Avoid alcohol & tobacco:
Smoking, including passive smoking and excessive alcohol consumption have been shown to lower sperm health. What is excessive alcohol consumption ? Click here to find out more.
Have regular sex at the right time:
- Sex every 2 to 3 days optimises the chances of pregnancy.
- If a man ejaculates too frequently (8 times a week or more), sperm health will be poorer, so it’s important to maintain a gap of two days between ejaculations.
- It’s also important to know when the female partner is ovulating. Talk to your doctor about how you can work out when this is.
Avoid tight-fitting underwear, hot baths & electric blankets:
These increase testicle temperature and may reduce sperm health.
Take time to relax and avoid stress:
Stress can affect a couple’s relationship and is likely to reduce libido and how often you have sex.
Ensure adequate nutrition:
A healthy (balanced) diet is essential for general health, which supports reproductive health.Include foods that contain high levels of antioxidants:
- Vegetables, particularly artichokes, broccoli
- Beans, particularly kidney and pinto beans
- Nuts, particularly hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts
- Grains, particularly sorghum
- Fruits, particularly cranberries, blueberries, blackberries, red and green apples
- Dark chocolate and red wine