As a woman gets pregnant, most of the attention related to fertility is focused on her solely.
But did you know?
Infertility is not just a woman’s thing and it equally affects men…
About half of all infertility cases stem from male problems.
Relax! This can be corrected easily since it is receptive to changing lifestyle and habits. For instance, if you quit smoking, the sperm count can improve within three months.
If you want to understand what causes infertility and ways to avoid it, keep on reading.
Causes of Infertility
According to the World Health Organization, infertility is a condition where a couple cannot conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected sex.
About one in eight couples have difficulty getting pregnant, and half of the infertility problems are attributed to the male partner.
Some causes of male infertility are:
- Certain drugs, including anabolic steroids, antibiotics, and marijuana
- Excess heat, for instance, tight clothing, excessive use of the hot tub, or certain occupation, including welders or firefighters
- Low testosterone levels
- Stress
- Toxicants such as heavy metals, paint, herbicides, and pesticides
- Excess exercise, including cycling
- Long-term conditions such as malnutrition, diabetes, cancer, and anemia
- Surgery such as treatment for hernia
Ways to Improve Your Fertility
Here are some simple yet effective tips to improve your fertility
Take Supplements
D-aspartic Acid
D-aspartic acid (D-AA) is a type of amino acid and is available as a dietary supplement. In your body, D-AA is naturally present in the testicles, semen, and sperm cells.
D-AA levels are lower in infertile men as compared to healthy men. Experts believe that D-AA supplements improve testosterone levels, the hormone playing a crucial role in male fertility.
Taking 3 grams of D-AA supplements for two weeks may increase testosterone levels by 50%, improving your fertility.
Vitamin C
It is seen that antioxidant supplements such as vitamin C may boost your fertility.
Oxidative stress and not taking enough antioxidants negatively affects your health and semen.
So, antioxidant-rich supplements such as vitamin C and Co-enzyme Q10 counteracts these effects and improve semen quality.
It is seen that taking 1,000-mg vitamin C supplements for two months can significantly improve sperm motility and sperm count.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is another nutrient that may boost testosterone levels.
According to some studies, vitamin-D-deficient men have lower testosterone levels than men with normal vitamin D levels. While some studies also suggest that high vitamin D levels improve sperm motility, the evidence is not adequate.
Taking 3,000 IU of vitamin D3 every day for one year can boost your testosterone levels.
Be Physically Active
Regular exercise improves your general health and boosts testosterone levels, increasing fertility.
Various studies have shown that men who exercise regularly have higher testosterone levels and semen quality than physically inactive men
However, too much exercise may have the opposite effect.
Get 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise such as brisk walk and swimming a day or 150 minutes a week to improve your health and fertility.
Relax and Minimize Stress
It is difficult to be in the mood and enjoy time with your partner if you are stressed out. Besides, stress may also impact your sexual satisfaction and fertility.
Experts believe that stress increases cortisol hormone levels, which negatively affects testosterone levels.
Stress management and relaxation techniques such as meditation, walk in nature, and exercise can improve your fertility.
Others
Some other factors that can help are:
- Quitting smoke or use tobacco
- Consuming alcohol in moderation
- Getting adequate sleep
- Avoiding long, hot baths or use a hot tub
- Getting regular dental check-ups
- Limiting the intake of soy
- Maintaining a healthy weight
Final Thoughts
Infertility is a common condition in both men and women. So, if you and your partner cannot conceive, it is best for both of you to improve your lifestyle and take steps to enhance fertility.
Men should equally focus on their health and take measures to lead a healthy lifestyle. Besides, if it has been more than a year that you are planning to get pregnant, don’t struggle it on your own. It is best to consult your doctor.
