If you are experiencing fertility issues, you are not alone. Infertility takes place more frequently than you might imagine. According to research, about 17.5% of couples experience the issue of infertility, and according to researchers, one in three cases is caused by fertility issues in the male partner alone. Even though infertility is not always treatable, there are ways to increase your chances of conceiving. Male fertility can be improvised by remaining active, reducing stress and altering nutrition, and living a healthier lifestyle. Vitamins, a healthy diet, and other lifestyle choices can occasionally aid in boosting fertility.
What is male infertility?
Fertility is the ability of an individual to reproduce naturally. Male infertility is a situation when a man's chances of getting his female spouse pregnant are low. His sperm cell quality is typically a determining factor of fertility. Sexual function and semen quality may both play a role in infertility in some cases. Here are some factors determining a man’s fertility:
- Libido: Also known as sex drive, the term "libido" describes a person's desire for sex. Aphrodisiac foods or supplements can promote libido.
- Erectile Dysfunction: Also referred to as impotence, Erectile dysfunction occurs when a man is unable to achieve or maintain an erection.
- Sperm Count: The importance of determining semen quality is the quantity or concentration of sperm cells present in semen.
- Sperm motility: The capacity to swim is an important component of healthy sperm cells. Sperm motility is determined by how many migrating sperm cells there are in a sample of semen.
- Testosterone levels: Some men may have infertility issues as a result of low levels of testosterone, a male sex hormone.
Infertility can be caused by several other factors, such as genetics, overall health, level of physical fitness, conditions, and chemicals in the environment. It's also important to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. Some foods and nutrients have a stronger link to improved fertility than others.
Foods to Increase Male Fertility
List of foods that can improve male fertility and sperm health:
Fish
Due to being rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fish have the benefit of aiding sperm health. However, it is not entirely clear how fish affect sperm health. If you substitute fish for red and/or processed meats, it will probably help.
Fruits & Vegetables
According to research, men who consumed more fruits, vegetables, and legumes, especially green leafy vegetables, had greater sperm counts and better sperm motility than men who consumed fewer of these nutrients. This is not surprising since plant-based whole meals are rich in antioxidants, including coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, and lycopene. These micronutrients help in boosting sperm concentrations.
Walnuts
Due to the presence of omega-3, antioxidants, and mineral content, walnuts are fantastic for male fertility. Walnuts are considered good for sperm health.
Male Fertility Foods to Avoid
Male reproductive problems are a crucial factor in a couple's inability to conceive. With time, this can become very problematic. Men's physical and emotional health can also be impacted by issues with infertility.
To prevent fertility issues in men, the following meals should be avoided:
Processed Meat
If you consume processed meats like ham, pepperoni, sausages, bacon or salami in excess, you could be endangering the health of your reproductive system. Organic meat is acceptable, but processed meat can negatively affect your sperm profile. According to studies, consuming processed meat in excess can lower sperm counts. It can lower sperm quality by up to 23%. Additionally, men who eat a lot of processed meat are more likely to have sperm that are abnormally shaped.
Soy Products
Even though soy is generally nutritious, it is best to avoid it. This is because soy contains sizable levels of oestrogenic isoflavones. As a result, it decreases testosterone levels and increases oestrogen levels in the body. Lower testosterone levels then create a significant impact on sperm quality and quantity, which may compromise a man's ability to conceive and have children.
Dairy Products
Dairy products are normally considered very healthy, but new research has shown that high-fat dairy foods like cheese and full-cream milk can harm the male reproductive system. These can significantly reduce sperm motility and count. In addition, the medications and supplements given to the cows may be present in full-fat dairy products, which may further affect how the reproductive system functions.
Alcohol
Regular consumption of alcohol worsens overall health. Males who drink too much alcohol frequently experience problems with their reproductive health, including low sperm counts, low testosterone levels, erectile dysfunction, etc. Alcohol's dehydrating effects also worsen health. In order to increase your fertility, it is important to avoid alcohol or consume it in moderation.
Trans Fat
Trans fat consumption is associated with a drop in overall sperm count. Fried and baked dishes contain a considerable amount of trans fats. Food items high in trans fats include cakes, cookies, pies, biscuits, fried chicken, and french fries. These foods have an adverse effect on general health and raise the risk of obesity when consumed excessively. Obesity is the house of frequent male infertility problems
Conclusion
Change to healthy eating habits right away because you now understand how your diet has a direct impact on every element of your health. If you already have fertility problems, you must strictly go by all the dos and don'ts listed above. Additionally, pay attention to any infertility symptoms you may be experiencing because ignoring them could have major long-term consequences. So why would you choose fertility problems over a quick access to healthcare? If you require fertility therapy, do not delay in contacting a healthcare specialist.
