Quantity Versus Quality
Generally, people think male infertility is always due to an insufficient quantity of sperm. Less than 15 million sperm per milliliter often does mean there is not enough sperm to fertilize eggs. However, sperm movement and structure are just as important. At least 40% of sperm needs to have good movement to maneuver the pathway and fertilize eggs. That level is achieved only if sperm are correctly structured with an oval head and long tail. Can food and diet make a difference in male fertility?
Getting strong swimmers
So how can a man improve the health of sperm? Is there a sperm diet and exercise program out there? Many dietary suggestions can help battle male infertility. Numerous studies have shown a diet high in antioxidants helps improve the quality of sperm and combats male infertility. Foods high in antioxidants include fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, strawberries, kale, spinach, and beans.
Sperm unfriendly foods
Foods and dietary habits to avoid when battling male infertility are those that any dietitian would recommend for anyone. In other words, eat healthier. Choose fresh fruit or vegetables in place of french fries. Have a piece of salmon or chicken instead of a juicy steak. Maintain a low intake of saturated and trans-fat and consume sweetened drinks and alcohol only in moderation.
A sperm fitness program
Balancing a healthy diet with moderate exercise is another ingredient in the recipe for improved male fertility. Many factors that decrease the quantity and quality of sperm can be battled with a healthy diet and moderate exercise. Obesity, stress, and lack of exercise all contribute to difficulty maintaining an erection, lower sperm count, and less healthy sperm. Stress can have adverse effects on hormones needed to produce sperm that make the grade. Exercise, however, can release the antioxidants that help protect sperm.
On your mark, get set, go sperm
The ladies are not alone in battling infertility. Natural conception takes two, and male infertility can interfere with getting pregnant about 50% of the time. Medical conditions, including low testosterone levels, testicular disease, and sperm transport disorders, certainly can cause infertility. But outside of specific medical conditions, diet and lifestyle are changeable components in the journey to successful conception. So men, eat more of those high protein, low-fat, low-cholesterol meals, then get up and get moving. For more information about improving male fertility, speak with a healthcare provider.
