Problems with male fertility is now thought to account for around a third of
couples who fail to conceive - and this is hardly surprising considering that
sperm counts have halved over the last 50 years. Some of these problems are
inevitably due to underlying conditions, infections and congenital diseases,
which must be considered separately, but in many cases, the causes are nutritional,
environment or related to lifestyle.
A good multivitamin and mineral supplement taken on a daily basis will help to correct any dietary deficiencies you may have. In addition other nutrients may be of help.
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1gm to 3gm per day |
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400mcg to 1,000mcg per day |
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2gm to 4gm per day |
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100mcg to 200mcg per day |
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1000mcg per day |
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1gm 3 times per day |
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500iu per day |
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15mg to 30mg per day with 1-2mg of Copper |
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500mg 3 times per day |
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500mg 3 times per day |
Good nutrition is vital. It’s important to have a diet rich in essential Vitamin E and Vitamin C, Zinc, selenium and, very importantly, an abundance of anti-oxidants. You need at least six portions a day of a variety of vegetables, including spinach and avocado (for Vitamin E) and four helpings of fresh fruit (for Vitamin C).
Dark green, red and orange vegetables, deep red, blue and blue/black fruits and berries are the richest sources of anti-oxidants. And you need to add at least 100g a day of fresh, unsalted nuts and seeds - particularly pumpkin seeds - for Zinc and Brazil nuts for selenium. It is also essential to increase your intake of phyto-oestrogens - you’ll get them from all the legumes (beans and peas) especially soya beans, and all soya products.
Caffeine and alcohol can cause considerable damage to sperm, and some studies have shown that the healthiest sperm is obtained by avoiding them for three months before attempted conception. That’s the average lifespan of a single sperm, so after three months without caffeine and alcohol all the damaged ones will have been replaced.
It’s also important to avoid high food intakes of the damaging free radicals which are found in hydrogenated fats and oils - in all margarines and most processed foods - saturated fats, trans fats - also in margarines - and all rancid and over-heated fats and oils
A man’s testicles are contained in the scrotum, which is suspended outside the body cavity in order to keep sperm at a lower temperature than body heat. Y-fronts, briefs and other close-fitting underwear keep the testicles pressed against the body, restrict the flow of air and raise their temperature, which can damage the sperm.
Tight fitting jeans do the same. So if you’re having problems, you know your sperm count is low or that the sperm are not very mobile or otherwise damaged, give up the sexy jeans - and don’t ride a bicycle (real or exercise), ride horses or have very hot baths.
The best underwear is loose-fitting, cotton boxer shorts. Before sex, have a cool shower and - if you can bear it - try briefly putting an ice pack to your testicles.
One suspected reason for declining sperm counts is the ever-increasing environment pollution of heavy metals, pesticides and oestrogen deposits in water. If it’s reasonable, you should avoid all contact with garden chemicals, like pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, household insect killers, vaporising fly-killers, chemical solvents . It’s also best to try to stick to organic Meat, milk and other Dairy products.
Some prescribed medication and over-the-counter drugs like anti-inflammatories are known to have adverse effects on the quality of sperm. If you’re taking prescribed drugs, discuss this with your doctor, who may be able to suggest suitable alternatives, and also ask your pharmacist to recommend non-prescription analgesics which will suit your needs instead of anti-inflammatories.
Do not smoke!
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