When you’re thinking about starting your family, you’ll want to give yourself the best possible chance. If you’ve already started the process and it is taking some time, it might be an idea to chat with a fertility specialist about your options. While in some cases, there may be fertility issues in a female, 40% of couples struggle to conceive due to complications with sperm function and health. Furthermore, one in 20 Australian men experience problems with sperm quality, causing difficulties conceiving.
The most common causes for male infertility are:
- Low sperm count
- Impotence
- Hormonal problems
- Blockages within the male reproductive organs
Fortunately, there are methods to overcome these challenges and they can all be worked through with Adelaide fertility specialists like Embrace Fertility.
Semen analysis is one of the most effective ways to assess fertility potential; from there, the cause becomes clearer, helping you make informed decisions about what to do next. Whether that’s ICSI, IUI, IVF, or changes to lifestyle and diet, Embrace Fertility is committed to supporting you.
In the meantime, here are five everyday ways you can boost male fertility:
- Minimise alcohol consumption
Heavy drinking can reduce sperm quality, lower testosterone production, and make it more difficult to achieve an erection. Drink in moderation or quit altogether, especially while you are trying to conceive. If you can stop drinking together, it will give you an even better chance.
- Maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise
Regular exercise boosts sperm quality and quantity. Australian guidelines recommend at least 2½ hours of moderate exercise per week. A healthy body is a great to help your fertility, as well as improve your mental health, as trying to conceive can sometimes be a stressful process, if there are difficulties involved.
- Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables
Fruit and vegetables, particularly leafy greens, increases sperm concentration and sperm motility. It is often helpful to speak to a nutritionist about a diet that best suits you and your lifestyle.
- Keep sexually active
When trying to conceive, it’s recommended to ejaculate or have sex two – three times around ovulation, if possible. This can help avoid a build-up and improve sperm quality. Read more about the mathematics of conception here.
- Quit smoking and avoid recreational drug use
A healthy baby starts with healthy sperm and a healthy egg. The chemicals in cigarettes damage sperm and eggs, so there is no safe limit for smoking. The good news is that the effects of smoking on sperm and eggs are reversible.
Lifestyle factors can cause infertility, but so too can genetic problems and physical blockages to the male reproductive organs. For more information about how Embrace Fertility can help you, read about our team of fertility specialists and qualified professionals.
If you think you need further assistance, see your GP or contact us to discuss your options.