How to improve male fertility? Men’s reproductive health is as important in a successful pregnancy as women’s.
If couples encounter problems when trying to achieve pregnancy, the first thought in a woman’s mind usually revolves around the female reproductive issues, but according to studies, of all infertility cases, approximately 40%–50% is due to “male factors”. It may be one or a combination of low sperm concentration, poor sperm motility, or abnormal morphology.[1]
There are several ways to improve male fertility.
1. “Take care of your assets”.
Do not expose your testicles to heat.
- Sperm is best produced when the scrotum is about half a degree cooler than the rest of the body. No wonder why, because if we look at the difference between male and female reproductive system — ovaries are inside a woman’s body, where they are protected and kept warm. Testicles are housed outside of a man’s body, which indicates that their natural preference is to be cooler
- Avoiding long hot baths and spas is preferred, but if you cannot resist a steamy shower, at least keeping the temperature below 38 degrees would be the best option
- Hot water is not the only way to produce high scrotal temperatures, which may decrease sperm production. Sitting down is as well, so avoid sitting down for very long periods of time
- Avoid using heated car seats or often holding a laptop on your lap
- Also, when having trouble fathering a child, consider switching to boxer shorts, since briefs keep the testicles closer to the body. Having testicles "hang" can keep them cooler[2]
Do not keep your mobile phone in your trouser pocket.
- According to a study conducted by Cleveland Clinic Foundation of Ohio, USA, the use of cell phones decreases semen quality by reducing sperm count, motility, viability and normal morphology. Keeping the cell phone in front pockets for over 4 hours daily is found to be associated with the percentage of immature sperms. Holding your phone in the back pocket is a better option
2. Do not be afraid to test your fertility. It is easy.
It is always a good idea to become aware of how fertile you are. Fertility rate in men younger than the age of 30 years has decreased worldwide by 15%.[3] This trend has been confirmed in many studies in different countries, which indicates an overall rising public health issue. If we look at the lifestyle of men 60 years ago and now, there is a significant difference – less active lifestyle, more chemicals in food and beverages and overall worse diet. This all is an almost inevitable issue, due to the fast lifestyle we all have been dragged into.
Thanks to the modern science, male fertility tests can be bought over the counter without a doctor’s referral, which gives the possibility for a discrete handling of the issue without the discomfort of going through a healthcare specialist first.
The single best predictor for male fertility is the number of Progressive Motile Sperm Cells (PMSCs), the only cells that can fertilize a woman in a natural way. Other living sperm cells (motile sperm) are active, but their movement, which is not straight, cannot succeed in fertilization.
SwimCount™ Sperm Quality Test is the world's first valid and patented over the counter sperm quality test for home use that can measure the concentration of Progressive Motile Sperm Cells (PMSCs), the only sperm cells that can achieve pregnancy in a natural way.
3. Male fertility vitamins
It takes a minimum of 10-12 weeks (90 days) for a man to produce new sperm cells in his body, so remaining on a helpful supplement for 3 months can help with male fertility and reproduction.
Ingredients with a clinical evidence for efficacy on the sperm[4]:
- Selenium – helps to achieve linear progression and concentration
- Zinc – concentration and sperm morphology
- Vitamin B12 – sperm count
- Folic Acid – count, motility and lowers DNA damage
- Vitamin C – concentration, motility and lower DNA damage
SwimCount™ SpermCare Food Supplement includes all of the above ingredients plus more to provide the body with the needed nutrients to maintain a normal sperm production, fertility and reproduction as well as maintain a normal testosterone level.
It is always advised to focus on an adequate vitamin intake through available vitamin-rich foods. It is important to remember that fertility vitamins are a supplement to a healthy diet for men. They are not a replacement for a healthy diet. Ask a medical professional or a pharmacist for their recommendations.
4. Is the age of a man also an important factor when planning a baby?
Yes, age plays an important role in regard to sperm quality. Men below 40 years of age have a better chance of fertilizing a woman than those over 40. The quality of the sperm produced declines as they get older. The amount of semen (the fluid that contains sperm) and sperm motility (ability to move towards an egg) decrease continually between the ages of 20 and 80.[5]
According to a study – sperm cell motility decreases around 0,17% to 0,6% a year. Most men produce millions of sperm cells every single day, but men above 40 have fewer healthy sperm cells than younger men. We have heard stories about men in their 80s and 90s fathering children, but this is extremely rare.
Man’s age also affects the chances for achieving pregnancy. It takes longer to conceive for couples where the man is older than 40 years.
According to Your Fertility, assuming a woman is younger than 25; if her partner is also younger than 25, it takes an average of five months to get pregnant. If her partner is older than 40 years, it takes around two years, and even longer if he is older than 45.
Also, the risk of miscarriage is higher for women whose male partner is older than 45, compared to men younger than 25 years of age.
For couples having IVF, the chance of having a baby is higher if the man is younger than 41 years of age.
Bear in mind that taking care of yourself and your well-being will always result in a positive impact to many aspects of your physical and mental health.
[2] https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/Conditions-That-Affect-Fertility Conditions that affect fertility
[3] Martin JA, Hamilton BE, Sutton PD, Ventura SJ, Menacker F, Kirmeyer S. Births: Final data for 2004. Natl Vital Stat Rep. 2006; 55:1–101.
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7284793/ Dietary Supplements for Male Infertility: A Critical Evaluation of Their Composition
[5] https://www.yourfertility.org.au/everyone/age Why age matters for men and women who want to have a family.
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