"Many men may not realize that the health of their sperm is just as important as the health and viability of a woman’s egg," says Joseph Garza, MD. He's an obstetrician and gynecologist at the Advanced Fertility Center in San Antonio.
Recommended Related to Infertility & Reproduction
Research isn’t conclusive, but an Australian animal study found that males who were obese, had diabetes, or ate a high-fat diet at the time of conception raised the risk of obesity in their future offspring.
If you want a baby in the near future, start making these lifestyle changes today:
- Drink less alcohol. A recent study found that moderate to heavy drinking caused men's bodies to make more abnormal sperm. Exactly how many drinks is "moderate" for men? It varies, so your best bet is to limit yourself to one to two drinks per day, says Daniel A. Potter, MD, co-author of What to Do When You Can’t Get Pregnant. Also, if you smoke, it’s time to quit.
Exercise regularly. "Regular exercise is associated with increased male fertility and virility," Potter says. Thirty to 45 minutes of cardio three times per week is a good place to start.
- Lose excess weight. Not only could extra pounds raise the risk of obesity in future children, but obesity is also linked to lower sperm counts and less fertility, Potter says. Your best bet for dropping weight? Eat a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet, and hit the gym.
- Pop a daily multivitamin. Many trace elements in multivitamins boost the amount of healthy sperm your body makes, Potter says.
By Colleen Oakley WebMD Magazine - Feature
Reviewed by Nivin Todd, MD
