When couples struggle to conceive, the focus often jumps to the woman, but let’s not forget, male fertility plays half the part! Being a responsible partner means understanding your own reproductive health, especially your sperm count. This is not about speed; it’s about the full package!
Here are 5 essential things every man should keep in mind about his sperm health:
- Heat is Your Sperm’s Kryptonite
Your testicles hang outside your body for a reason: they need to be between 2-4°C cooler than your core body temperature to produce healthy sperm. Prolonged heat to your testicles can temporarily lower your sperm count.
- Be chill down there: Activities such as frequent hot tubs or visits to the sauna and long periods with a laptop resting on your lap can raise the temperature in your groin area.
- Keep it loose: Choose boxers over briefs to avoid pressing your testicles against your skin, warming your testicles to your body temperature.
- Vices Affect Volume and Velocity
Bad habits can directly impact your sperm.Â
- Quit smoking: Cigarette smoke damages sperm DNA and reduces their motility (how well they swim).
- Limit the drinks: Excessive alcohol consumption can lower testosterone levels and sperm quality.
- Eat healthy: Focus on a diet rich in antioxidants (berries, nuts, green leafy vegetables) and Zinc (meat, beans). These nutrients can increase sperm quality.
- Stress is a Silent Sperm Killer
High stress levels aren’t just bad for your mood–they can trigger hormonal changes that interfere with sperm production.
- Take time to relax: Stress relievers, whether it’s exercise, time outdoors or even reading a book has benefits not just to your mind, but your overall reproductive health, too.
- When to Get Checked?
If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for 12 months (or 6 months if you or your partner is over 35) without success, it’s time for a male fertility check first. It’s faster, easier and less expensive than starting with female fertility tests.
The only way to truly know the quality of your sperm is through a semen analysis. This simple, non-invasive test measures three key factors:
- Count: How many sperm you have.
- Motility: How many are swimming forward efficiently.
- Morphology: The shape and size of the sperm.
- Know who to talk to
For this kind of medical concern, it is best to schedule a consultation with a Urologist or Endocrinologist and share your sexual health concerns and goals.Â
Your male reproductive health is a reflection of your overall health. Taking these steps is the smart move for responsible fatherhood and a healthy future!
Sources:
World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen (6th edition). https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240030787
American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). (n.d.). Optimizing Male Fertility: A Guide for Patients (Fact Sheet). In ASRM Patient Resources. https://www.asrm.org/practice-guidance/patient-resources/optimizing-male-fertility-guide-for-patients/