Infertility has long been a topic much discussed on women-centered parenting sites and it has been generally regarded as an issue faced mostly by women alone. But the truth is that infertility actually affects one in every six couples who are trying to conceive. It turns out that one in three couples will face issues of male infertility.
Not all fertility issues are treatable and couples who cannot reproduce by unprotected sex alone may need medical assistance to help the process of becoming pregnant along. Infertility is generally thought of as being unable to become pregnant after one full year of trying to conceive. But before turning to infertility treatments, which can be costly and time-consuming, it is worth checking out some simple, at-home remedies that might boost your chances of becoming a dad.
General Health
General health including eating habits, exercise, managing stress, and limiting or avoiding alcohol can help improve the odds of becoming pregnant. Take a close look at your lifestyle and make a few tweaks toward healthier goals and you may be surprised by the results.
Take Vitamin C
There is a growing body of science that shows that taking vitamin C supplements may help boost male fertility and the quality of sperm. Vitamin C has long been hailed as a miracle aid for the immense system but now researchers are taking it more seriously as a path toward improved fertility. In fact, in one recent study, researchers gave men 1,000 mg of vitamin C twice a day for two months and they found that sperm motility shot up by 92%, sperm count by a whopping 100%, and astonishingly it was able to dramatically reduce deformed or ailing sperm cells by 55%.
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Take Vitamin D
Speaking of vitamins, take more D while you’re at it. According to one study, it turns out that vitamin D can increase testosterone levels by 25% after taking 3,000 IU of vitamin D daily over the course of a year. The controlled study’s subjects were all deficient in vitamin D, to begin with, but when you consider that the average American is already deficient in vitamin D, it makes this particular case pretty darn inspiring.
Manage Your Stress
Stress is a serious mood kill. Not only does it reduce your desire in the boudoir but it also messes with your hormones, which are already busy trying to help you conceive. You see, when your stress out, your body sends hormonal signals of cortisol throughout your body. Cortisol and testosterone do not play well together and so before you know it, stress can reduce your fertility. So relax.
Manage Your Weight
For some men, being overweight may be the cause for infertility issues. Only your doctor can know for sure but if weight loss in order then look to adopt healthy eating and exercise habits that can not only help you lose weight but that can keep you healthy and boost your energy especially if you plan on being a dad. You’ll need all the energy you can get!
Try Herbal Supplements
Now before you roll your eyes at the thought of herbal supplements, just know that these suggestions here have been used with great success by many men who have had infertility issues. Science is now looking closely to understand how these supplements work and the best ways to use them. For example:
- Maca root boost libido and sexual performance.
- Ashwagandha increased sperm count by 167% in one study.
- Fenugreek, according to one study, improves libido, sexual performance, testosterone levels and strength.
- Puncturevine is said to improve erectile function and libido.
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Trade-In Your Briefs for Boxers
There is anecdotal evidence that shows that men who wear boxers tend to have higher sperm counts. Researchers believe this may have something to do with temperature. The more airflow and cooler the area then perhaps the higher the sperm count.
