How to Improve Male Fertility
Male infertility is usually the result of a decrease in sperm quality and is increasingly being recognised as a significant factor in couples failing to achieve a pregnancy. Whilst a severe deficiency in sperm quality causing fertility problems by itself can affect a quarter of all couples, a decrease in sperm quality will have an impact in reducing conception in almost half of all couples.
For men with a decrease in sperm quality from an unidentified cause, no specific treatment can be offered , however there are some simple measures that can be taken to improve sperm quality and increase the likelihood of pregnancy.
Avoid Heat
The normal production of sperm from cells in the testis is dramatically effected by heat. The testis lie below the body within the scrotum and require a lower temperature from the rest of the body to work most efficiently. It has been shown that even mild and intermittent overheating of the testis can lead to a decrease in sperm quality.
Overheating of the testis can be reduced by avoidance of certain risk factors, and the following are advised if a decrease in sperm quality is noted.
- Use of showers rather than hot baths.
- Avoidance of working in high temperatures (including prolonged sitting at a desk or working with laptop computers.
- Avoidance of Jacuzzis and saunas
- Wearing boxer shorts or loose fitting briefs rather than tight underwear.
It is known that illness such as viral infections and influenza will have a dramatic effect on sperm production that can take up to 8 weeks to return to normal.
Other Factors that affect Male Fertility
There is evidence that other factors related to modern lifestyle may effect sperm production, and whilst environmental pollutants cannot be avoided it is recommended that individuals should:-
- Avoid/ stop smoking
- Reduce alcohol intake ( ideally < 5 units per week or stop completely)
- Avoid Cannabis and other drugs.
- Avoid obesity
- Take regular exercise
- There is no evidence that “stress” has a detrimental effect on sperm production but it may have an effect on general wellbeing.
If you are looking for fertility advice that is tailored to you, visit our fertility assessments page which details the baseline investigations we can carry out for you before any fertility treatment begins.
