By Idries Abdur-Rahman, M.D., FACOG

Did you know that the male partner is the source of fertility problems just as often as the female partner is? Yup, when it comes to problems with fertility, 1/3 of cases are related to the male partner, 1/3 of cases are related to the female partner and 1/3 of cases are a combination of both partners. Generally, for men, fertility issues are related to sperm quantity or quality so let’s look at some things that you can do to improve quality and count:

1). Go Commando, let the boys swing free:

Yes, you heard me, let the boys swing free. The design of your testicles is not accidental. The testicles are designed to hang away from the body keeping them nice and cool. Heat reduces sperm production so the cooler the testicles (within reason of course), the higher your sperm count. So, what to do?

• Consider going commando, ditch the underwear.
• If you are not quite down with commando, wear boxers instead of briefs.

2). Stick to the shower and don’t cook the boys in the bathtub:

We just spoke about the importance of keeping your testicles nice and cool. Going commando or wearing boxers definitely helps to keep the breeze flowing but what about when it comes time to scrub the grime of the day away? As relaxing as a nice hot bath may be, the drawback of a hot bath is the whole HOT part. Men who take regular baths have been found to have lower sperm counts so skip the bath and just take a daily shower.

3). Cut alcohol, caffeine, and cigarettes:

I know, you’re not even a dad yet and you have to start to clean things up a bit! Unfortunately, alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco have been found to reduce sperm quantity and quality. If you can’t stop the terrible triad completely, reducing consumption to the lowest possible levels will also make a difference. And for those of you that chew tobacco, that counts too!

4). Vitamins and supplements: DAA, vitamin C, vitamin D, Zinc, Co-Q10, and Maca Root

While you are cleaning things up, start using vitamins and supplements to improve your sperm characteristics:

• DAA (D-Aspartic Acid): DAA increases both sperm count and mobility by increasing male testosterone levels. A daily supplement of 3 grams a daily has been shown to be beneficial.
• Vitamin C: Yup, good ole vitamin C, not only does it boost the immune system but its antioxidant qualities mean that taking 2,000mg daily (divided into two doses) can also increase sperm count.
• Vitamin D: I guess 2,000 is the magic number when it comes to vitamins and semen quality. Taking 2,ooo IU of vitamin D daily increases testosterone levels and sperm counts.
• Zinc: Taking 10mg of zinc daily increases testosterone levels, sperm counts, and sperm mobility.
• Co-Q10: The antioxidant properties of CoQ-10 have been found to increase sperm motility and quality. Usual dosages are between 100-200mg daily.
• Maca Root: Studies have shown that men who take 2 grams of maca root daily have higher testosterone levels and sperm counts.

5). Prescribed medications: Clomid and gonadotropins

Sometimes lifestyle changes, vitamins, and supplements aren’t enough and that’s okay. Medical science has come up with some pretty good medications that also increase sperm quantity and quality.

• Clomid: Clomiphene Citrate is a medication that is also used for women who have fertility issues. In women, Clomid helps to stimulate ovulation and in men, it increases testosterone levels, sperm counts, and motility. 25mg of Clomid is taken every day for the first 25 days of the month generally in cycles of three months.
• Gonadotropins: Gonadotropins are injections that are also used in both women and men with fertility issues. In men, much like Clomid, gonadotropins increase testosterone levels, sperm counts, sperm quality, and sperm motility.

If you are experiencing fertility issues, don’t lose hope, there are tons of options available. Be sure to followup with your medical professional especially before starting any new medications, vitamins or supplements.

Want some more fertility tips? Check them out right HERE!