Pre-Conception: Men’s Health

When preparing for pregnancy, the sole focus is often on women's health and anovulation. Men’s health, however, is also important during the critical months of preparation. Obviously, fertility does not rest completely with the woman. In fact, approximately 50% of all infertility cases are related to male fertility issues, and one-third are due to male infertility alone.

Try to use ovulation calendar to coneive.

Avoiding alcohol and other substances

Alcohol, tobacco products and all illicit drugs (including marijuana) should be eliminated. Excessive amounts of alcohol may reduce zinc levels, while sperm quality is reduced by drugs. Research is currently underway linking smoking to certain rare heart defects. However, reaching an accurate conclusion will require further research.

The contents of your medicine cabinet Discuss the medications you’re using with your doctor, both prescription and over-the-counter, and eliminate as many as possible. You may need to discontinue them or switch to different ones. Some medications known to affect male fertility are:

• Tagamet (cimetidine), sulfasalazine and nitrofurantoin. These are used to treat gastrointestinal problems, ulcers, and urinary tract infections (UTI’s). They may impact sperm count and production.
• Steroids, such as prednisone and cortisone. These are used in the treatment of arthritis, allergies and skin conditions. They too impact male fertility.
• Chemotherapy and radiation. These can cause a significant change in sperm quantity and quality, and even sterility.

Evaluating risks in your work environment

Your work environment can be a contributing factor in fertility. Continued and prolonged exposure to certain chemicals, according to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, can lower sperm quantity and quality also. It can possibly lead to infertility or miscarriage as well. These chemicals are: pesticides, chemical fertilizers, lead, nickel, mercury, chromium, ethylene glycol ethers, petrochemicals, benzene, perchloroethylene, and radiation.

Eating and sleeping habits

Few men (or women for that matter) would be opposed to the advice to eat and sleep well. What you eat, however, can be the difference-maker. Learn about your ideal weight range and make whatever dietary and exercise adjustments necessary to achieve it. Some studies link low sperm count to zinc deficiency. Foods that are high in zinc are: meat, wholegrain cereals, seafood, and eggs. Consuming these could increase zinc levels and, thus, increase sperm count. Selenium has also been found to aid fertility. It is found in Brazil nuts, meat, seafood, mushrooms and cereals.

Keeping the testicles cool

External heat sources can cause the testicles to become too hot, thereby decreasing your sperm count. Some common external heat sources you might be exposed to are: hot tubs, saunas, long, hot showers (longer than 30 minutes), heating pads and electric blankets. Wearing tight clothing, like briefs or Spandex, can also create this effect.

A list of things you should do

These might keep you going when the going gets tough.

• Do keep in mind that you are improving your health along with your fertility. You are also preventing future medical conditions.
• Do enjoy sex (and romance) just as much as you used to. Sex can easily become a chore while trying to conceive. Keep in mind that there is more to it than just conception.
• Do be romantic. Be aware that your lives will change (albeit a good change) with the addition of a baby. It will never again be the way it is now. Enjoy your time alone together.

Try to use Advanced Woman Calendar - an easy-to-use ovulation calendar tool.

Read Other Articles
Nutrition for Preconception.
Anovulation