There is rising evidence that men’s fertility has declined globally in recent decades. However, it is also a proven truth that lifestyle change can impact the reproductive health of men. Moreover, modifiable lifestyle, occupational, and environmental factors could all play a role in this reduction. Further, patients and infertility experts are beginning to pay more attention to the primary and secondary prevention of male infertility through modifiable lifestyle variables. In this blog, we will review the evidence that is currently available about modifiable lifestyle choices, particularly those related to diet, exercise, and body habits. Research shows that lifestyle factors are important for healthy sperm motility and semen quality. Make healthy lifestyle adjustments and discuss pre-existing medical conditions with your doctor.

Infertility And Lifestyle Variables

There is a connection between infertility and lifestyle choices. To increase your chances of creating the healthiest sperm possible, you may do a few things. The following advice will increase your chances of becoming pregnant.

1. Reduce extra weight

High BMI can lead to obesity, altering hormone levels, lowering sperm concentration and production, and affecting male fertility. Studies suggest a connection between obesity and decreased sperm motility and morphology. Male obesity can harm sperm DNA, affecting fertility and fetal health. It may also increase the vulnerability of future offspring to chronic illnesses.

Diet and exercise are the best ways to reach your goal weight.

2. Give up smoking

Smoking can lower ejaculate volume, reduce sperm production due to reduced zinc content in semen, damage the epididymis, and impair sperm function. It can also impair erection. Passive smoking puts spouses at risk. Quitting smoking can reverse these harmful effects. Doctors can help, and NHS initiatives offer support for quitting smoking. NHS initiatives are available to help quit.

3. Reduce or Give Up Alcohol

Alcohol consumption affects the quality of sperm. It reduces levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone (TSH), one of the primary hormones that regulate the reproductive system. Alcohol increases estrogen, which may be a factor in decreased sperm production. According to one study, consuming as little as five units of alcohol per week may hurt sperm quality.

4. Steer Clear of Recreational Drugs

It is believed that cocaine and marijuana may have an impact on male fertility, but extensive research is viewed as immoral. Therefore, the effects are unknown. Amphetamines, or speed, heroin, methadone, and anabolic steroids—which men occasionally use to bulk up their bodies—all degrade sperm quality. Consult your doctor if you use any of these medications to find a way to kick the habit.

5. Engage in Regular Exercise

Maintaining an optimal weight for fertility and cardiovascular health depends on physical activity. However, studies have consistently demonstrated that more active men generally have greater sperm counts than sedentary men. Try to get in at least 30 minutes of moderate activity five times weekly.

6. Control your stress levels

Hormones like testosterone and LH can drop with stress. It may theoretically have an impact on sperm quality, but further research is required to draw a firm conclusion. Stress on our minds has many effects on us. Acquire some basic breathing and meditation skills that you can utilize regularly to help you cope with stressful situations. An excellent place to start is using the Headspace app.

7. Monitor the Temperature

Elevated testicular temperature may degrade the quality of sperm. Similarly, steer clear of holding a warm phone in your pocket or spending extended amounts of time sitting with a laptop on your crotch. Instead, dress in baggy pants and underwear like boxer shorts. Getting up and walking about frequently is crucial, especially if you work in a hot setting or spend long periods seated.

8. Consume A Balanced Diet

Low-quality semen is associated with diets heavy in processed meat, caffeine, red meat, saturated fatty acids, and trans fats. Moreover, better sperm are linked to diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and seafood. In addition, a Mediterranean-style diet promotes fertility in addition to heart health.

Conclusion

If you have existing medical conditions that might affect fertility, such as sickle cell disease, thalassemia, or other hereditary diseases, take the opportunity to see your doctor for a preconception chat. Similarly, if you are adopting a healthy lifestyle or have changed your existing one and turned to a healthy one but also facing the issue, you need to talk to the doctor.

If you want to visit a doctor for your fertility issues in Islamabad, you must consult with the best doctor at Enfield Royal Clinic.