Skip to main content

What Can Men Do to Increase Fertility?

|

When couples experience infertility, the challenges they’re facing may be because of problems with the man, the woman or both. When men are unable to get their partner pregnant, it’s usually because of problems with sexual function or with sperm cells. What can men do to increase fertility? 

While not all causes of infertility are treatable, there are some things men can do to improve their overall health, which may also help to improve sperm quality. For guidance from compassionate and knowledgeable experts in the field of assisted reproductive technologies, reach out to the Center for Reproductive Health.

Developing Better Habits

Men who wish to have the best chance of fathering a child should work on making good lifestyle choices and developing healthy habits. High body mass index (BMI) may have an impact on sperm movement and quality, so it’s a good idea to work on attaining a healthy weight. Food choices should emphasize wholesome foods such as fruits and vegetables, especially those that are high in antioxidants. Limit consumption of trans fatty acids and highly processed foods.

Physical activity is an important part of overall health for both men and women. In men, regular activity is crucial for sperm health. For men who have been leading a sedentary lifestyle, committing to a program of regular exercise can help to boost testosterone levels, which may improve fertility and it can also help to decrease body fat.

Other Factors That May Affect Fertility in Men

There are many factors that may be affecting fertility in men. Some of these include:

  • Stress. Stress can be harmful to both mental and physical health. Being under prolonged stress may affect testosterone levels and libido. Men who want to increase fertility need to learn ways to unwind and destress, which includes making time to get plenty of sleep. Sleep helps the body to recharge and can help men improve their ability to cope with stress.
  • Unhealthy habits. Men with unhealthy habits such as smoking, drinking to excess or dabbling in street drugs need to work on breaking these habits. Heavy drinking, cigarette smoke, cocaine and marijuana can all affect testosterone levels as well as sperm production and motility. Men who drink should do so moderately, which means no more than two drinks a day.
  • Chemicals. Exposure to toxic chemicals can affect male fertility. Men who work in an environment where they may be exposed to pesticides or other toxins should be sure to wear protective clothing such as masks and googles and should be careful to avoid letting skin come in contact with chemicals. 
  • Overheating. Overheating the scrotum can impact fertility in men. It’s a good idea to avoid hot tubs and saunas and wear loose fitting underwear. Men who spend a lot of time in a hot environment should take regular breaks to cool off.

The team at the Center for Reproductive Health is committed to helping both men and women overcome fertility challenges. For more information on increasing male fertility, schedule a consultation today.

See Dr. Mor’s Publications

Eliran Mor, MD

Reproductive Endocrinologist located in Encino, Santa Monica, Valencia & West Hollywood, CA
Reproductive Endocrinologist located in Encino, Valencia & West Hollywood, CA Doctor Mor received his medical degree from Tel Aviv University-Sackler School of Medicine in Israel. He completed a four-year residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at New York Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. Subsequently, Dr. Mor completed a three-year fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility […]
Read More

FAQ

What does a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist do?

Reproductive endocrinology and Infertility is a sub-specialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In addition to managing medical and surgical treatment of disorders of the female reproductive tract, reproductive endocrinologist and infertility (REI) specialists undergo additional years of training to provide fertility treatments using assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as in vitro fertilization.

Reproductive endocrinologists receive board certification by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.

When should I see an REI specialist?

In general, patients should consider consulting with an REI specialist after one year of trying unsuccessfully to achieve pregnancy. The chance of conceiving every month is around 20%, therefore after a full year of trying approximately 15% of couples will still not have achieved a pregnancy.

However, if a woman is over the age of 35 it would be reasonable to see a fertility specialist earlier, typically after 6 months of trying.

Other candidates to seek earlier treatment are women who have irregular menses, endometriosis, fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), women who have had 2 or more miscarriages, or problems with the fallopian tubes (prior ectopic pregnancy).

What are the reasons we are having trouble conceiving?

Approximately 1/3 of the time cause for infertility is a female factor, 1/3 of the time a male factor, and the remaining 1/3 a couples’ factor.

At CCRH, we emphasize the importance of establishing a correct diagnosis. Both partners undergo a comprehensive evaluation including a medical history and physical exam.

Furthremore, the woman’s ovarian reserve is assessed with a pelvic ultrasound and a hormonal profile. A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) will confirm fallopian tube patency and the uterine cavity is free of intracavitary lesions. A semen analysis is also obtained to evaluate for concentration, motility, and morphology of the sperm.

Additional work up is then individualized to direct the best possible treatment option for each couple.

What is IVF? What is the process like?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the process that involves fertilization of an egg outside of a woman’s body.

The process starts with fertility drugs prescribed to help stimulate egg development. In your natural cycle, your body is only able to grow one dominant egg, but with stimulation medication we can recruit multiple eggs to continue to grow. After about 8-10 days of stimulation, the eggs are surgically retrieved and then fertilized with sperm in a specialized laboratory. Fertilized eggs are then cultured under a strictly controlled environment within specialized incubators in the IVF laboratory for 3-5 days while they develop as embryos. Finally, embryos (or an embryo) are transferred into the uterine cavity for implantation.

Should I have IVF?

Before deciding if IVF is the right choice, it’s important to sit down with an REI specialist to discuss available treatment options. For some people, other methods such as fertility drugs, intrauterine insemination (IUI) may be the best first choice treatment. At CCRH, we believe each individual couple is unique and not everyone needs IVF.

Is the IVF procedure painful?

While not painful, the fertility medications may some side effects including headaches, hot flashes, mood swings, and bloating. The injection sites may also bruise.

Will IVF guarantee a baby?

Unfortunately, no. Many people think once they start IVF it’s a matter of time that they will be pregnant and have a baby. But according to national statistics per the Society of Assisted Reproduction (SART), on average 40% of assisted reproduction cycles achieve live births in women under age 35. The chances of success then continue to decrease with advancing age.

At CCRH, we employ only evidence-based interventions to ensure patient safety and optimal outcome. While we cannot guarantee a baby, we guarantee that you will receive the best, most advanced, personalized care to help you maximize your chance of a baby.

What is the success rate for IVF?

The average IVF success rate (success measured in live birth rate) using one’s own eggs begins to drop around age 35 and then rapidly after age 40. This is due to the decline in egg quantity and egg quality as a woman ages.

Our clinic’s success rate consistently beats the national average year after year.

Do insurance plans cover infertility treatment? How much does IVF cost?

Individual insurance plans often do not have any coverage for infertility treatments. If you have a group plan, you can call members services to see if they have coverage for infertility (including consultation/workup and IVF).

After your consultation with our REI specialist, one of our dedicated account managers with sit with you to go over the cost of treatment.

You May Also Like