While a woman will technically carry and give birth to the child, a man has an equally important role to play in the pregnancy. First, the man must be able to achieve and keep an erection. Next, he must have enough strong and healthy sperm to reach and inseminate the egg for a successful fertilisation. So, it really does take two to make a baby. Here are 8 fertility tips for men to improve their chances of fathering a child.
- Improve health conditions
If you’re in the pink of health with no chronic diseases such as diabetes, depression, high blood pressure or enlarged prostate, congratulations! You can move on to the next tip.
However, if you struggle with these or other medical conditions, do consult your doctor on how the medications that you are taking to manage them can affect male fertility. Find out how you can manage and improve your health condition to improve your chances to father a child.
- Eat healthy
It is common sense that a healthy diet may help cultivate healthy sperm. As such, avoid junk and processed food at all cost, and embrace foods that are plant-based, rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and some lean protein.
The good news is, studies have indicated little evidence that caffeine found in coffee and tea are linked with male fertility problems. So you can have your coffee and drink it too!
- Get moving
Although regular exercise is highly recommended as it helps reduce obesity and stress, men should avoid routines that are too intense and strenuous, such as marathons and triathlons, since it may adversely affect their fertility. Some studies have also indicated that bicycle riding for five hours a week may also affect sperm count and mobility.
So get some exercise into your daily routine but stick to a routine that won’t drain you out too much.
- Take supplements
Daily multivitamins, minerals and antioxidants are beneficial for general health, so it’ll most likely help in boosting male fertility. Studies have shown that antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, may slightly increase sperm count and mobility. Anti-oxidants are able to protect sperm from free radicals, which can damage the DNA within the sperm.
- Keep an eye on the male biological clock
Like women, men have ticking biological clocks, but the decline happens at a later stage in life. As men ages, the quality and volume of his sperm tends to taper off as well. Testosterone levels dip after age 50 and there can be more DNA damage in the sperm, increasing the chances of having a child born with Down syndrome, autism or schizophrenia. All these factors can delay the chances of a couple conceiving and delivering a healthy baby, so it’s good to be aware of them.
- Stop smoking
Smoking has been linked with low sperm counts and decreased sperm mobility, plus it contributes to abnormal looking sperms, according to research. A smoker’s sperm may have difficulty in fertilising his partner’s egg. So all potential dads should kick the smoking habit to the curb asap.
Bodybuilders who are using anabolic steroids, should also take note that these steroids may affect sperm production. As such, it’s a good precaution to stop taking them while your partner is trying to conceive.
- Lay Off The Alcohol
Since your partner cannot consume alcohol when they are trying to conceive, you can show your support by cutting back on your alcohol consumption, too.
More than just a show of moral support, you will also give your sperm a good chance to be strong and healthy as alcohol has been found to diminish sperm quality and quantity. If you must drink, limit it to two drinks or less per day.
- Underwear issues
A lot of couples wonder if boxers or briefs will affect the temperature of the scrotum and sperm quality. The good news is, studies have indicated that wearing boxers and briefs have no impact on male fertility.
Just wear whatever floats your boat and you’ll be fine.
- Cool down
Guys, if you love soaking in hot tubs or hanging out in saunas and steam rooms, you will have to cut them out now. These activities may increase scrotal temperatures leading to lower sperm counts and quality. However, once you’ve stopped these ‘heaty’ activities, your sperm count and quality will return back to normal within a few months.
Gear Up For Conception
Preparing your body to father a child takes effort and time. Finding the right time to conceive is made easier with the Clearblue Digital Ovulation Test. It is a sophisticated and efficient method of monitoring ovulation by measuring the change in Luteinising Hormone (LH) levels in a woman’s body. A peak in LH occurs approximately 24 to 36 hours preceding ovulation. Identifying this time frame allows your partner and you to prepare in advance and make the most of her fertile period.
Just hold the tip of the test device in your partner’s urine stream. A clear and accurate reading is obtained and you’ll know if the time is right or otherwise.
