Fertility can be a sensitive issue for men who are diagnosed with infertility. The good news is that today, there are a variety of treatments available that can help improve male fertility. If you are experiencing male infertility, seeking the help of a fertility specialist may be recommended. A fertility specialist is a doctor who specializes in treating infertility in both men and women.
Do’s and Don’ts for Men with Infertility
If you are experiencing infertility, there are some do’s and don’ts you should consider to help improve your chances of success. The following are some things that can help improve male fertility:
Do maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or underweight can affect male fertility, so it’s important to maintain a healthy weight.
Do avoid alcohol and tobacco: Smoking and drinking can have a negative effect on male fertility, so it’s best to avoid them altogether.
Do exercise regularly: Exercise can help improve sperm quality and quantity, so adding regular physical activity to your daily routine is recommended.
Do manage stress: High levels of stress can negatively impact fertility, so finding ways to manage stress, such as meditation or yoga, can be helpful.
Don’t use drugs: Using recreational drugs can negatively affect male fertility, so it’s best to avoid them altogether.
Don’t expose yourself to toxins: Exposure to environmental toxins, such as lead or pesticides, can negatively impact male fertility, so it’s important to avoid them.
Don’t wear tight-fitting clothing: Wearing tight-fitting clothing can increase testicular temperature, which can affect sperm quality and quantity, so it’s best to avoid them.
Food and Lifestyle Habits for Improved Fertility
Along with following the do’s and don’ts listed above, making some changes to your diet and lifestyle habits may also be helpful in improving male fertility. The following are some foods and lifestyle habits that can help improve male fertility:
Eat a healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can help improve male fertility.
Increase antioxidant intake: Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, can help improve sperm quality, so eating foods rich in these nutrients, such as citrus fruits and nuts, can be helpful.
Reduce caffeine intake: Drinking too much caffeine can negatively impact male fertility, so it’s best to limit your intake to no more than two cups of coffee per day.
Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is important for overall health, including male fertility, so aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night.
Reduce exposure to heat: Exposure to heat, such as from hot tubs or saunas, can increase testicular temperature and negatively affect sperm quality and quantity, so it’s best to limit your exposure to heat.
IVF, IUI, ICSI, Surrogacy Treatment Process
In some cases, male infertility may require medical treatment. The following are some of the most common treatments for male infertility:
IVF (In vitro fertilization): IVF is a treatment that involves removing eggs from a woman’s ovaries and fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory. The fertilized eggs are then transferred back into the woman’s uterus.
IUI (Intrauterine insemination): IUI is a treatment that involves inserting sperm directly into a woman’s uterus, increasing the chances of fertilization.
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic sperm injection): ICSI is a treatment that involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg to achieve fertilization.
Surrogacy: Surrogacy is an option for couples who are unable to conceive. It involves using a surrogate mother to carry the pregnancy to term.
In conclusion, male infertility can be a difficult condition to manage, but there are many treatments available to help improve fertility. By following the do’s and don’ts for male infertility, making some changes to your diet and lifestyle habits, and seeking the help of a fertility specialist, you can increase your chances of success. And, if a medical treatment is necessary, there are options available, such as IVF, IUI, ICSI, and surrogacy, to help you achieve your dream of becoming a parent.