How men can supercharge their fertility

Do avoid heat at all costs

To boost fertility, it’s best to stay away from baths or saunas with very hot temperatures. Immersion in hot water increases the temperature in the scrotum, leading to damaged sperm production. Keep laptop computers on the table instead, and avoid cell phones in the front pocket. It can take approximately three months to recover healthy sperm production after overexposure to hot temperatures.

Do throw out the testosterone or testosterone-like products

Sometimes men don’t even realize they are taking testosterone substances. These can be either doctor prescribed, recreational for bodybuilding, or even over the counter supplements. There are many supplements that are sold at nutrition stores that contain testosterone or testosterone-like products. These products send messages to the testicles that there is enough testosterone around so the brain can stop sending the signals to make sperm. One recent study found that almost 90 percent of men taking these supplements had no sperm. If you are taking one of these over the counter supplements, stop immediately. The damage done is often reversible, but can take three months or longer. If you are taking doctor prescribed testosterone, check with your doctor before discontinuing.

Do stay away from toxins

A lot of people who work at the mill or railroad are exposed to toxins and have abnormal sperm as a result. Sometimes this exposure is unavoidable depending on your work environment, but try to avoid toxins and chemicals where possible. Use BPA free plastics for food and water bottles, avoid paint fumes, and stay away from chemicals. Sperm are sensitive little guys!

Do have sex regularly, particularly around the time of ovulation

For many couples, this can be challenging with the demands of everyday life. I recommend intercourse every one or two days around time of ovulation. Ovulation typically occurs 11-21 days after the first day of the menstrual period, but can vary. To help focus efforts, women can buy ovulation kits at the pharmacy. These kits measure urine levels of the hormone LH or Luteinizing hormone. This hormone rises about 12-36 hours before ovulation. Have intercourse the day the kit turns positive as well as the following day.

Do cut back on caffeine and alcohol

If you’re used to drinking five cups of coffee a day and a six-pack on Friday night, now is the time to cut down. Toxins in caffeine and alcohol can damage sperm and sperm production. For men trying to conceive, consume no more than two alcoholic drinks per day, and no more than six per week, and drink less than 300 mg of caffeine per day. A typical cup of coffee has approximately 100 mg of coffee, and a soda typically has about 50 mg.

Do not use a lubricant during intercourse

Believe it or not, most lubricants – including saliva, KY jelly, and olive oil – are toxic to sperm. If forgoing lubricant is not an option, use less toxic lubricants such as “pre-seed”, mineral oil, and canola oil – but do so sparingly. Help give your little guys the best shot they have with this one simple action!

Do not be a couch potato

When you are a normal, healthy weight, sperm production is at its best. Studies show that men who are overweight or obese have decreased sperm production. Carrying extra weight increases fat cells which produce estrogen, causing a hormonal imbalance that can disrupt normal sperm production. If you’re thinking about going for a quick fix, don’t – weight loss supplements often affect sperm production.

Do not avoid seeing a specialist if you suspect fertility issues

After a year, 85 percent of young couples will have conceived. If the female partner is under 35, then you should see a fertility specialist after you have tried to conceive for one year. But if the female partner is 35 or older, seek a consultation if it has been longer than six months. There can be reasons to seek consultation sooner, such as abnormal menstrual cycles or difficulty with erections or ejaculations. If you experience testicular pain, abnormal discharge from the penis, swelling in the scrotum, or small testicles, it is best to seek medical expertise immediately.

Do not participate in fitness that isn’t sperm-friendly

Getting in shape is beneficial to boosting male fertility, but the wrong exercise can be detrimental to sperm production. Activities such as hot yoga or bicycle riding can increase temperature in the scrotum, interfering with normal sperm production. Opt for running, swimming, tennis or golf instead!

Do not continue a smoking habit

Smoking is a dangerous habit that can also hurt male fertility potential. Tobacco has been associated with decreased sperm function as toxins damage the sperm. There is no better time then now to quit the habit for good.