Planning
What can dad do?
This article may help answer:
How can dad optimise his sperm health?
Do men need to take a supplement before conception?
What if dad smokes?
What foods should men avoid if they want a baby?
Hey would-be dad. Nobody wants to spoil your baby-making fun, but there are a few things to remember before you let your little swimmers loose.
Men who are overweight or obese may have a reduced sperm count, and their sperm may be poor swimmers
Did you know that your semen quality will improve if you eat well and that keeping fit might help give the little guys enough stamina to reach their target? Remember, having a baby is a team effort, so get involved now.
Find out more:
Studies have found that your semen quality is optimised by eating certain foods and avoiding others. So, aim for a diet that favours seafood, poultry, nuts, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid foods that are high in saturated or trans fats. Happily, the advice is similar for your partner, so you can do your meal planning together.
Oysters are rich in zinc, which aids ejaculation and has fertility-boosting qualities. You don’t need to follow legendary lover Giacomo Casanova’s lead and devour 50 oysters a day. A single oyster has about 15mg of zinc, which is the daily requirement for men.
Green vegetables, nuts, whole grains and fruits are rich in antioxidants, which are known to be good for fertility. Dark chocolate and moderate amounts of red wine are also an enjoyable way of helping to reduce free radicals.
Not everyone wants to eat oysters every day so male fertility supplements such as Menevit which is specially formulated for men who are planning for a baby can help. Menevit has your daily zinc requirements covered, and it contains a combination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients designed to support sperm health and male fertility.
Men who are overweight or obese may have a reduced sperm count, and their sperm may be poor swimmers and less able to reach their target. You can use this simple online BMI calculator to check how you’re doing. Talk to your doctor if you feel you need to lose weight.
Speak to a GP about having tests if there is a chance you may need treatment, as untreated infections can lead to infertility.
You probably already know this, but smoking cigarettes is bad for your health. Smoking can also cause a low sperm count and weaken your erections. Treatments can help you quit, so speak to your GP if you need help.
Heavy drinking is also a no-no. It can lead to reduced testosterone production, impotence and decreased sperm production. Also, spare a thought for your partner, who will be advised to avoid alcohol entirely, if only because she is unlikely to know that she is pregnant until the foetus is several weeks old.
You should speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are using any medications, as these may contribute to fertility issues. Also, try to avoid exposure to pesticides, lead and other toxins, which can affect sperm quantity and quality. Use protective gear if you work with toxins.
You’ve read advice on:
What food to avoid when trying to conceive
How to supplement your diet when trying to conceive
Why you need zinc and antioxidants if you are trying for a baby
