What Can Be Done to Prevent Male Infertility?
Common Misconceptions About Male Infertility
What Can Be Done to Prevent Male Infertility?
Quit smoking or don’t smoke to begin with
Avoid unnecessary exposures to drugs or toxins
Take antioxidants – natural dietary sources are the best
Have your children at a younger age where you and your sperm are more healthy
Keep the scrotum a few degrees cooler than core body temperature
Don’t make your partner wait too long to have children – older eggs are less adept at repairing sperm DNA damage
Use condoms with new partners – STIs can cause infertility
Carefully consider your options and future choices before having a vasectomy
Common Misconceptions About Male Infertility
There are many misconceptions surrounding male infertility. Given that male factor infertility is present in around 50% of cases of couples struggling to conceive, it’s important to know what factors contribute to infertility, and some simple steps that can be taken to improve fertility.
Myth #1 – Age does not affect male fertility
Myth #2 – My smoking won’t affect my partner’s chance of conception
Myth #3 – My general health doesn’t affect my sperm
Myth #4 – Losing weight won’t help my sperm
Myth #5 – Fresh fruit and vegetables can’t help my sperm
Myth #6 – Alcohol isn’t an issue for men trying to conceive
Written by Dr Raelia Lew
RANZCOG Board Certified CREI Fertility specialist, Gynaecologist and the Director of Women’s Health Melbourne.
Co-host of the Knocked Up Podcast, Co-founder of Lovers intimate wellness solutions. Raelia has a PhD in Preconception Health Promotion and Genetic Screening. Raelia is a leading Australian expert in IVF and egg freezing, pioneering a bespoke model of care.