Thanks to our author Benjamin Tee, co-founder and CEO of twoplus Fertility
A common misconception about fertility is that women are predominantly the ones that deal with pregnancy issues, but statistics show that men are just as easily susceptible. In fact, more than 16% of couples worldwide face similar fertility hurdles. Men with hopes of fathering children should take the time to educate themselves on how a couple’s fertility can be affected by both
parties and explore more about their own fertility profile.
Most people think it’s only worthwhile for females to undergo hormone tests. While my partner and I were trying to conceive, however, I too decided to get myself tested. After many rounds of tests, we were both diagnosed with unexplained infertility issues.
An important thing to remember is there are many fertility solutions for both men and women who may be struggling with conceiving. Learning that your body’s ability to conceive is lower than average does not mean having a child is impossible.
First Thing’s First
Male infertility is approximately 30 to 50% a factor at play when couples experience issues conceiving a baby, and there are certain characteristics that can better position men when it comes to their reproductive health.
- Men younger than 40 will have an easier time conceiving than those of older age
- You don’t have to be in peak physical shape, but being in a healthy weight range is important
- For those who smoke, consider giving it up for a while
- If you drink, consider cutting back on how much you drink, if not completely, until you and your partner are pregnant
Following these guidelines can drastically increase your chances of successfully conceiving.
Also, as a general check-up with your doctor is a good idea to maintain your overall health, it’s a good idea to go in before seriously trying to have a baby.
Sperm Is The Key
Believe it or not, keeping your testicles cool can help increase your chances. Heat can affect your ability to create sperm, thus resulting in a lack of healthy enough sperm to be able to conceive.
Men in great shape but who take steroids should consider putting that medication on pause, as it can prevent your body from producing healthy sperm. The same goes for recreational drugs – too much use of marijuana can cause permanent infertility problems.
Mental health can also play a role in sperm production. Severe or prolonged emotional trauma can affect the hormones our bodies require to produce sperm, and depression can have a negative impact on sperm count.
Helpful Products for Fertility
One of the first considerations that most couples usually take when trying to conceive would be to maintain or boost their fertility levels. This involves both parties paying special attention to their general health, which in turn positively affects their reproductive health too. This might sound straightforward, but it requires effort and dedication.
Successful conception requires both parties to be at their most fertile, ideally. While the medical industry puts a large focus on vitamins and supplements for women who are trying to conceive, there is actually a plethora of fertility products for men, too.
Male Fertility and Diet Tracking
If you’re thinking about having a baby and haven’t started tracking your diet yet, now is a good time to start. Fertility products for men work best when you are aware of what vitamins or minerals your diet is lacking. Knowing what your body needs to power up your sperm will make it easier for you to ask the right questions and have more productive consultations with your
physician.
When it comes to male fertility, it’s all about the quality of your sperm, but you can also explore products to boost one’s libido or enhance intimate performance. This can help take the pressure off sexual intercourse and relieve performance anxiety.
Lastly, if the old fashioned way isn’t effective for you and your partner, intravaginal insemination (IVI) might be an effective option for you to explore. While it might not be the most intimate course of reproduction, IVI allows for a sperm sample to be inserted by an applicator, thereby relieving the pressure for men to perform within a certain window of their partner’s peak fertility.
Much of the discussions around fertility are still seen as taboo and private or even shameful topics to bring up. The key, however, is educating yourself early, arming yourself with as much information as possible about your own health, and conducting honest conversations with your partner and physician.