It's 100% Both Ways
Having a baby is more than a 50/50 proposition. It requires 100% "input" from both sides of the equation. The once-believed theory that most cases of infertility were the result of a female reproductive glitch has gone by the boards and we know that nearly half of the infertility issues rest with the guys.
Back to Basics
In this article we'll go back to basics to look at what constitutes healthy sperm and what a man can do to ensure his sperm has the best fighting chance to beat a path to that waiting egg. Male fertility is measured by the sperm quality and quantity, which can be affected by any number of things. Although some things are out of his control, a man can control certain factors to ensure his sperm is healthy and viable - making him fertile.
The 3 Qs
Sperm, in order to really get the job done, needs to have the three components of sperm viability.
1. Quantity. According to the medical reports, a man is fertile if he has more than 20 million sperm per milliliter of semen. Of the sperm ejaculated, only 200 of that 20 million make it to the egg - and the first one to penetrate the egg gets the prize.
2. Quality. Researchers have discovered that the health of the sperm is as important as the quantity. Morphology (the shape and size of the sperm) is equally important. If one-third of the sperm is normal in shape and structure, having an oval head and a long tail that moves it forward, the man is considered to have healthy sperm. Large or misshapen heads, kinky or double tails are less likely to fertilize an egg.
3. Motility. Move! Semen will only carry the sperm so far, the rest of the trip to the egg rests with the ability of the sperm to swim on their own. Sperm movement is important and if half the sperm are in motion, then the sperm is considered to be healthy.
Things He Already Knows
In order to produce that winning sperm, a man has to take good care of himself. We know the basics of good health, but what seems to be missed is that good health affects everything in the body. That "everything" includes sperm. In order to ensure that his half of the equation is functioning well, a man can do a few basic dietary things.
· Take a multivitamin every day, one that is strong in trace minerals like selenium, zinc and folic acid.
· Eat plenty of fruits and veggies that are rich in antioxidants.
· Reduce stress because it can affect sexual function and interfere with hormone balance.
· Get regular exercise - but not gorilla weekends. Exercising to exhaustion does more harm than good.
· Watch the waistline. Too little body fat is as problematic as too much body fat. Sperm count and an increase in abnormal sperm result from extremes on either end of the weight issue.
Environmental Dangers Lurking Everywhere
When you consider that only 50% to 70% of a man's sperm are healthy enough to go the distance, it just makes sense to do whatever is necessary to ensure the sperm have the best chance possible. Environmental factors are yet another concern when it comes to producing healthy sperm.
· Beware of toxins that are found in the workplace and at home. Heavy metals, pesticides and chemicals that are found in solvents endanger sperm.
· Stop smoking! Smoking can damage the sperm's DNA and affect the quality and quantity of the sperm. Experts say that sperm damaged by smoking can cause health problems and affect the growth and development of the baby in the womb. It also increases erectile dysfunction.
· Alcohol should be limited to no more than one or two drinks a day. If a man smokes and drinks, the damage is particularly bad.
· Illicit drugs, including marijuana, can impact all aspects of sperm health. Include steroids in this category, even if they're not illegal. They shrink the testicles and reduce fertility. Testosterone supplements likewise decrease fertility.
· No hot tubs or hot baths, saunas or steam rooms. The heat reduces the sperm count.
· Keep cool by wearing loose clothing. Even your own body heat can damage sperm, so tight pants and working on your laptop while it sits on your lap are all problematic situations.
· Some medications, both over-the-counter and prescription can affect sperm health.
Making a baby is an important job, and having healthy sperm requires a man to take good care of his body.
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