Planning to be a father? Here’s what you need to know:

• Look after your general health
• Get a sexual health check up
• Information on sperm health and factors that can affect your fertility.

Smoking

Smoking is linked to sperm health problems. While smoking has not been linked to a lowered sperm count, it does cause damage to sperm DNA, which results in an increased risk of birth defects. Because it takes three months for sperm to fully form, it is imperative to quit smoking at least three months prior to trying to get pregnant in order to reduce the risk of birth abnormalities.

Drug use

Drug use also negatively influences sperm health. Marijuana increases the number of abnormal sperm produced, as well as lowers overall sperm count.

Limit your alcohol intake

Limit your alcohol intake. Reducing your alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks a day is also important to male fertility. In fact, excessive drinking can lead to impotence.

Work hazards, includes exposure to heavy metals, solvents and x-rays.

Maintain a healthy weight

Because being either overweight or underweight can influence sperm health, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial in order to increase male fertility. A BMI of less than 20 or of more than 25 can reduce a man’s sperm count by 22%.

Don’t overdo it

Studies have shown that ejaculating more than twice a day can have a negative effect on male fertility. This is because it takes some time for sperm levels to rise again following ejaculation. Nonetheless, it is important to have intercourse with your partner on a regular basis because sperm that is not ejaculated becomes old and less fertile, thereby reducing the chances of getting pregnant.

Avoid heat

Overheating of the testicles can reduce sperm health. It is important for men to avoid wearing tightly fitting pants and undergarments, as well as to avoid hot baths and hot tubs. Also, placing a laptop on a table or desk as opposed to directly on the body also reduces the risk of sperm health damage.

Reduce stress

Stress is a major contributing factor to sperm health problems.

Get checked for Hepatitis B, Sexually Transmitted Diseases and HIV. Infections can cause problems for your partner and the baby. It is important to get checked, particularly if you have concerns.

Male infertility

There are a number of medical conditions that affect male infertility.  These include obesity, genetic problems, cystic fibrosis, scrotum conditions, undescended testes and tubal blockage.

Male biological clock Sperm quality and mobility decreases with age, Sperm damage is also more common as men age. There is a link between a fathers age and an increased risk of Down’s syndrome and other genetic mutations.

Acknowledgments to: www.gettingpregnant.co.uk