When couples are trying to conceive, fertility is often discussed mainly in terms of the woman's health. But male fertility is equally important. In fact, sperm health plays a major role in conception, and problems with sperm count, movement or shape can make it harder to achieve a pregnancy.
What affects sperm health?
Sperm production is influenced by several factors, including age, nutrition, weight, physical activity, sleep, stress, smoking, certain medications and medical conditions. Excessive heat around the testicles may also temporarily affect sperm production.
Men often assume that fertility is only about sperm count. But sperm quality also includes motility, morphology and the ability of sperm to fertilise an egg. Looking at all these factors is important when a couple is facing difficulty conceiving.
How to improve sperm quality naturally
A nutritious diet is an important starting point. Include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, pulses, nuts, seeds and good sources of
