1. Determine the Cause of Your Infertility
The causes of couples' infertility are pretty much evenly split between the women and the men. There are many different factors that can cause fertility problems in men. Before you can increase your fertility, you and your doctor need to try to determine the cause of your infertility. You may have an underlying condition that can be treated medically. In as many as half of all cases of male infertility, however, no cause can be determined.
Many cases of infertility can be attributed to problems with sperm production or sperm function. In order for a man to get his partner pregnant, his sperm must be properly shaped, move properly and be in good supply. The most important test your doctor will do to assess your fertility is a semen analysis. A semen analysis will evaluate the shape (morphology) of your sperm, the movement (motility) of your sperm and the number of sperm per millimeter of semen. In some cases, fertility problems can be treated with surgery or hormone therapy.
2. Avoid Excessive Heat
Whether or not you have been diagnosed with infertility, there are some things you can do to increase your fertility. Exposing the testicles to high temperatures can diminish sperm production. Consequently, it is recommended that men avoid excessive heat. Avoid using hot tubs, steam baths and saunas for extended periods of time or on a regular basis. Even hot showers should be avoided when trying to increase fertility.
3. Regulate the Frequency of Sexual Intercourse or Masturbation
Increasing the frequency of sexual intercourse or masturbation can also help increase fertility. Ejaculating every 24 to 48 hours can help keep a man's reproductive system stimulated. This is particularly useful for men whose infertility is linked to poor sperm quality as opposed to low sperm count.
Too-frequent ejaculations, however, can actually reduce fertility in men with a low sperm count. In such cases, ejaculating no more than 2 to 3 times a week is recommended to increase the quantity of sperm in the semen.
4. Moderate Your Lifestyle
Your lifestyle can also affect your fertility. Men who exercise excessively or experience high amounts of emotional stress often have fertility problems. Likewise, using illicit drugs, abusing alcohol and smoking can affect sperm production and fertility in men. Decreasing stress and practicing stress-relieving techniques can help. Additionally, eating a balanced diet and taking certain vitamin and mineral supplements such as vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and folic acid may help improve sperm count and quality.
