Steps You Can Take To Improve Male Fertility

What Are The Odds Of Having Children?

A normal couple has a 20-37% chance of having children within three months, a 75% chance in a six-month period, and 90% within a year. Half of couples who fail to conceive within the first year will conceive the following year.

Around 20% of infertility cases are attributed solely to the male. An additional 30% of infertility cases are due to a combination of male and female causes.

If you have failed to conceive, it's a good idea to consult with a fertility specialist.

How Is Male Fertility Measured?

Initially, your doctor will evaluate male fertility by performing a physical examination and getting your medical and sexual history. The doctor will then analyze the semen, which is is usually collected by masturbation into a sterilized container.

The semen analysis provides crucial information about the number, movement, and shape of the sperm. Normal results are most likely when there is a normal sperm count and normal sperm movement.

However, the sperm should undergo a more thorough examination if the results are abnormal. The results of an examination can be affected by illness or medication used within the previous three months before semen sample was provided.

To help determine male fertility problems, hormone blood tests may also be performed.

How Often Should You Have Sex?

Although it may seem counter-intuitive, extended periods of abstinence may lead to a reduction in sperm quality. Ideally, couples should have sex at least twice a week during the woman's fertile phase.

The chances of a couple having a baby are higher when engaging in intercourse at least once a day, or every other day, during the fertile period. A pregnancy is more likely to occur if intercourse occurs within the six-day period that ends on the day of ovulation (when the egg is released).

What Are Some Ways To Increase Your Chances of Conceiving?

The fallopian tubes are reached within minutes of sperm being released into the vagina, regardless of what position was used during intercourse. Additionally, there is no evidence to suggest that a woman having an orgasm or resting for an extended period after intercourse increases the chances of conception.

Avoid using commercial lubricants or other substances that are used to lubricate, such as oils, KY Jelly, or saliva during the fertile phase. These substances can slow down the sperm's ability to survive and cause them move slower.

However, there are some lubricants that may be safe to use when trying to conceive, so your doctor may be able to help you choose the right lubricant for you.

How Diet Impacts Male Fertility

Studies have shown that obesity is directly associated with a decrease in sperm production. If you are an overweight man who wants to maintain optimal fertility, you should aim for a healthy body weight.

Multi-vitamins that contain antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, and male fertility supplements are helpful also. Their use has been shown to cause a slight increase in both sperm motility and sperm count.

Additionally, fruits and vegetables are natural sources of antioxidants, and are necessary for a healthy and balanced diet.

Drinking, Smoking, and Recreational Drugs

Reduced sperm quality is linked to smoking. Smoking is a major cause of poor sperm quality in men trying to conceive. Additionally, impaired sperm function is associated with recreational drugs like anabolic steroids or marijuana. These drugs should not be taken.

Boxers Or Briefs?

Research has shown that wearing briefs can increase the temperature of the scrotum, which could lead to a reduction in sperm quality. This can be avoided by wearing boxers.

These studies are not conclusive, however. Even so, you could potentially increase sperm count and quality by avoiding hot tubs and resting laptops on your lap during use.

The body's ability create sperm may be affected by taking certain medications as well. High fevers and chronic medical conditions can also negatively affect the body's production of sperm.

Talk to your doctor about how any medications you may be taking or any medical conditions you might have may impact your fertility.

Other Things You Can Do To Increase Your Odds

A healthy lifestyle can improve a man's fertility, as it can with many other aspects of health. Keeping a healthy body weight and eating a diet that includes plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables may help to increase the number and quality of sperm.

Also, a man may have a better chance of fathering a child by decreasing stress levels and managing chronic health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Keep in mind that it will take around 90 days for any lifestyle changes to show up in your sperm analysis.

Couples who have underlying health conditions or genetic problems should consult a doctor before they attempt to conceive.