Male fertility concerns are growing more in Mountain View, California. If you’re trying to conceive, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success. Male fertility is just as important as female fertility when it comes to conception, and there are some simple steps men can take to improve their sperm count and overall fertility. Schedule an appointment with a specialist in male infertility in Mountain View first. Here are seven tips for enhancing male fertility.
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Quit Smoking
Smoking is one of the leading factors in male infertility and is often closely related to erectile dysfunction (ED). Cigarette smoking has been linked to low sperm count, low sperm motility (the percentage of moving sperm), deformed sperm, and abnormally-shaped sperm heads. Quitting smoking will improve your sperm count and help you avoid the medical complications of ED.
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Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol, in addition to cigarettes, has been linked to male infertility. According to a recent news article in The Telegraph, researchers believe alcohol may alter testosterone levels and reduce “the capacity of the testes to produce sperm.” Some studies have shown that men who drink large amounts of alcohol (four or more drinks/day) had a 60% lower sperm count than non-drinkers.
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Lose Weight
To boost male fertility, it’s important to watch your weight and maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI). Being overweight can cause testosterone levels to decline, resulting in a lower sperm count. It’s also been found that obesity is linked to decreased fertility. Researchers have discovered an inverse relationship between BMI and total sperm count and concentration – men with a high BMI have lower concentrations of sperm than normal-weight individuals.
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Be Active in Physical Exercises
Regular exercise, especially aerobic exercises such as running and cycling, can increase a man’s sperm count. Researchers have found a positive relationship between physical activity and sperm counts. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), regular exercise can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease and other conditions affecting fertility.
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Get Tested for Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Untreated STDs may contribute to male infertility. The NIH reports, “Men with chronic (long-term) infection and inflammation of the genital tract due to untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may develop scarring and obstruction of the epididymis or vas deferens.” If you think you may be at risk of getting an STD, get tested and speak to your doctor about treatment and ways to avoid transmitting the disease.
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Drink Milk and Eat Lean Red Meat
According to a study on healthit.com, men who drank two or more glasses of milk daily were found to have greater sperm counts than those who drank less than one glass per day. Researchers believe there may be a link between dairy products and semen quality. Other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids (lean red meat, eggs, etc.) can help boost fertility.
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Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
Medical experts recommend eating various fruits and vegetables for overall health, but it can also boost your sperm count. According to one study, men who ate the most vegetables (about nine servings per day) had 25% more normal-shaped sperm than those who ate the least produce (3 servings or less).
There are various things you can do to increase your fertility as a man. Some are easier than others, but all will help improve your chances of conceiving. Start by quitting smoking, drinking in moderation, and being physically active. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and drink milk every day. Lastly, get tested for STDs and see a doctor if you have any concerns about your fertility.