LIFESTYLE ISSUES & FERTILITY

Whether your semen analyses are normal or not, there is good evidence that diet and lifestyle can have a major effect on a man's fertility. The list below includes both things you should avoid and certain things to pursue.

• Smoking
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    Several studies have clearly shown that cigarette smoking lowers both sperm counts and sperm motility. If you smoke, now's the time to quit. If you've tried to quit without success, seek help from your family doctor.
    
    
• Alcohol Use
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    Excessive alcohol consumption has been clearly shown to impair normal sperm. The evidence regarding moderate alcohol intake is less clear, but most experts agree it's best to avoid more than one to two drinks per day.
    
    
• Sexual Activity
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    The likelihood of a woman becoming pregnant is much higher when you have intercourse in the three days immediately leading up to and including ovulation. Some experts call these three days the "fertile window." You can determine when the woman ovulates either by using basal temperature charts, or with an over-the-counter ovulation predictor kit.
    
    
  • The frequency of intercourse during the fertile window generally doesn't matter. Although earlier studies seemed to show that several days of abstinence might increase sperm counts, more recent findings indicate that more frequent intercourse may in fact be better.
    
    
  • Contrary to popular belief there is no scientific evidence of a best position for conception.
    
    
  • Finally, avoid the use of any artificial lubricants such as K-Y Jelly^® or Replens^®.
    
    
• Avoid excessive heat
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    It is well known that the testicles should be cooler than the rest of the body for sperm production to be at its best. The harmful effect of a varicocele on sperm production is believed to partly result from the extra warming of the area caused by the dilated veins.
    
    
  • While there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that boxer style shorts are better than jockey type, it is important to avoid other sources of heat exposure to the testicles such as hot tubs, saunas, high-temperature work areas, or prolonged baths.
    
    
• Healthy Diet
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    Eating a balanced diet is important. A healthy diet should be relatively low in fat and include whole grains, low-fat meat and dairy, and at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Low fruit and vegetable intake has been associated with increased rates of male infertility. Soy isoflavone intake from soy foods has been associated with increased sperm function and male fertility, although high intakes (more than 1-2 servings per day of soy foods such as tofu, soy milk, tempeh, soy nuts, or edamame) are not recommended due to soy's potential weak estrogenic effects.
    
    
• Exercise
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    Moderate exercise may be beneficial. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity (walking, running, cycling, swimming, etc.) on most days of the week.
    
    
• Caffeine
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    Limit coffee or other caffeine containing beverages to one drink per day.
    
    
• Environmental hazards
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    If your work or hobby brings you into contact with environmental dangers such as pesticides, solvents, organic fumes or radiation exposure, you may be unknowingly affecting your fertility by impairing sperm production.
    
    
• Harmful nutritional supplements
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    Some types of nutritional supplements have a damaging effect on male fertility. In particular, supplements which provide hormone-like substances such as DHEA or “andro” can decrease sperm production. If you are taking any of these types of supplements, or other products intended to build muscle mass, it's best to stop.
    
• Medications that Impair Fertility
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    Certain medications can interfere with sperm production. For example, testosterone replacement therapy decreases sperm production. This is temporary effect that should reverse within a few months of stopping the therapy. Your urologist or fertility specialist should be able to guide you regarding your medication use while you are trying to conceive.