What is male infertility?
Male infertility affects around half of all infertile couples. The most common causes include lifestyle factors, problems with sperm production, movement or shape, sperm antibodies, chromosome and DNA abnormalities, hormonal problems or erectile and ejaculation difficulties. Fortunately most causes are readily diagnosed and most can be treated or overcome to help a couple conceive.
There are a number of ways that men can improve the quality of their sperm to help achieve a successful pregnancy with their partner. The lifecycle of sperm is only 72 days so with a few lifestyle changes many men can improve the quality of their sperm within just a few months.
Tips to improve the quality of your sperm
A few simple changes to your diet and lifestyle could help improve your overall health and fertility.
Stop smoking
Active and passive smoking harms sexual and reproductive health in both men and women. For men it can damage sperm DNA and increase the chances of miscarriage and likelihood of childhood cancers.
Do not use steroids
Many men are tempted to use anabolic steroids to improve their muscular strength and body fitness. However, these have a serious and sometimes permanent effect on sperm production. An absolute no-no for anyone planning a family in the near future.
Limit alcohol intake
Daily consumption of alcohol and binge drinking is known to affect your fertility. Try and follow the rule of ‘everything in moderation’.
Maintain a healthy weight
Having a high or low BMI can affect sperm concentration and count. If you are overweight, try to reduce your weight as obesity can be linked to infertility. Even a small reduction in weight can make a difference.
Exercise regularly
Sperm quality is reduced when men are too sedentary. Sitting on testicles for hours every day can cause them to overheat and halt sperm production. Regular exercise will also help to maintain a healthy weight.
Stop Recreational Drugs and Steroids
Recreational drugs such as marijuana and cocaine can decrease sperm quantity and increase the number of abnormal sperm while steroid abuse can result in shrunken testicles and halt sperm production.
Have frequent sex (or at least frequent ejaculation)
Sperm does not become more potent if a man abstains from sex or ejaculation — in fact it is the opposite. Ejaculate or have regular sex 2 – 3 times per week so sperm is not stored for too long in the testicles where it can be damaged.
Eat a healthy diet
Men should eat a balanced diet – try to include more fresh vegetables, fruit and lean meat. Foods particularly rich in antioxidants help improve sperm health such as berries, pumpkin seeds, colourful leafy vegetables and you could consider multivitamin supplements such as Vitamin C and E which are known for their antioxidant qualities.
Common myths about sperm
- Men that wear lycra and tight jeans harm their sperm. False – in fact they are no more likely to have sperm production issues.
- Too many saunas, working in high temperature environments, or sitting in cramped conditions for hours can affect your sperm count. True – sperm like to be kept a few degrees cooler than the average body temperature of 37C.
- Acute viral illness, trauma, or a childhood operation for undescended testes or hernias of the groin can have a significant detrimental effect on sperm health. True.
- Being hit in the groin during sports will affect your ability to have children. False – while painful, it can only really have an impact on your fertility if it’s extremely severe.
- Age doesn’t affect a man’s fertility. False – After 40, a greater number of DNA abnormalities occur in sperm.
- If you’ve been a father once you can do it again. False – the quality of your sperm may have changed since.
- Men’s sperm only survives an hour after ejaculation. False – sperm can survive for several days in a woman's body.
What's involved in a semen analysis?
Disclaimer: Online self-assessment tools do not substitute the advice of a certified health professional. Book an appointment with a Fertility Specialist for personalised guidance.
- Step 1: Test request form
- Step 2: Produce a semen sample
- Step 3: Semen analysis in a laboratory
- Step 4: Explanation of your results
Ready to take the next step?
Speak with the Reprocare team about a plan shaped around your history and goals.