Enhancing Reproductive Health

Fertility is often directly related to general health. If you follow the principles of healthy living, chances are that your sperm will also be healthy. This is normally the case for most men unless they have sustained permanent damage to their reproductive equipment in the past (for example, through trauma or infection), or were born with a specific disorder or structural problem that prevents them from producing viable sperm.

The following are some tips to enhance reproductive health and male fertility and some unhealthy practices that should be avoided.

Quit Smoking

Smoking has been linked to both low sperm count and poor sperm motility. Recent findings suggest a significant increase in miscarriage rates when the male partner is a regular smoker.

Don't Do Drugs

Long term use of drugs such as marijuana has been shown to lower sperm count and result in abnormal patterns in sperm development.

Avoid Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Men who exhibit chronic alcohol abuse are likely to damage the intricate workings of the male reproductive system. This can greatly reduce their ability to produce normally formed sperm cells.

Reduce Intense Workouts

The heat that builds up around the testicles during strenuous exercise can cause a reduction in sperm count.

Increase Vitamin C Consumption

Low vitamin C levels can cause sperm cells to bunch together, rendering as many as 16% of all men infertile.

Watch Antibiotic Use

Some groups of antibiotics such as nitrofurans (nitrofurazone or nitrofurantoin) and macrolides (erythromycin) have been shown to affect sperm quality by decreasing sperm count and motility.

Avoid Environmental Hazards

You should always steer clear of poisonous environmental chemicals such as pesticides, insecticides, organic solvents, lead, toxic chemicals and ionizing radiation.

Maintain Healthy Nutrition

Sperm count suffers when the body is malnourished or not getting enough of the right foods and nutrients.

Cool Your Scrotum

It is very important to avoid generating excessive heat in the scrotal area. Things such as hot tubs, very hot baths, saunas and tight-fitting underwear can elevate the temperature of your scrotum and effect fertility.

Practice Moderate Abstinence

Both the volume and potency of semen can be increased with brief periods of sexual restraint. A period of 3 to 6 days should be sufficient for most men. Be aware however that an extended period of abstinence can result in a higher volume of older sperm cells which will exhibit decreased motility.

Use Nutritional Supplements

Supplementing your diet with specific supplements such as Zinc and semen volumizer formulas have been shown to improve sperm count as well as increase orgasm strength and overall virility.

Posted by PRS on Friday, May 4th, 2007

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