1. By: Simone Denny

2. Natural Ways to Increase Male
Fertility
You may be asking why, on a website dedicated to Women’s Health,
is the focus on male Fertility? While I don’t want to generalize it
seems more often than not the woman takes the lead (and feel
responsible) for managing fertility in the relationship and woman
are usually the driving force behind men’s preparation for
conception.
To date there has been a huge focus on women’s fertility
preparation, however it is equally important for men to be preparing
their bodies for conception too.
According the American Pregnancy Association male fertility
factors contribute to approximately 50% of all infertility cases,
and male infertility alone accounts for approximately one-third of all
infertility cases.
A common misconception is that a man's age does not affect
fertility; however this is not the case. Research has shown that male
fertility declines quite rapidly from the age of 41 and according
to researcher Paula Fettback, of the Huntington Medicina
Reproductiva clinic in Brazil – Men do have a biological clock.
There are many factors that impact male infertility and sperm
health, however I won’t go into the medical details in this article.
Below are some conception preparation tips for all men (and their
supportive partners) that may help couples on their road to
optimum fertility.

3. Ensure a diet high In Zinc and Vitamin C
The mineral zinc is critical to male reproductive health and the most
important trace mineral for male fertility. Zinc has been shown to
increase testosterone levels, sperm count and sperm motility. In
seminal fluid zinc appears to protect sperm from bacteria and
chromosomal damage and can help repair damage caused by free
radicals.
Oysters are one of the best sources of zinc but if you can’t stomach
them, other sources include pumpkin seeds, wheat germ, liver, beef
and raw cacao. Food is always the best source of acquiring vitamins
and minerals but you can also take a zinc supplement available from
the Nourishing Hub.
Ensure a diet high In Zinc and Vitamin C
The mineral zinc is critical to male reproductive health and the most
important trace mineral for male fertility. Zinc has been shown to
increase testosterone levels, sperm count and sperm motility. In
seminal fluid zinc appears to protect sperm from bacteria and
chromosomal damage and can help repair damage caused by free
radicals.
Oysters are one of the best sources of zinc but if you can’t stomach
them, other sources include pumpkin seeds, wheat germ, liver, beef
and raw cacao. Food is always the best source of acquiring vitamins
and minerals but you can also take a zinc supplement available from
the Nourishing Hub.
Ensure a diet high In Zinc and Vitamin C
The mineral zinc is critical to male reproductive health and the most
important trace mineral for male fertility. Zinc has been shown to
increase testosterone levels, sperm count and sperm motility. In
seminal fluid zinc appears to protect sperm from bacteria and
chromosomal damage and can help repair damage caused by free
radicals.
Oysters are one of the best sources of zinc but if you can’t stomach
them, other sources include pumpkin seeds, wheat germ, liver, beef
and raw cacao. Food is always the best source of acquiring vitamins
and minerals but you can also take a zinc supplement available from
the Nourishing Hub.

4. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to fight free radicals
thus enhancing sperm quality and quantity. Sperm a very
susceptible to oxidative damage so upping your antioxidants is
great way to improve sperm health.
Increasing the daily amount of vitamin C in men helps them produce
more sperm, stronger sperm, and more mobile sperm (helping to
prevent them from clumping or sticking together), according to a
study conducted by the University of Texas.
Natural sources of food high in vitamin C include kiwifruit,
strawberries and other berries, oranges and red peppers. There are
plenty of vitamin C supplements of on the market but unfortunately
many of them have synthetic ascorbic acid. My personal favourite is
Lifestream’s vitamin C made from certified organic acerola berries,
which are very rich in natural vitamin C. You can find this completely
natural Vitamin C here

5. Spend More Time In The Bedroom
No, I don’t mean sleeping (although getting enough sleep does help
with male fertility). Research has shown that having more sex (and
frequent ejaculation) helps to increase fertility in males. The theory
is that the longer the sperm remains in the testes the more likely
they will accumulate DNA damage and the warm environment could
also make them more sluggish over time.
In a study of men with fertility problems, daily ejaculation for a week
cut the amount of DNA damage seen in sperm samples. Dr David
Greening, from Sydney IVF, advise couples trying to conceive is to
have sex every two or three days.
Stop Smoking and Reduce Alcohol
Numerous studies have demonstrated the detrimental effects of
smoking on sperm health. Smoking either cigarettes or marijuana
can reduce sperm count and impair sperm mobility.
The damaging effect of alcohol on sperm is now a scientifically
proven fact. . According to Dr Patrick O’Brien, spokesperson for the
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, “Excessive
alcohol lowers testosterone levels and sperm quality and quantity in
men. It can also reduce libido, and can cause impotence.
One way in which alcohol does reduces sperm quality and quantity
is by preventing the body from absorbing zinc in the normal way –
as discussed above zinc plays a crucial role in male fertility.

6. Eat Your Carbs
It goes without saying that a balanced diet with plenty of fruit,
vegetables, whole grains and legumes can help boost fertility. One
interesting dietary fact, presented by the European Journal of
Applied Psychology, found that diets low in carbs reduced
testosterone levels in males by 33%.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina found that a low carb
diet lowered free testosterone by about a third and increased
cortisol by about a seventh (15%) when compared to a high carb diet
in athletes. So avoid any low carb diets such as the Atkins diet when
trying to conceive.

7. Effects of Mobile Phone Radiation on Sperm
Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the harmful
effects of mobile phones on sperm quality and quantity. Men who
carry mobile phones in their pockets are posing a greater risk to
their sperm health. The Environmental Working Group (EWG)
reviewed a number of research papers on the topic and found that
10 studies have discovered significant changes in sperm exposed to
cell phone radiation. Mobile phone exposure caused sperm damage
through oxidative stress, DNA damage and changes in sperm
morphology.
The EWG highlighted that men who carried a cell phone on the
belt/pocket and used it intensively during a five-day test period had
a 19 percent drop in highly motile sperm from their previous levels.
It is recommended that men do not carry mobiles in their pockets
and if they do, they should be switched to flight mode or switched
off. Try to use hands-free as much as possible when speaking on the
phone. At the Nourishing Hub we are big fans of the Pong Anti
Radiation Cases, which significantly decrease phone and WIFI
radiation – Click here for more information.
Other Tips for Enhancing Male Fertility
Ginseng Tea - shown to increase sperm count and testosterone
levels in men
Wearing boxer shorts rather than tight briefs – keep those testes
cool.
Exercise regularly and maintain a balanced weight
Vitamins A, D and E are all important for testosterone levels and
sperm counts

8. CoQ10 Supplement a powerful antioxidant - medical trials have
shown it can improve sperm quality in subfertile men. Available at
the Nourishing Hub.
Our favourite product for Male Fertility is Mygen Health Fertility
Formula for males. It is recommended by naturopaths and contains
17 therapeutically active ingredients including a range of vital
nutrients, antioxidants, CoQ10, selenium and zinc. Also available at
the Nourishing Hub - Click Here

9. Finally - why not try out our Nourishing Hubby Fertility Smoothie
Recipe full of lots of goodies to prepare for conception.
We would love to hear your stories about male fertility preparations
or about any products or practices that worked for you or your
partner - feel free to leave a comment below.
Wishing you a wonderful week!
Simone @ the Nourishing Hub