It takes two to make a baby, and with so much focus on women, we decided to find out what men can do to help improve chances of conceiving. Dr Guy Gudex, medical director from Auckland fertility clinic Repromed, answered the call!
Can men really impact the chance of pregnancy? Absolutely. It takes around three months for sperm to mature—making positive changes can make all the difference to most men’s sperm quality. Prioritising sperm health during this period is important – swap tight underpants for boxers, avoid hot spas and baths, keep your laptop off your lap, no mobile phones in trouser pocket, be careful with gym supplements to make sure testosterone or steroids are not ingested, and avoid handling toxic chemicals. It all helps.
What changes would you suggest to men? Health changes proven to influence or enhance the chances of pregnancy include:
- Focussing on a healthy, balanced diet increases intake of sperm-boosting antioxidants, think: berries, green leafy vegetables, avocados, nuts, olive oil, and salmon..
- Tracking weight—being within a ‘normal’ range for your height optimises chances of success. Find a BMI calculator on Google.
- Slow down—stress affects the hormone levels required
- for conception.
- Limit caffeine to one cup a day, improving your ability to absorb iron—key for healthy conception.
- Reduce alcohol—studies have shown its effects are significant in damaging sperm.
- Quit smoking, it harms sperm, irregulates hormones and damages DNA. Quitting will increase your chances of conception by 40%.
- Exercise daily.
Is there a way of checking men’s fertility health? If having trouble conceiving, the first step is to test sperm health. A sperm test can be done with an over-the-counter test like SwimCount, by a local Labtest referred by your GP, or through self-referral to Repromed for a detailed analysis. By the way, the first step for females is to have a simple blood test called an ‘AMH test’ which checks egg reserve levels.
Any further advice? We often hear from men that they didn’t realise how much age impacts women’s fertility. We always suggest planning for the number of children you want—which may mean starting your family sooner rather than later—to ensure you’re not cut short by the effects of age on fertility. If you haven’t fallen pregnant naturally after trying for a year, it’s an indication you may need help.
Repromed is based in Remuera, Auckland and offers private and public funded fertility treatment for all. They offer new clients a free 15-minute phone consultation with a fertility doctor.
Find out more at repromed.co.nz
