-being and no diet, herbs or exercise can work if your mental health is not taken care of.
Lastly, I would like to conclude and say that it’s okay to feel unstable. It’s okay to feel disappointed and it’s okay to hide from the world but it’s not okay to be okay with your mental illness as it is not a personal failure.

Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of and people can learn to manage their stress and lead a happier and healthier life by following various measures like seeking the help by a professional and talk about your problems, do deep breathing exercises, make time for your hobbies, take a break from your work, keep a positive attitude and lots more!!

As, NOTHING IS WORTH RISKING YOUR HEALTH, NOTHING IS WORTH POISONING YOURSELF WITH STRESS, ANXIETY AND BAD HEALTH.

Dr.Nitika Kohli
A prominent Ayurvedic Expert
AIMIL healthcare, Delhi

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In the present race of life, we are concerned over the future of our children rather than nurturing them with love. It is not that our love has diminished, but we are unable to express it. Sometimes hugging your child and expressing your affection becomes more crucial than nurturing them with food and other worldly necessities. According to Research, babies with very affectionate and attentive parents grow up to be happier, more resilient, and less anxious adults.

Studies have revealed that children thrive well in environments where they are extended with love consistently from the day of their birth. Studies in neonatal care, says that parental hug has led to the improvement in the weight gain among the pre-matured babies. It is proven that hugging your child has several benefits.

Watch our video: How building an immunity is essential to fight against corona?

It is said to be that a child needs four hugs a day for survival, eight hugs a day for maintenance and twelve hugs a day for growth.  Indeed, the importance and benefits of hugging are boundless as it does wonders, for the cognitive and emotional development of children. One as a parent should not worry about hugging your child excessively. It is the right thing to do!

1. One Hug a day: You need not have a reason to hug your child. You do not have to wait for his exam results, birthday or any other occasion to do so, hug your child in the morning while you wake your child or in the evening when you put them to sleep. It is a nice gesture to extend your love.

2. Hugging for every age: Often, a child is hugged and kissed by parents. A parent may wonder if hugging or kissing is alright when children grow up, but I say, it works wonders and children need it at all ages.

3. Sense of Security:  Children often experience a sense of security by your hugs and feels that they are being loved. These secured and loved feelings in children help them to develop self-confidence and self-esteem as they grow up.  The nurturing touch of a hug helps to establish trust and a sense of safety among children. With this deep sensing of security, children tend to venture new things. It enhances proper communication between a child and a parent.

4. Hugging for proper understanding: When children go through difficult times, a warm embrace can say more than a thousand words of counsel. This non-verbal communication always gives a feeling of you being with the child and never being misunderstood. Children also feel that they are out of such difficult situations and are secured.

5. Expression of Love: Hug or embrace your child in your arms to acknowledge your love without verbally telling that you love them.  A Child will also learn to express its love and develop being expressive as they grow up.

6. Natural Stress Buster: Physical contact such as hugging releases a chemical in our brain called Oxytocin. Oxytocin, which is known as the love hormone, is produced primarily in the hypothalamus of the brain, which helps in reducing depression and anxiety. It is not a wonder that some children like to be hugged all the time. Thus, cuddling and hugging your child helps to face stress and helps children to get away with any pressure or stress they are undergoing.

7. Hugging for disciplining: Hugging plays a vital role in behavior modification among children. While we are disciplining our children when they misbehave, we often use different methods for punishment. However, embracing them could be what we need to start with the discipline process on a positive note, and go further with a firm explanation of what they did wrong.

Children might resist and reject the hug initially, but soon will give in and look forward to a hug, which brings on a feel-good effect. Children are more willing to listen to what we have to say when they feel good, so do encourage them with a hug to reassure them of your love. Then, you might as well explain the effects of such bad behavior, and you will notice a change in their behavior gradually.

Children benefit more from being embraced, and as a parent, it is the best remedy for us to eliminate our frustrations. This can happen when we are dealing with our children while letting them know that our love for them remains unchanged.

Finally, hugging uplifts the spirit of the child as well as the parents. Its function is similar to that of meditation and laughter. It helps a Parent to learn to let go of all negative vibes or feelings and encourage them to go with the flow.

Realize the importance of hugging your child – Enjoy Happy Parenting

Also Read: How to protect Child from Today’s infections?

Dr. Hemamalini Krupakar
Clinical Psychologist / Counselor

The post Embracing Children -Golden rule of Parenting appeared first on Health Vision.

3 Ways a divorce can impact your health -there is no denying it; divorce can be extremely difficult. With rising rates of divorce among couples across the globe, many people are finding themselves trying to navigate life post separation. In 2016, the divorce rate in India averaged 1.1 percent, according to Census Data published in The Times India. Although relatively low compared to the global rate, patterns over the last few decades show that divorce and separation rates in the country are rising slowly. However, beside the emotions that come with the life changing event, there are impacts on your health as well. For some, it can be dealing with increased stress but for others, the consequences can manifest in other ways. Read on to find out some of the ways a divorce can impact your health and what you can do about it.

Cardiovascular Health

In 2015, in the study Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes revealed that divorced women were 24 percent more likely to suffer a heart attack while men who were twice divorced were 30 percent more susceptible. The stress that can come with a divorce and the difficult period immediately after can negatively impact the inflammation levels and also contribute to hypertension. A review published in the journal, Heart supported these findings by revealing that a person’s risk for cardiovascular disease was 80 percent linked to genetics and health factors and 20 percent linked to a person’s situational factors such as partnerships. In the 2018 review, divorced participants were 35 percent more likely to develop heart disease. Getting familiar with stress management techniques such as exercise and meditation is incredibly useful in helping you to mitigate these consequences.

Also Read:

WHAT ARE THE FACTORS THAT LEAD TO HEART FAILURE?

Anxiety and Depression

With the end of a marriage, many people often go through stages of grief and sometimes, even feelings of self blame and failure. For those dealing with a split later in life it can be particularly difficult to navigate the consequences and emotions that come with it. As early as 1983, the long term emotional toll of divorce was established and published in The New York Times. The constant questioning of where it went wrong can easily  your influence mental health negatively. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your separation, the events may leave lingering emotional scars and issues to work through.

In the Indian society, divorce is not fully embraced and even in today’s modern times, more traditional views may reject the idea of separation after marriage. This can leave divorcees feeling unsupported and further fuelling feelings of depression. If not dealt with in a healthy way, they can leave you feeling depressed about your loss and anxious about your future which may be hazy after a divorce. Establishing a strong circle of support is key. This can be either friends, family or professional counselling who will help you process to your feelings throughout the divorce process.

Impaired Weight Management

Another common impact you may notice is a change in weight and impaired judgments in weight management. This can go either way; some people turn to comfort and binge eating as a way of working through their grief while others may avoid foods and lose their appetites, leading to them being underweight and with nutritional deficiencies. Coupled with depression or anxiety over the process, people going through the process can find themselves making not so great decisions when it comes to their eating habits and over time, this can show in their health with the potential for diabetes, high cholesterol and other complications.

Although difficult, taking the time to nurture yourself and your body emotionally and physically will help you feel your best and your body will thank you for it. Finally, remember any steps towards healing whether small or large, still count. It can be as simple as making an appointment with a therapist, taking up meditation to combat stress or even re imagining your retirement plans post divorce. There are no guarantees that you will not be faced with the fall outs from a divorce in your lifetime, but there are steps that you can take to cushion the impacts that this life changing event may have on your health and your happiness.

By Cass McFoley

The post Divorce can impact your health appeared first on Health Vision.

Some of the causes for infertility are lifestyle factors, increasing marital age, rising alcohol and tobacco consumption and obesity. Clinical factors include increasing prevalence of medical conditions such as women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), tubal factors, endometriosis and abnormalities of ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the uterus and men with sperm transport disorders, azoospermia, oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, hypospermia etc.

It is surprising to know that only 45% of couples visit a doctor when they are trying to conceive; only 1% of infertile couples seek treatment. And to make matters worse, 55% of women are not even aware about ovulation tracking products like fertility gadget and 75% of men don’t.

Dr. Rizwana Iqbal, Director, Embrace Fertility Centre by Primecare says, “Infertility is becoming rampant even amongst young married couples. It is mostly due to ovulation disorder in women and abnormal semen parameters in men. Even diabetes and hypertension plays a very pivotal role in both men and women. Furthermore, lifestyle induced disorders such as obesity and smoking are contributing towards high infertility rates. In addition the rising trend of marrying late, women fail to keep in mind that when they cross 35 years of age, their fertility potential gradually starts declining.

If a couple has been struggling for a child without success for more than a year, they must seek timely intervention to understand the problem and avoid further complications. It is also equally important to consult good infertility centre managed by an infertility specialist to improve the chances of conceiving sooner.

According to Dr. Syed Sayeed Ahmed, Chairman & CEO, Primecare Hospital , “Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)” in India have evolved over the years. Technological advancements and expert clinicians have resulted in higher AART techniques like ICSI, IVF, IUI, invitro maturation (IVM), freezing and thawing of embryos and oocytes,  preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) and Laser assisted hatching embryo transfer in India, with absolute ethical practices and upgraded medical procedures.”

The post Why infertility is becoming rampant appeared first on Health Vision.

The testicles or testis are core organs of the male reproductive system. Covered by a sac called scrotum, the two egg shaped testicles hang between the legs – they make sperms and male hormone testosterone. The other important intra – testicular structures are vas deferens, seminiferous tubules, epididymis and the tunica covering layers. Germ cells in the seminiferous tubules help in making the sperms. Leydig cells located between the seminiferous tubules release testosterone, the male hormone that helps germ cells make sperm.

Infertility
Barrenness, lack of fertility, subfertility, infecundity or lack of fertility and lack of fruitfulness are all expressions to indicate the inability to conceive. Infertility as a term applies to both genders and is defined as: a disease of the reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse (WHO-ICMART glossary)”, this definition is available at the national portal of GOI. While female infertility is spoken of widely, TOI, dated, 14.1.19 report has stated 50% of infertility cases is male infertility. Important aspects reflecting male infertility are loss of libido or decreased desire to have sex, erectile dysfunction, difficulty in ejaculation, low sperm count and sperm problems, and decreased volume of ejaculate. Male infertility cases may have repeat respiratory infections, inability to smell and decreased facial hair. Male infertility cases have less than 1.50 crore sperms per ml of spermathecal fluid. Normal sperm count is 1.50 crores to 20.00 crores sperms per ml of spermathecal fluid.

Mayo clinic, USA communication states about infertility cases: 1/3rd are male infertility, 1/3rd are female infertility and in another 1/3rd cases, the causes are unknown or there are health issues in both males and females.There are many causes of male infertility: structural and functional problems of male reproductory system including premature ejaculation, physical problems (metabolic issues, obesity etc), chemical and environmental factors like smoking, alcohol, side effects of certain medications, pollutants and cancer treatments.

Testicular temperature and male infertility
There is a hypothermic testis in male humans – it means there is reduced temperature in the testicles. The testicular temperature is normally 2 to 4 degree Celsius less than core body temperature. Sperm formation is temperature dependent. There is proper sperm formation only when testis temperature is slightly lower than rest of body. When there is raised scrotal temperature, inner testicular temperature is also raised leading to what is called as genital heat stress. This causes sperms of inferior quality. Heat stress damages sperm cells. Such sperms have damaged DNA, poor fertilizing capacity and can even die prematurely. Scrotum structure, tissues and functioning is such that it helps maintain lower temperature in the testicles.

Human sperm production in the testicles requires 72 days, and only 12% of the total sperms produced have fertilization potential. Rest of the sperms are defective or die prematurely. Sperm formation is best when there is an optimal temperature range in the testes. Increase of even 1 degree centigrade scrotal temperature results in 14% drop in sperm formation inside the testes. Scrotal temperature minimum of 2 degrees below core body temperature is best for sperm formation. Normal body temperature is 37 degree centigrade and sperm formation is ideal with scrotal temperature at 34 degree centigrade or Celsius. (Celsius or centigrade refer to same units). Generally speaking, normal testis temperature is 35 degrees Celsius.

What causes raised scrotal temperature?

• Scrotal position: hanging testis has better and easy heat dissipation. The unclothed and upright body has least scrotal temperature. When walking, scrotal temperature is lower due to good heat dissipation and air circulation. In one study, seated male paraplegics on wheel chairs with unmoving thighs had higher deep scrotal temperature and less motile sperms compared to able bodied men who sat freely. Testicular temperature increases when movement is minimized such as in prolonged sitting where scrotum is resting between the thighs closely. ‘Sitting disease’ certainly compounds the problem of male infertility. Seated position increases scrotal temperature
• Heated seats: prolonged sitting on heated surfaces such as heated car seat or heated floor further adds to the increased scrotal temperature due to sitting
• Layers of clothing and bedding that traps heat: Clothing can increase temperature by upto 2 degree centigrade. Similarly, tight underwear may contribute to raised genital temperature through less air circulation
• Long term sustained hot baths and saunas also have a negative effect on semen quality
• The use of laptops and mobiles on the lap close to genital area causes dip in all sperm parameters
• Long hours of cycling with tight clothing and being seated on the saddle seat elevates scrotal temperature
• Other factors: obesity where excess scrotal and other types of abdominal fat raises scrotal temperature, radiant heat due to occupational reasons (eg., welders), and pathological abnormalities in scrotal region, including repeat fevers causes abnormal sperm parameters.

Fitness is a government supported trend in India, today. Being fit implies healthy habits, exercise and walking, and nourishing oneself with good food. A fit body and good lifestyle almost always supports good fertility in males and females. Small things such as appropriate change in seat, dress, bedding, clothing and other lifestyle factors will ensure absence of deleterious effect on the male reproductive system. Good health comes from a fitness attitude. A fit attitude of males, means a robust and well-maintained male reproductive system that avoids heat stress on testicles.

Sunil S Chiplunkar
M Pharm (Pharmacology) MBA (Marketing) PGDHRM
VP – Training (Marketing), Juggat Pharma:
Pharma division of Jagdale Ind. Pvt. Ltd.,
Bangalore – 560078 Ph.: 9379077788
email : sunilchiplunkar@gmail.com
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