Increase Male Fertility

Roughly 35% of couples who have problems conceiving discover it is the man that has fertility problems and are looking at ways to increase male fertility.

Sperm counts have fallen by almost a third in the last 10 years. The main factors that seem to make a damaging dent on the man's sperm count are an increase in drug use, alcohol consumption, smoking and an increase in obesity.

In isolation these factors are bad enough, but when two or more of these causes are combined it leads to a rapid decline in the number and quality of sperm.

Tips to improve male fertility

But don't despair! If you're thinking of conceiving, here are some quick and easy tips for turning yourself into a literal sperm making machine.

• Eat brazil nuts - Brazil nuts are rich in selenium, a mineral that seems to help boost sperm production and improve their swimming ability.
• Eat tomatoes - Research suggests that lycopene, a nutrient found in tomatoes, helps in the production of healthy, agile sperm.
• Deal with your stress - Stress leads to the release of adrenalin and other hormones which can restrict blood flow to the testes and inhibit sperm production. It also leads to the release of chemical by-products called free radicals, which lead to sperm damage. Take an anti-oxidant supplement with zinc, selenium and vitamin C.
• Take vitamins - Studies show that supplementing with vitamin C can assist in the making of properly functioning sperm, and reduce their tendency to clump together (agglutinate). 1,000mg of vitamin C each day should be enough to help men make top seed. High doses of zinc appear to help boost levels of testosterone in men with low levels of this hormone, and may bring substantial improvements in sperm numbers. A zinc supplement of 50-100mg should be taken each day (balanced with 3-6mg of copper per day to prevent copper deficiency) for three months. Like zinc, Korean ginseng appears to have the ability to enhance both testosterone and sperm levels. About 500mg of standardised extract should be taken each day for three months.
• Eat healthy fats - Healthy fats, known as essential fatty acids (EFAs), appear to be important ingredients in the manufacture of sperm. The Total EFA is a supplement that contains a range of EFAs that may help boost sperm numbers in time.
• Go organic - Declining sperm counts could be related to xenoestrogens, hormone-like chemical pollutants that come from a variety of sources, including agrochemical residues. A shift towards more organic foods in the diet will help to reduce exposure to these fertility-sapping chemicals.
• Stay cool - Testicles should remain cooler than the rest of the body, so tight Y-fronts, hot baths and high central heating temperatures are a no-no. Men are also advised to walk about after sitting at a computer to help the airflow around the testes.
• Avoid smoking - Tobacco smoke contains chemicals that weaken sperm function and deplete the anti-oxidants, especially vitamin C, that neutralise damaging free radicals. Our tip? Start a new smoke-free lifestyle to help boost your sperm count.
• Avoid recreational drugs - Cocaine, for example, affects sperm motility and could prevent fertilisation. Cannabis leads to a low sperm count and an increase in abnormal sperm. Smoking one joint lowers testosterone levels for up to 36 hours. Avoid muscle-building drugs, too. Anabolic steroids, taken by some athletes to increase muscle size, and improve strength and endurance, may boost sex drive and sexual performance in the short term. But in the long term, they have the opposite effect and can cause a 25 per cent drop in sperm count.