Male Sperm Fertility Problems

Around 40% of all fertility troubles in couples can be directly linked to the male's sperm problems.

Pre-conception advice for couples needs to take this into account. There are things a man can do to make his sperm healthier. And things he should probably stop doing in order to help his partner getting pregnant.

Among the things he SHOULD DO are:

Eat healthily - fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat protein. These foods will keep a man's nutrient levels high enough to produce healthy sperm. Vitamins C and E, zinc and folic acid are particularly important. Key fertility foods for men include whole grains (oats, brown rice, whole wheat and quinoa)oily fish (salmon, mackerel and sardines) lean red meat (for iron and vitamin B12) honey (rich in the minerals and amino acids) leafy greens (for iron and vitamin C) oysters (rich in zinc) chilies (increase the flow of blood around the body and an excellent source of vitamin C) and avocado (provides a rich source of vitamin E).

Discuss current medications with their GP for pre-conception advice. Certain drugs, like steroids and those for high blood pressure, ulcers, hair loss or depression, may impair a man's fertility.

Quit smoking. Cigarettes create free radicals that cause cell damage, lowering sperm count and diminishing sperm quality.

Monitor the bike riding. Testicular damage caused by frequent bike riding can impair fertility. Men aiming on their partner getting pregnant should make sure they rest frequently, wear padded shorts and use a padded seat reduce the impact.

Lose weight. Various studies have shown that overweight men make less sperm. Men in the normal-weight range (with a BMI between 20 and 25) also have a lower percentage of abnormal sperm.

Check their exposure. If a man works regularly with chemicals (e.g. a painter, printer, farmer, cleaner, or in any manufacturing role where chemicals are used regularly) he needs to check if his workplace provides proper protection and ventilation.

Cut out drugs. Even those considered recreation drugs have a negative effect on sperm, hindering its ability to fertilize an egg.

Cut down on alcohol. Heavy drinking by the male is obviously a very bad idea when a couple is working at getting pregnant. It's not really known conclusively what affect moderate drinking can have either, but a prospective father should probably play it safe by limiting alcoholic drinks to one or two a day.

Keep cool. Sperm thrive at normal body temperature. Wearing tight underpants warms up the scrotum and may impede sperm production. Laptop computers may do the same so work with your computer on a table.

Debra Aspinall is an experienced journalist and the editor and leading writer for the Emma's Diary website, one of the UKs foremost pregnancy and baby websites. Debra writes on pregnancy related topics such as getting pregnant , pre conception advice, fertility problems, pre pregnancy advice and etc. She also writes on women's health and beauty issues and contributes travel articles to glossy magazines in London and the Home Counties.