When a young woman fails to conceive she gets labelled as "sterile", "sub-fertile" or "infertile". In reality, failure to conceive could be a problem of her sexual partner i.e. the man. Many conditions of males are "sub-optimal" for conception. So if you are trying to get pregnant then you need to look after your man to improve both his sperm count and sperm motility.
Sperm count refers to the number of sperms which are released during each ejaculation. Sperm motility refers to the health the sperm. Motility means movement. Healthy sperms swim toward the ova. Unhealthy sperms swim in circles and are not able to reach the ova. Hence conception does not occur. The ability of sperm to swim is called motility. Some literature will refer to this motility as mobility.
Here are sixteen things you and your spouse must to do to improve sperm count and sperm motility (mobility). Please also read my article on How to Get Pregnant and Stay Pregnant.
Take Nutritional Supplements
We all know that when our health is poor our sex drive, our sperm count, sperm motility and sperm health is adversely affected. Good general health will generally fix most of these but since our aim is to improve the odds I recommend that men who really want to help their spouses conceive should take multivitamin supplements so as to correct micronutrient deficiencies. One clinical study recommended Proxeed but I will not endorse any one product unless I am convinced that it works better than others.
Generally, I do not believe in nutritional supplements. I believe in healthy eating. However, I am assuming that part of the reason for the failure to conceive is the sperms are weak and immotile. Therefore nutritional supplements will not do any harm.
Keep Cool
Another reason for low sperm count is excessive scrotal temperature. Tight clothing and high body temperatures cause sperm count to decline. The use of laptop computers which are literally placed on the lap increase the temperature of the scrotum. So avoid using lap top computers. Use PCs instead. Additionally, use loose clothing to keep the testes cool. Finally avoid hot baths and showers. Take cold baths and showers.
Figure 1. Keep cool, enjoy sex, conception will occur!
Avoid Hot Baths and Saunas
The reasons are the same as given in item tow above.
Eat Essential Fatty Acids
Eating healthy. Avoid excessive amounts of polysaturated foods. Eat more of essential fatty acids (EFAs). These will boost the sperm count of your male partner.
EFAs cannot be constructed within the human body like other components by any known chemical pathway. These must be consumed from external sources. Therefore a healthy diet is essential. In the human body many compounds are manufactured from essential fatty acids.
There are two types of EFAs: ω-3 (or omega-3 or n-3) and ω-6 (omega-6, n-6). Fats from each of these types are essential for the body. The body can convert one omega-3 to another omega-3. However, it cannot create an omega-3 from nothing. These EFAs were initially called Vitamin F when they were discovered as essential nutrients. Subsequent research has shown that they are better classified as fats.
Go Organic
In this economic environment farmers use lots of chemicals to produce more. It is true that all, at least most, chemicals used by farmers are approved for agricultural use. However, many chemicals which kill pests also adversely affect the human body. So, go natural, be organic.
Eat More Brazil Nuts
These nuts are rich in selenium. Selenium is mineral which helps sperm to become motile. In other words the sperm swims better and hopefully will get to the ova and result in conception.
Stop Smoking
We all know that smoking reduces sperm count but it pushes up blood pressure and heart rate. The nicotine and carbon monoxide reduced the flow of blood to the testicles and the floating poisons kill the few sperm which are produced. So stopping smoking will make you man and he will be able to help your desire to conceive.
Regular Exercise
People who exercise regularly have better sex lives than people who do not exercise. However, people who over exercise are tired and exhausted. Their sperm counts are lower and they fail to conceive. The point I am trying to make is, "Avoid over-exercising!" it is killing the sperm.
Figure 2. Too much exercise decreases sperm count.
Korean Ginseng
Some studies show that Korean Ginseng boosts testosterone. The study recommends the consumption of 500mg daily for the benefits to be actualized. However, I am not convinced that higher testosterone translates into higher sperm count but I am willing to advocate its use because the study was reasonably convincing.
Have Sex Less Frequently
If there is a three day gap between ejaculations than conception is more likely to occur. This is because the more often a male ejaculates the less dense his semen will be.
Masturbate Less Often
More masturbation makes the male's semen less dense. Therefore the probability of conception decreases. Again, a gap of 3 days between two consecutive ejaculations will increase the probability of conception.
Avoid Alcohol
There is a linear relationship between alcohol consumption and sperm count. As alcohol consumption goes up sperm production goes down. Alcohol affects liver function. Liver function causes a dramatic rise in oestrogen levels. As little as two drinks a day will have long-term effects on sperm production.
Picture 3. The consumption of even small amounts of alcohol decrease sperm count. The alternative to alcohol is to find solace in other activities like yoga, moderate exercise and to develop truly enjoyable hobbies.
Reduce Caffeine Intake
Caffeine makes your heart and body work harder. It helps in the consumption of nutrients to do work other than sperm production. So avoid caffeine.
Lose Any Excess Weight
Excess body weight tends to cause testosterone and oestrogen imbalances.
Control Stress
Control stress levels by learning relaxation techniques. Remember, sex is more enjoyable in the right environment. YOGA and MEDITATION are useful tools to avoid stressing yourself out.
Have Sex in the Morning
This is the most important thing because, without sex, there can be no conception. You must have sex in the morning or the afternoon because, in the male, sperm levels are highest in the mornings.
If you feel you may be pregnant then you can find out if you are pregnant by reading about the signs and symptoms of pregnancy.
