Healthy fertility habits
Male factor infertility has been shown to be a component of the total couple’s infertility in 50% of all cases. Therefore, improvement of the male infertility may actually be what is needed to achieve pregnancy in a large number of cases and should not be overlooked.
In most cases, there are no other warning signs apart from infertility itself. However, based on the underlying cause (anatomical, metabolic, hormonal etc.), there may be some accompanying signs that should prompt further investigation by a fertility specialist. These are the following:
- Sexual intercourse disorders, such as ejaculation difficulties, small sperm ejaculate volume, reduced libido and/or erectile dysfunction.
- Pain, swelling and/or a palpable lump in the testicular area.
- Recurrent respiratory infections (possibly associated with cystic fibrosis).
- Anosmia (inability to smell).
- Gynaecomastia (breast growth).
- Decreased facial and/or body hair.
If there are no major warning signs of a specific underlying condition that may be the root cause of infertility, then a few simple lifestyle modifications may be appropriate for you and may help enhance male fertility.
Namely, beneficial changes may include:
- Smoking cessation.
- Reducing / ceasing alcohol intake.
- Maintenance of a normal weight (BMI: 18.5-25).
- Avoidance of having a vasectomy, prefer alternative contraception strategies.
- Avoid exposure to environmental health hazards (radiation, industrial chemicals, heavy metals etc).
- Psychological stress reduction.
- Acupuncture: stress reduction and sperm quality improvement.
- Exercise.
- Avoidance of substance abuse.
- Balanced diet and dietary supplements, most importantly:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Selenium
- Zinc
- Folic acid
- Avoidance of continuous sitting at work and cycling.
Remember that infertility should not be a source of shame or a taboo subject in the modern era. Contact EmbryoClinic today for a holistic approach to infertility and for more effective treatment options if the above do not seem to work.