How men can increase fertility

Men who are trying to conceive should consider stopping smoking immediately. Also, recreational drugs, including anabolic steroids and marijuana, are associated with impaired sperm function. They should not be used.

Some studies suggest that wearing brief underwear may raise the temperature around the scrotum and cause a decrease in sperm quality.

Choosing boxer underwear is one way to avoid this. The evidence from these studies is inconclusive. Regardless, avoiding situations that raise scrotal temperature like hot tubs or using laptops on your lap might improve sperm quantity and quality.

Ask your doctor how your medications or conditions affect your fertility potential. Contact us Call us on to speak to a consultant. Find a specialist Find a specialist or Member's choice hospital using our find a provider tool. Request a call back. Your name. Phone number. I am a Medibank member. Get a quote. Cover type. Singles Couples Families Single Parents. Would you like cover for child birth? Yes No. Your age Please enter your age.

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Phone number Phone number should begin with a '0'. Email address optional. Do you currently have health insurance? Find cover. Phone Store. First name. Phone number mobile preferred In providing your telephone number, you consent to Medibank contacting you about health insurance. Stay Active - The general recommendation is 30 minutes of aerobic activity, five days per week.

Exercise also helps reduce stress! Stop Smoking Cigarettes and Marijuana, Discontinue Other Illicit Drugs - Male smokers can suffer decreased sperm quality with lower counts and motility, and increased numbers of abnormally shaped sperm. Smoking might also decrease the sperm's ability to fertilize eggs.

Limit Alcohol - Studies have shown heavy drinking can lower testosterone levels and raise estrogen levels, which can reduce sperm production. Avoid Exposure to Solvents and Other Chemicals - Toxic chemical exposure has been linked to reduced sperm count and quality. Sperm temperature Your testicles are outside your body because, to produce the best quality sperm, they need to be kept cooler than the rest of you slightly below body temperature.

Smoking Smoking can reduce fertility, so you should give up smoking if you want to become a dad. A GP will be able to give you advice and treatment to help you quit smoking. Alcohol Drinking alcohol excessively can affect the quality of sperm.

Recreational drugs Some recreational drugs are known to damage sperm quality and reduce male fertility. These include: cannabis cocaine anabolic steroids You should avoid taking these types of drugs if you're trying for a baby. Medicines Some prescription medicines and medicines you buy from a pharmacy can also affect male fertility. Diet, weight and exercise Eating a healthy, balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight is essential for keeping your sperm in good condition.

The Eatwell Guide shows that to have a healthy diet you should: eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day see 5 A Day base meals on higher fibre starchy foods like potatoes, bread, rice or pasta include some dairy or dairy alternatives such as soya drinks and yoghurts eat some beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other protein Being overweight having a body mass index above 25 may affect the quality and quantity of your sperm.

Stress Stress can affect your relationship. Getting help Some people get pregnant quickly, but for others it can take longer. Further information How can I increase my chances of getting pregnant What is preconception care? Infertility Page last reviewed: 15 May Next review due: 15 May