Fertility issues that involve the female reproductive system are often difficult to treat, but many of those linked to male infertility respond well to changing health and lifestyle habits. For example, quitting smoking can increase sperm counts within 3 months (approximately how long it takes for new sperm to develop).
Eat a well-balanced dietGet enough sleepLimit drinking alcoholMaintain a healthy weightSkip long soaks in hot tubs or bathsTrade in your briefs for boxersTreat underlying medical conditionsQuit smoking
Here are 11 ways to increase male fertility and improve sperm health. if you find that you can’t get more of these foods in your diet, you might want to consider taking a supplement. But talk to a healthcare provider first. These supplements can interact with medications, and few have been specifically studied for their potential to increase sperm health. That said, research also has shown that short periods of abstinence could have the potential to benefit sperm health—whether you are trying to conceive naturally or will be providing a sperm sample for insemination. A 2017 review of studies published in the International Journal of Women’s Health and Reproduction Sciences found that sperm motility, morphology, and production could benefit from periods of abstinence lasting between 3 and 8 days. Older studies proposed that the phytoestrogens found in soy and soy-derived products could affect male and female reproduction. However, high-quality research in humans is limited. You might choose to limit or avoid soy if you are concerned about the effect it could have on your fertility. Being aware of your overall intake of nutrients and ingredients like soy is part of ensuring your diet is nutritious and balanced. What’s best for your sperm is likely what will be most nutritious for your whole body. Choose lean sources of protein (like fish and chicken), plenty of fresh veggies and fruits, healthy fats (like olive oil and nuts), and whole grains. You might want to consider trying to quit smoking if you’re going through fertility treatments. Researchers have found that smoking had a strong negative effect on treatment success in couples using IVF with ICSI fertility treatments. Male smoking habits can also affect a female partner’s fertility. Research has shown that when women are exposed to secondhand smoke, they have lower IVF success rates and possibly increased risks of pregnancy loss. A study of people with alcohol use disorder found that only 12% of the men had completely normal sperm counts and health, compared to 37% of non-smokers and non-alcoholics. However, other studies have found no relationship between male fertility and just a few drinks. Moderate alcohol consumption might not have a major impact on sperm health—especially if you only drink a few times a week instead of daily. Farmers, painters, and varnishers (as a group) were found to have a higher chance of infertility and significantly lower sperm counts than men who worked in other careers. Metalworkers and welders (as a group) were also found to have a higher incidence of poor sperm motility. The cause of these higher incidences of infertility and poor sperm health is not known. One possibility is that the chemicals people in these occupations can be exposed to could damage sperm. Additionally, metalworkers could experience overheating, which can lower sperm counts. Avoiding contact with toxins and hazardous substances in the workplace is vital to every employee’s health, not just men with fertility concerns. The steps you can take to stay safe will be specific to your job—whether that means wearing a mask and gloves or keeping your body well-covered. In 2013, researchers published a review of research identifying some of the most common heat-related sources of stress on sperm health. Based on their findings, here are at few ways you can keep things cool.
Avoid Hot Tubs
Hot tubs and long hot baths can raise the scrotum’s temperature. It is best to avoid these two activities while trying to conceive.
Make Sure You Move Around
Prolonged sitting has also been linked to decreased sperm health. If you have a desk job, get up and walk around throughout the day. The benefits of standing, even if it’s just long enough to refill your water bottle or talk to a coworker across the hall, are good for your whole body and mind.
Refrain From Using Car Seat Heaters
Studies have shown that seat heaters (a feature in some cars that warms up the seat on a cold winter day) can lead to higher than normal scrotal temperatures.
Put Laptops on a Table or Desk
Avoid sitting with your laptop on your lap. Keeping your legs tightly together to balance the laptop, along with the heat generated by the computer itself, can lead to higher than normal scrotal temperatures.
Wear Breathable Bottoms
Whether or not boxers are more fertility-friendly than briefs has long been a matter of debate. As long as you don’t wear extremely tight, non-breathable fabric, your choice of underwear probably doesn’t matter to your sperm health. That said, some studies have shown that wearing tight underwear or compression garments (like running leggings or bike shorts) could affect sperm, likely due to increased heat without breathing room. A review of research published in 2017 explored the evidence for a connection between obesity and male sub-fertility. The researchers identified several key influences, including the complex interplay of hormones and body fat, as well as specific health conditions associated with being overweight and obese (such as diabetes) that could also affect sperm health. If you are not sure whether you are at a healthy weight, discuss your health goals with a healthcare provider. In one study, 23% of men with bacteria present in their semen did not improve after treatment with antibiotics alone. When the researchers conducted dental exams on some of the participants who had not improved with antibiotics, they found that they all had untreated dental problems. The researchers divided the men into two groups (test and control). The men in the test group had their dental problems treated while those in the control group did not receive treatment. Six months later, the researchers tested the semen of all the men again. Two-thirds of the test group had improved semen health, while those in the control group (who had not been treated for dental problems) still had poor semen health. An untreated infection of the reproductive system or urinary tract can also cause infertility in men. For example, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can lead to reduced sperm motility. Repeated infections can cause scarring, which can block the passage of semen. Other medical conditions that can lead to infertility include anemia, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, Cushing’s syndrome, and thyroid disease. Like diabetes, these conditions can sometimes go undiagnosed, especially if a person has few or no symptoms. It’s a good idea to schedule a check-up with a healthcare provider if you are ready to start trying to conceive. This might mean giving up smoking or limiting your alcohol consumption, but you want to do what you can to increase the chances of conceiving. If you have been having unprotected sex for 6 months or longer without conceiving, talk to a healthcare provider. There was an error. Please try again.
