- Don’t drink too much alcohol. Stick within the daily limit of no more than 3-4 units daily (a pint and a half of 4% beer). Regularly drinking more than this can reduce fertility. The Danish study found that women drinking more than 10 units a week were more likely to miscarry, also found that if men drank more than this, the pregnancy was more likely to en in miscarriage, even taking into account the woman’s alcohol intake.
- Check that you are a healthy weight for your height. Having a BMI over 29 has been found to have even more significant negative effects on male fertility. It is ideal to have healthy weight (BMI 20-24). Sperm DNA fragmentation is higher in men with a BMI over 25 as this reduces the chance of pregnancy.
- If your caffeine intake is very high then it may be a good idea to cut down. Some research suggests caffeine makes sperm more likely, which could boost fertility, but other studies suggest high intakes reduce male fertility.
- Eat plenty of zinc-rich foods, including wholegrain cereal products such as baked beans, bran flakes, whole meal bread, and if you are not a vegetarian, beef, chicken and other meat. Zinc deficiency is linked to reduced testosterone levels and sperm quality.
- Boost your intake of folic acid and antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, by drinking orange juice and eating leafy green vegetables, beans and pulses. These nutrients are important for boosting sperm numbers and making them better swimmers.
- Talk to your doctor if you are taking prescription medication because some, such as certain drugs for hypertension, can affect fertility.
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