Male Fertility Options Using Natural Methods
It's surprising how often men are overlooked in the equation when fertility issues arise. But often, they are. Dad is an important part of the experience in every step of the process, from that exciting positive HPT to grandfatherhood and beyond. If you're struggling with difficulties getting pregnant, here are some ways Daddy may be able to naturally help the process along. These are some of the best and most scientifically-based ways to boost male fertility naturally.
- Take zinc. Some preliminary studies have shown an improvement in sperm quality and motility when zinc is a part of the diet. Take a zinc supplement and/or eat more zinc-rich foods, which include toasted wheat germ, peanuts, oysters (that's not just a myth!), roasted pumpkin seeds, crab and chocolate/cocoa.
- Lose weight. Embarrassing as this may be, if you're significantly overweight you may have noticed scrotal fat. (Yep, you get it there, too.) Unfortunately, fat acts as an insulator, potentially warming up the area, which should stay just slightly cooler than the rest of the body for optimum fertility.
- Wear boxers. This is another tried-and-true method that's no myth. The reason is the same as above: looser clothing will keep the area cooler.
- Decrease or eliminate soy. Soy is healthy in many ways, but it acts on hormones, sometimes in negative ways. Soy in your diet could be keeping your sperm quality and quantity down, so remove it entirely if you can.
- Take vitamin E. This healthy vitamin is famous in scientific and lay circles alike for helping male fertility. Supplements are ideal; also take in vitamin E-rich foods, such as almonds, sunflower seeds, oregano, basil, cooked spinach and dried apricots.
- Reduce alcohol consumption. Alcohol seems to have an adverse effect on male fertility and may affect sperm quality.
- Put down your cell phone. Electromagnetic frequencies, or EMFs, emitted from such electronic devices could lower your sperm count, according to research.
- Go organic. Some pesticides used on fruits and vegetables act as environmental estrogens and/or androgen agonists and could decrease male fertility.
Take care of your overall health too, not just your reproductive health. Get adequate sleep, exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables and fruits and if possible, reduce your stress level. The body is intricate -- each system will affect the next in ways you might not expect. A healthy lifestyle could lead to better fertility in the long run.
Photo Credit: CherieJoyful