Male infertility has doubled in the past 50 years. A study from the National Health Service shows that the most common cause of infertility in men is poor-quality semen, or a lack of it. Fifty percent of the cases of failed conception is attributed to poor semen quality. As compared to women's health services, male fertility services have lagged behind especially in the U.K. Only a few fertility clinics in the UK confirm accreditation for semen analysis. Too many couples are already considering artificial methods of impregnation like in-vitro fertilization (IVF) before other, more simpler, methods to conceive. While IVF is highly commercialized and promoted by health clinics, it is not a very successful treatment. IVF is also very costly, starting around $6,000.
Conceiving requires both the male and female to participate, so it would only be fair to check the male's fertility rates as well. Since there is an increasing number of men that can't impregnate, focus should be drawn towards solving this problem. The main causes of male infertility are:
- Semen and sperm – If there is a significantly low quality and quantity of both, then there are slimmer chances of impregnation.
- Testicle damages or disorders – Infections, surgery, congenital defects, undescended testicles, and injury to testicles.
- Sterilization – Vasectomy (reversible, but most often unsuccessful).
- Ejaculation disorders – Includes premature, delayed, and retrograde ejaculation caused by prostate and thyroid problems, illegal drugs, mental illnesses, and stress.
- Hypogonadism – An abnormally low level of testosterone.
- Medicines and drugs – Including anabolic steroids, sulfasalazine, chemotherapy, illegal drugs like marijuana and cocaine.
Through natural methods, a man can increase his fertility. One of the best options is proper nutrition. By eating healthy, organic food, men are able to regenerate their sperms and providing them with vitamins and nutrients in healthy sperm growth. Below are some food options you'd want to share with your partner way before your preconception stage.
For men, we'd recommend eating some of these superfoods:
- Pumpkin seeds – These are high in zinc and omega-3 fatty acids. Pumpkin seeds increase your testosterone and sperm count and improve sexual organ function.
- Citrus fruits, tomatoes, berries – Citrus fruits like oranges provide you with a lot of vitamin C. These fruits boost your sperm quality.
- Carrots, red peppers, apricots – These are good sources of vitamin A that keep your sperm from getting sluggish.
Women, on the other hand, should eat more of these food items:
- Yams – These root crops provide you with folate and vitamin A. It reduces neural tube defects and may stimulate ovulation.
- Milk – One daily serving of milk (remember to buy from reputable sources!) may help lower the risk of ovulatory infertility. Milk also give you enough calcium and vitamin D.
- Lean protein – Iron, one of the most important minerals in the body, is needed when the baby develops inside. Lean protein provides enough iron both the mother and the baby. Two servings a day boosts fertility as well.
These foods benefit both sexes:
- Salmon, walnuts, flaxseed, eggs - These foods provide you with omega-3. It also regulates your hormones and increases blood flow to your reproductive organs.
- Leafy greens, whole grain bread – Veggies and whole grains provide you with folate, and reduces neural tube defects.
- Oysters – These are rich in zinc, and is nature's answer to Viagra. It also helps with regulating a woman's menstrual cycle and egg production.
- Blueberries and raspberries – These antioxidants protect a woman's eggs and a man's sperm from damage and aging.
We would also recommend decreasing the intake of, or forgoing the following:
- Coffee
- Wine, beer, spirits
- White bread and pasta, sugar
- Packaged snack foods, butter
- Soymilk, tofu
- Swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, tuna steak, shark
So remember, if you're experiencing a health problem, make sure to check for a natural solution first before diving into expensive unnatural methods.
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