If you and your partner are facing challenges with fertility, it's important to remember that you're not alone. Infertility is more prevalent than one might realize. While infertility doesn't always have a guaranteed solution, there are certain steps you can take to enhance your chances of conceiving. Making positive changes to your diet, incorporating supplements, and adopting other lifestyle strategies can potentially improve fertility.

What is male infertility?

Male infertility refers to the condition where a man has a reduced likelihood of impregnating his female partner. It primarily revolves around the quality of his sperm cells.

The following are examples of each:

Libido: Libido, also known as sex drive, pertains to a person's desire for sexual activity. Aphrodisiacs are foods or supplements that claim to enhance libido.

Erectile dysfunction: Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, occurs when a man struggles to achieve or sustain an erection.

Sperm count: Semen quality relies on the number or concentration of sperm cells within a specific amount of semen.

Sperm motility: Healthy sperm cells possess the ability to swim, a crucial function for successful fertilisation. Sperm motility is measured as the percentage of actively moving sperm cells in a semen sample.

Testosterone levels: In some cases, low levels of testosterone, the male sex hormone, can contribute to male infertility.

Infertility can stem from various factors and can be influenced by genetics, overall health, physical fitness, illnesses, and exposure to dietary contaminants. Moreover, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following a balanced diet is crucial. Certain foods and nutrients have been linked to enhanced fertility effects compared to others.

Here are a few natural remedies to raise sperm count and enhance male fertility:

Physical activity

Ensure you engage in sufficient physical activity and get adequate sleep. Numerous studies indicate that people who are overweight or obese can experience an enhanced or elevated sperm count through weight loss and exercise. However, the scientific evidence supporting a correlation between a healthy body mass index (BMI) and a healthy sperm count is still limited.

Stop smoking

Studies have found that there is a consistent reduction in sperm count among smokers.It was found that people who smoked tobacco in moderate or heavy quantities exhibited lower sperm quality compared to those who smoked tobacco in lesser amounts.

To maintain good sperm health, it is advised to refrain from excessive consumption of alcohol and drugs. Limited controlled studies have investigated the connection between drug use and sperm health due to ethical concerns surrounding testing illicit substances.

Medications

Certain prescription medications have the potential to hinder the production of healthy sperm. However, once a male discontinues the medication, their sperm count should typically revert to normal or even increase.

Medications that could temporarily impair the production and development of sperm include:

• Some antibiotics

• Anti-androgens

• Anti-inflammatories

• Antipsychotics

• Opiates

• Antidepressants

• Anabolic steroids, which may continue to impact sperm count for up to 1 year after cessation

• Exogenous or supplementary testosterone

• Methadone

If males suspect that a medication they are currently taking might be affecting their sperm count or fertility, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider.

Fenugreek supplement

Consider incorporating a fenugreek supplement into your routine. For ages, fenugreek has been utilised as a natural solution to address issues related to sperm health. Supporters claim that it has the potential to enhance sperm count.

It has been discovered that a proprietary compound called Furosap, derived from fenugreek seeds, exhibited remarkable improvements in both semen quality and sperm count.

Intake of vitamin D

Although the exact reasons are not fully understood, the levels of vitamin D and calcium in the bloodstream seem to affect sperm health. Researchers have found a notable connection between enhanced fertility in males and higher levels of vitamin D in their blood.

Antioxidants

Boost your consumption of foods abundant in antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that aid in neutralising harmful molecules known as free radicals, which can cause damage to cells.

There are various vitamins and minerals that possess antioxidant properties, and research suggests that consuming antioxidants may be associated with higher sperm count.

Minimise your contact with environmental and workplace pollutants

With the rise in pollution and congestion, scientists frequently associate environmental aspects like air quality and exposure to harmful substances with diminished sperm quality and quantity.

Conclusion

Infertility is a prevalent condition that impacts a significant number of men across the globe. If you're experiencing fertility challenges, a valuable approach is to prioritise enhancing your overall well-being. While there is no foolproof solution, adopting these lifestyle recommendations might be beneficial if nutrient deficiencies or low testosterone levels are contributing factors.