Increasing Male Fertility

Women who are trying to conceive often change their lifestyle to prepare their body to conceive. Women are not the only ones who need to prep themselves for conception. Men also need to examine their diet. The foods that men eat can affect a couple's fertility both positively and negatively. When trying to conceive the following dietary and lifestyle concerns need to be addressed.

Multi-Vitamins - Getting the recommended daily allowance of vitamins and minerals is a must when trying to conceive.

Folic Acid - Women have been told to increase the level of folic acid they consume when they are trying to conceive. It is recommended that they take at least 400 milligrams per day. The same advice goes for men who are trying to conceive. They should increase their level of supplemental folic acid or foliate to at least 400 mg per day. This is said reduce the risk of conceiving a child with birth defects.

Proper Exercise - Stress is not good for anyone, but when men are trying to conceive the stress that they experience can reduce their sperm count. One of the best ways to reduce your stress level and increase your overall health is to exercise for thirty minutes three to four times a week. This will reduce stress levels and improve the quality of male sperm.

Smoking - Smoking not only leads to a decrease in a mans sperm count but it also leads to misshapen sperm making it harder for what little sperm is left to reach the egg.

Vitamin C - Start eating your citrus fruit because a diet rich in vitamin C is said to increase sperm count.

Zinc - The rumors that oysters can increase male fertility are true. The reason is not that oysters have a magic power, rather foods rich in zinc such as oysters, beef, whole grains, and beans help increase sperm count and testosterone levels. Adding a zinc supplement to the diet can be beneficial.

Omega-3 FattyAcids - They can be found in sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, salmon, or sold in liquid capsule form at any health food store Omega-3 Fatty Acids stimulate blood flow to a man's sex organs and improve male sexual function.

Vitamin E - When going through invitro men often times supplement their diet with Vitamin E. It is said to increase fertilization rates by anywhere from 19-29 percent.[iii] Adding Vitamin E to your diet in capsule form can only help.

Remember that conception takes two people. Men need to be mindful of their health and well-being prior to conception just as women do. This advice is meant to help increase your chances of conceiving. If you have been actively trying to conceive for six months without results a doctor may need to be consulted.

[i] http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=89143

[ii] http://www.fertilityfactor.com/infertility_male_infertility_taking_charge_of_your_fertility.html

[iii] http://www.marilynglenville.com/infertility.htm