Guys, listen up! Male fertility isn’t about size, and it’s not to be taken for granted. After all, many men spend more time thinking about how NOT to get someone pregnant, than prepping for a wanted pregnancy. Let’s face it, when discussing pre-pregnancy plans, most of the attention falls to the woman and what she should be doing to prepare her body for the whole miraculous process. However, guys need to be preparing just as much as their partner before the fun part starts! Hey, it’s 50-50 when it comes to making a baby.
First off, there are several easy lifestyle changes you need to make to help support male fertility, particularly sperm health, as you prep for pregnancy. Sperm formation takes over two months, so during that time, what a man eats, how he exercises and what environmental factors he’s exposed to, can all affect the little guys. So read on for some easy-to-achieve, natural fertility tips that you can incorporate into your daily routine to support sperm health and fertility when prepping for pregnancy:
- Maintain a “fertility diet”, but we’re not talking oysters and strawberries here (though these can be fun!). What this means is eating a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy oils and protein. Pay particular attention to foods that and are rich in zinc, selenium, vitamins E and C, and folic acid as these support fertility.
- Support sperm health by taking a male fertility supplement, such as Proxeed Plus, a prenatal blend with essential male fertility vitamins and nutrients, such as zinc, ceramides, vitamin B12, selenium and more. Proxeed Plus is specially formulated to help support sperm health when taken as directed for three to six months prior to trying to conceive.
- Exercise! We already know that exercise is good for us in so many ways, but it’s also good for fertility. Not only will it make you look irresistible to your significant other, but research shows that 20-30 minutes 3 times a week, of cardio exercise may, reduce stress and lower your weight which impact male fertility when you’re trying to conceive.
- Give up the vices you’ve been promising her you will! No more excuses. If not for yourself, do it for the sake of your family. Limit your intake of alcohol, and unnecessary pharmaceuticals, give up smoking if you haven’t already, and limit your caffeine and fatty foods – all easy steps to support fertility.
- Stay cool! Sperm are produced in the testes so turning up the heat with frequent trips to the Jacuzzi, hot tub or sauna can all inhibit sperm health. Along these lines, experts also say switching to boxers from briefs will keep the boys cool.
- Be conscious of your environment to limit male fertility problems. Outside factors like pesticides, chemical fertilizers, lead, nickel, even the chemicals in everyday products you use, are believed by some to hinder proper sperm development. When in doubt, check the ingredient labels and ask your healthcare provider if something on it seems suspicious.
- Get the conversation going – especially with your personal physician. Let him or her know that you would like to prep for pregnancy and discuss your medical history, current health conditions and/or medications you are taking. Consider filling out a detailed medical checklist prior to your visit to get the conversation going. And guys – be open and honest with your physician – they aren’t there to pass judgment.
Think you’re ready? Get more information for a healthy conception from our Reproductive Endocrinologist and Fertility expert, Dr. Michael Heard on our video series here: youtube.com/user/ProxeedUS