When
we talk about sperm quality, this means the amount of sperm contained with the
semen, and the motility, or ability to move, of the sperm, which impacts the capacity
of the sperm to reach and fertilise the egg. What can men do to help ensure that their sperm are fighting fit? Here
are a few areas where some simple health-boosting lifestyle changes could help
to put you in the best position to conceive as a couple.
Stress
There’s some
conflicting information out there on whether or not stress affects the health
of sperm. While it’s not clear whether stress can decrease sperm count, high
stress levels are certainly likely to put a relationship under strain, which
could in turn make the process of trying to conceive more fraught.
We all know that
smoking isn’t great for your health in general. But if you’re trying for a baby
it could be a good time to kick the habit altogether, as there’s a link between smoking and poorer quality
sperm. Quitting smoking also has the effect of improving blood flow,
which
means better sex – all to the good when you’re trying to conceive.
Alcohol
Alcohol can affect sperm quality, although
it’s not clear to what exact degree. As few as five drinks a week could have an
impact, according to one research project. So what’s the best course of action? The NHS advises men to have a
few alcohol-free days a week as a sensible alternative to going completely
teetotal when they’re trying for a baby.
Weight and
exercise
Research seems to
show that being overweight can
affect both sperm quality and the volume of ejaculate, which carries the sperm.
It’s not just about diet – a lack of exercise could potentially halve a man’s
sperm count, according to one study, which linked watching too much TV to decreased fertility. That’s bad
news for the couch potatoes, so regular moderate exercise and easing back on
unhealthy food could be a good
idea.
Stay Cool
This one isn’t an
old wives’ tale: overheating the testicles can result in a low sperm count.
This is a reversible problem, luckily – but going easy on the saunas, hot baths
and tight underwear is a wise precaution!
Talk
to your doctor before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle. It’s
important to measure your sperm count before and after these changes so you’ll
know if they’re working or not.
