Preserving Male Fertility
For starters, it is good sense to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It's not news that it's beneficial to exercise daily, avoid smoking, eat a healthy diet, and drink only in moderation (if at all). And by maintaining your general health, you'll be more likely to have a healthier reproductive system.
In addition, experts recommend that men take additional steps to protect the health of their sperm, as well as their potency and their fertility by:
- Avoiding the use of steroids
- Controlling your blood pressure. If you are currently taking
medication for hypertension and are thinking about fathering a child,
tell your doctor. Certain blood pressure medications can be detrimental
to sperm and male fertility.
- If you drink, reducing your alcohol intake, particularly in the 3
months prior to conceiving.
- Getting adequate cardiovascular exercise. The healthier your heart
is, the less likely you are to develop circulatory problems linked to
impotence.
- Not wearing tight pants or jeans. Wear boxer shorts instead of
tight underwear.
- Limiting placing a laptop computer directly on your lap due to the
damaging effect of heat on sperm.
- Avoiding exposure to sources of high heat, including baths, hot tubs
and saunas. This can impact sperm production and male fertility.
- Avoiding exposure to heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, as well
as radiation and toxic chemicals, including some pesticides. All can
have long term effects on sperm production and male fertility.
- Avoiding occupations that involve constant exposure to extreme heat.