As happens in many situations with infertility, Steve and Carol got lots of advice from well meaning friends. Carol was told to douche with honey to make her "environment more welcoming" to Steve’s sperm. Steve was told to stop drinking alcohol and load up on zinc. They followed the regimen of taking Carol’s basaltemperature every morning to determine her most fertile days. Steve was encouraged to exercise and relax more to reduce stress, but to not ride a bicycle for exercise.
So, for Steve and Carol, what was good advice and what were just "Old Wives’ Tales" that would not be helpful? How could they know what might help as they worked and wished for conception? First, they needed to separate out the facts. Here are some trusted ideas for dads to try to increase the odds of conceiving a baby and addressing the challenge of infertility before visiting the doctor and spending a lot of money on infertility treatments.
Boxers not briefs. The age old question of "Boxers or Briefs" is one that needs to be answered when working on infertility issues. The answer is "Boxers." One of the things that tends to impact sperm count negatively is having the testicles at higher than normal temperatures, so wearing boxers will help. Briefs keep the testicles too close to the body and thus warmer than they would be otherwise.
Keep them cooler. Other things you should avoid to keep the temperature of the testicles a bit cooler are long, hot showers, saunas, hot tubs and bicycle riding. Heating pads applied to the groin area or sleeping under an electric blanket can also raise temperature and inhibit sperm production.
Cut out tobacco, alcohol and drugs.These substances which are often common among young males should be avoided as they tend to suppress sperm production and mobility also. Street drugs and marijuana are also culprits in lower sperm counts. Some ulcer medications, steroids and other prescription and over the counter medications may also cause problems. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if what you are taking may be part of the problem.
Limit sexual intercourse. During your partner’s fertile period, only have sex every other day rather than every day. A day off in between will allow the sperm to replenish, giving you a higher probability of conception when you do have intercourse. Also, avoid lubricants during sex (including saliva) because they can negatively impact sperm count.
Position matters. When considering your position during sexual intercourse, think about gravity and how it might help getting sperm to your partner’s egg. Encourage your partner to remain laying down in bed about 15 to 20 minutes after sexual intercourse to allow time for things to connect.
Eat well and take supplements. Sperm production is enhanced when you are eating a healthy diet, exercising moderately, and taking a zinc supplement. Make sure that you also are taking a vitamin C supplement and eating food with lycopene, all of which help with sperm production and mobility.
Relieve stress. Fertility experts tell us that stress is a major inhibitor of sperm production. So try deep breathing, relaxation techniques, yoga or other methods of managing your stress.
While these ideas are certainly not guaranteed to produce a bouncing baby nine months from now, they have been helpful to many couples. At least they are worth a try before spending lots of money on doctor visits and fertility regimens.
