Diet, Lifestyle and Male Fertility

Infertility affects approximately 15-20% of all couples trying to conceive, and about half of these couples have a male factor. There is good evidence that diet, lifestyle and nutritional supplementation can impact a man’s fertility. The list below includes habits male patients should avoid, and some to pursue.

Avoid smoking

Several studies have clearly shown that cigarette smoking lowers both sperm counts and sperm motility. If you smoke, now’s the time to quit. This is the single most important lifestyle change to promote fertility and your general health.

Avoid alcohol and drug use

We recommend that no alcohol be consumed by either potential parent while attempting to conceive. Recreational drugs such as marijuana, or steroids for body-building are never a good idea, but especially when you are trying to conceive. Also stop herbal supplements as well, as some may have an adverse effect on sperm.

Boxers or briefs

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 (varicose veins in the scrotum) on sperm production is believed to result from the extra warming of the area caused by the dilated veins. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that boxer style shorts are better than jockey type, so it’s your choice, but boxers generally result in a happier female partner. Avoid other sources of heat exposure to the testicles such as hot tubs or prolonged baths.

Identify and avoid environmental hazards

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 and quality. Always wear your protective gear and follow safety instructions.

Limit caffeine

Limit coffee or other caffeine-containing beverages to 1 or 2 drinks per day.

Avoid harmful nutritional supplements

Some types of nutritional supplements have a clearly damaging effect on male infertility. In particular, bodybuilding supplements including “hormone-like” substances such as DHEA or “andro” can actually stop sperm production completely. If you are taking any of these types of supplements, or other products intended to build muscle mass, stop immediately.

Sexual Activity

The likelihood of a woman becoming pregnant is much higher when she has intercourse as close to ovulation as possible. Some experts call the days before and the day of ovulation the “fertile window.” You can estimate the timing by using either basal temperature charts or an over-the-counter ovulation predictor kit which detects the surge of the hormone LH. The frequency of intercourse during the fertile window may make a difference, especially if there are some sperm issues. Some couples simply have relations every other day; others plan a two day period of abstinence before the anticipated ovulation day. The day of ovulation is usually the day after the surge of LH as seen on the urine test.

Avoid the use of any artificial lubricants such as K-Y jelly® or Replens®; Pre-seed is supposed to be conception-friendly. It also may help to have the woman not get up for at least 20 minutes to allow the sperm to begin to penetrate the cervical mucus.

Exercise

Moderate exercise may be beneficial for reducing stress. However, prolonged, competitive-level exercise may be just as bad as no exercise at all - so the key is moderation.

Proper diet

Just like your mother used to tell you, eating a healthy balanced diet is always a good idea. Here are some dietary specifics:

Nutrients and Male Infertility

Vitamins C and E -are essential antioxidants that protect the body’s cells from damage from oxidative stress and free radicals. Vitamin C is the most abundant antioxidant in the semen of fertile men, and it contributes to the maintenance of healthy sperm by protecting the sperm’s DNA from free radical damage. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps protect the sperm’s cell membrane from damage. Studies have shown that vitamin E improves sperm motility (movement) and morphology (size and shape).

Selenium -is a mineral that functions as an antioxidant. Selenium supplements have been shown to increase sperm motility, and a combination of selenium and vitamin E has shown to decrease damage from free radicals and improve sperm motility in infertile men.

Lycopene -is a powerful antioxidant and carotenoid (plant pigment) that is abundant in tomatoes. This “phytonutrient” is normally found in high levels in the male testes, and research has shown that lycopene supplementation improves sperm parameters in infertile men.

Zinc - is an essential trace mineral that plays a role in sperm formation, testosterone metabolism, and motility. Zinc supplementation increased testosterone levels and sperm count in a study of 22 men, which resulted in 9 pregnancies.

Folic Acid -is a B-vitamin that is necessary for DNA synthesis. Low levels of folic acid have been associated with a decreased sperm count and decreased sperm motility. In an recent study, the combination of zinc and folic acid resulted in a 74% increase in total normal sperm count in subfertile men.

L-Carnitine - is an amino acid produced by the body, and functions to transport fat so that it can be broken down for energy. L-carnitine provides energy for the sperm, and is important for optimal sperm motility. L-carnitine has been shown to increase sperm quality and increase pregnancy rate.

Oxidative Stress and Male Infertility

Recent scientific evidence has revealed that a condition known as “oxidative stress” may, in fact, be a common factor in some of the causes of male and female infertility. Oxidative stress is caused by the presence of certain molecules known as “reactive oxygen species” in the semen. These molecules, which can damage the sperm cell membrane and DNA, are also known as oxidants. Oxidants are normally kept under control by the presence of antioxidants in the semen. Two of the most important antioxidants are vitamins C and E. When the amount of oxidants in the semen exceeds the amount of antioxidants, we say that “oxidative stress” is present. Oxidative stress has been clearly shown to reduce fertility. Some studies have shown that oxidative stress may be present even when a standard semen analysis appears normal.

Choosing a Safe Male Fertility Supplement

Several nutritional supplements are available which claim to promote male fertility. Below are several suggested guidelines to follow:

1. Use a supplement which is produced under the guidance of a scientific or medical advisory panel.
2. Since we know there are many antioxidant pathways which protect sperm, use a supplement which contains several antioxidants.
3. It’s probably best to avoid any supplement with herbal content. (ie., garlic, ginseng, green tea extract, etc.)
4. Since supplement manufacturers are NOT required to test their products for content accuracy or purity, consider supplements which have been third-party certified (NSF or USP).
5. Supplements which meet most of these requirements are: Fertility Blend for Men, Proxeed and Conception XR. There are others. You can search the Internet for more specific information.

For more information visit www.reproductivepartners.com or to schedule an appointment call (877) 273-7763