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Lifestyle factors can influence male fertility, and your healthcare provider may suggest that you initiate lifestyle changes when you are trying to conceive.
General Guidelines for Managing Infertility in Men
Change the Timing of Sexual Activity
Sperm quality declines if ejaculation occurs more frequently than every 48 hours or less frequently than every five days. Your chances of attaining pregnancy are also improved if sexual intercourse occurs a day or so before ovulation. This gives sperm time to travel up the female reproductive tract and be in the fallopian tube—where fertilization takes place—when the egg gets there during ovulation. Many lubricants contain spermicidal ingredients, so you should avoid using these when trying to conceive.
Avoid Using Tobacco, Marijuana, Anabolic Steroids, and Recreational Drugs
The toxins in cigarette smoke reduce sperm count and motility and increase the number of abnormal sperm. Smoking also adversely affects hormone levels and may affect the cells in the testes that produce testosterone. Like cigarette smoking, use of marijuana also can adversely affect sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology. It also reduces plasma testosterone levels. Anabolic steroids are sometimes used to increase muscle mass or strength, but they also influence production of reproductive hormones and can reduce fertility. Use of cocaine also negatively affects sperm parameters as well as the ability of sperm to penetrate cervical mucus. Opiates (heroin, morphine) may reduce fertility in men by altering hormone production.
Avoid Excessive Use of Alcohol
Although moderate alcohol consumption does not affect male fertility, excessive alcohol intake alters hormone levels and reduces sperm count and sperm quality.
High body fat can alter hormone metabolism. If you are overweight, consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian to find out what weight is healthy for you and to get help in attaining it.
Exercise Moderately, but Not Excessively
Moderate exercise increases sperm production and may have beneficial effects on fertility. However, excessive exercise, such as that performed by long-distance runners, reduces sperm production.
Avoid Testicular Injury in Sporting Events
The testicles are easily damaged during vigorous sporting events or fights. These injuries can cause inflammation that reduces the blood supply to the testicles, which can permanently damage sperm-producing cells.
Avoid Exposure to Excessive Heat
Some evidence suggests that heat exposure, such as occurs when using a sauna or hot tub, may affect sperm quantity and quality.
Wear Loose-Fitting Shorts and Pants
Underwear and clothing that is tight and constricting may reduce blood flow in the groin and adversely affect sperm production.
If You Bicycle, Try Using a Softer Saddle
Certain bicycle seats may cause circulatory and neurologic damage in the groin that can affect erectile function.
Learn Positive Ways to Manage Stress
Psychological stress can be a positive or negative force in your life, depending on how you deal with it. High levels of stress hormones interfere with many physiologic processes and may influence your ability to attain conception. To help reduce mental and emotional stress in your life, consider learning relaxation exercises, yoga or tai chi, or talking to a counselor about problems or stressful relationships in your life. Talk to your healthcare provider about which stress management options may be best for you, and request a referral to a stress management program.
References:
American Society for Reproductive Medicine website. Available at: http://www.asrm.org/.
International Council on Infertility Information Dissemination website. Available at: http://www.inciid.org/.
RESOLVE. The National Infertility Association website. Available at: http://www.resolve.org/.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Adrienne Carmack, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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