Are you and your partner trying to get pregnant.  Note that there are various lifestyle changes that can help you produce healthy sperms and improve your chances of getting pregnant.
 

 

What determines sperm health ?

 
The health of your sperms depend on the following factors.
  
Quantity : You are fertile if your ejaculate which is the semen discharged in a single ejaculation contains more than 15 million sperm per milliliter.

Quality :  Sperms that are normal have oval heads and long tails. These work together to move sperms forward. The more sperms you have with this normal shape , the more fertile you are.

Motility : Sperms must swim through a woman’s  cervix, uterus and fallopian tube to reach an egg and fertilize it. You are most likely fertile if about 40% of your sperms can  move.

Ways to improve sperm health.

These lifestyle changes can help improve the health of your sperms.

Eat healthy :  Diet rich in protein and low in fats is good for producing healthy sperms. You must also include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Nuts and seeds are also known to increase sperm count.

Stop smoking :  Smoking tobacco and other substances reduce sperm production and affect the motility of sperms. Smoking can also result in sperm deformities which can lead to ineffectiveness of the sperm.

Maintain a healthy weight : Obesity is known to affect sperm health. It reduces both sperm count and movement.

Avoid alcohol : Alcohol consumption causes liver problems. Liver problems increase estrogen levels  and decrease testosterone  levels. These hormone levels are important in determining  sperm production. The less alcohol you consume, the more likely it will be to increase the production of  testosterone and sperms.

Reduce stress : Stress can interfere with the production of hormones needed to produce sperms. It can also lead to sexual dysfunction. Get enough rest and use relaxation techniques to manage stress.

Be active : Be sure to include exercise in your daily routine to improve sperm health. Moderate exercise increase testosterone levels which is essential for sperm production.

Avoid toxins : Stay clear of toxins. If your work require you to come into contact with toxins, wear protective clothing, breathing mask and goggles to protect yourself. If you can, use natural products for cleaning at home. Toxins can affect sperm count. They can also lead to deformities in sperms which may affect its motility and effectiveness.

Stay cool :Increasing the temperature of the scrotum can interfere with  sperm production. Avoid hot tubs, saunas and steamy baths. You should avoid tight fitting underwear. Do not put your laptop directly on your lap. You should also take frequent breaks if you have to remain seated for a long time.

Beware of certain medications : Certin medications such as calcium channel blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, anti-androgens can affect fertility. Chemotherapy drugs and radiation treatment for cancer  can cause permanent infertility. Discuss with your doctor about the medications you are taking and their  effect on your fertility.

Avoid lubricants during sex : Lubricants such as saliva, most skin lotions  and K-Y jelly can affect sperm motility. If you have to use lubricants , consider vegetable, safflower or peanut oil which are less likely to harm sperms.