Millions of couples worldwide are trying to conceive, and male fertility is the main obstacle for many couples. While many factors can contribute to male infertility, there are also steps that men can take to improve their fertility and increase their chances of becoming a father.
Here are seven tips from a fertility clinic in London for improving male fertility.
Eat healthy foods
A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are essential for good health overall, including reproductive health. Foods high in antioxidants, like blueberries, spinach, and tomatoes, can help protect sperm from damage and improve their quality.
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil supplements or walnuts, are also beneficial for sperm health.
Get regular exercise
Getting regular exercise is important for improving male fertility. Exercise helps keep the body healthy and in shape, and it can also help improve sperm count and quality.
Some exercises may be especially beneficial for fertility include cycling, running, and swimming. It’s important to find a form of exercise that you enjoy and can stick with, so make sure to find something that fits your lifestyle.
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
Smoking and drinking alcohol can harm male fertility. Smoking can damage the sperm’s DNA and decrease its ability to swim, while drinking alcohol can lower testosterone levels and cause erectile dysfunction.
It is important for men who are trying to conceive to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol as much as possible.
Reduce stress levels
Stress has been linked with decreased fertility in both men and women. Techniques like meditation or yoga can help you learn how to better cope with stress, making it easier to conceive.
Maintaining healthy stress levels is essential for improving male fertility. When a man is stressed, his body releases cortisol, which can interfere with normal reproductive function. Exercising, yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises are all good methods to reduce stress. It is also important to get enough sleep and avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Keep cool
High temperatures can damage sperm production. Avoid hot tubs, saunas, or anything else that could raise your body temperature for extended periods.
When the body is too warm, it can affect the production of sperm. Keep your body cool by wearing loose clothing, staying in air-conditioned rooms, and drinking cold beverages. You may also want to take a cold shower before sex to keep your body cool.
Manage chronic health conditions
Many chronic health conditions can contribute to infertility, so it is important to manage them effectively. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a thyroid condition, work with your doctor to keep your condition under control.
See a fertility specialist
If you have been trying to conceive for more than a year without success, it may be time to see a fertility specialist. A fertility specialist can help identify any underlying problems and create a treatment plan to improve your chances of conceiving.
By following these tips, you can improve your fertility and increase your chances of conceiving a child. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your fertility or if you’re having difficulty conceiving. They can offer additional tips and recommendations tailored to your situation.