Men's Health Tips for Sperm

Sometimes male infertility can be overcome with a few healthy lifestyle changes. Making healthy choices can increase the fertility of sperm and help to increase low sperm counts. Read the list below to gain a better understanding of how your choices can affect sperm production:

• Age: Sperm production drops after age 40. 

• Alcohol: Too much alcohol lowers the production of the male hormone testosterone. Drink less alcohol to prevent infertility.

• Caffeine: Drink less coffee to prevent or cure infertility. Coffee and medications with caffeine appear to make sperm sluggish.

• Cimetidine: If you are taking this drug and you are trying to conceive at the same time, try to reduce the dosage or take it at another time. This drug is used to treat ulcers but decreases testosterone levels and may affect sperm production.

• Clothing: Wearing tight trousers or underwear has not been proven to overheat sperm-producing cells in testicles, and lower sperm count. But it doesn't hurt to wear loose underwear and clothing just in case.

• Hot tubs: Only use the hot tubs once in a blue moon. Frequent use can lower sperm count by overheating sperm-production cells, especially at high temperatures for over 15 minutes.

• Infection: All sexually transmitted diseases can have an adverse effect on fertility. Get tested for STD's and HIV to prevent this problem.

• Recreational Drugs: Marijuana and other drugs may decrease testosterone levels. Stay away from drugs.

• Smoking: Lowers sperm count and slows sperm mobility. Do not smoke to prevent infertility.

• Steroids: Do not use anabolic steroids or other “miracle drugs”. These may have fertility side effects.

• Stress: Try to decrease the stress in your life. Try alternative therapies to increase your well-being such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, yoga or massage therapy.

• Weight: Maintain a healthy weight for optimal fertility.