Male Fertility & Nutrition

When it comes to conception, the focus is usually on the female. Despite the fact that there are many single mums out there doing an amazing job, we do tend to need a man’s little swimmers to get the little bundle of joy there in the first place...

When the fun is over, we need strong and fast fighters to make their way through a treacherous terrain to reach the prized golden egg in order to create a mini-you!

Although many happy and healthy ‘accidents’ occur when least expected, it is important to address the health of your male partner’s sperm 100 days before the game of conception begins. This is because it takes 100 days for sperm to develop and mature into responsible adult sperm, which is up to the challenge of making a mini miracle.

Alarmingly, the average sperm count has fallen in the last 50 years by almost 50%. This may be due to a number of factors including the wave of hormones floating around in drinking water, in foods wrapped in plastic and in animal food sources which can disrupt hormonal harmony in men.
Common deficiencies in zinc and magnesium are also associated with an abnormal sperm shape which is incompatible with the female jigsaw.

Mutagens can influence your chances of healthy conception as they penetrate your cells and actually re-jig your DNA, which presents quite the challenge for those wishing to reproduce. Mutagens include lead, radiation, chemicals and constituents of cigarette smoke. So his first step is to ditch the cigarettes.

We require a dietary defence squad to counteract these mutagens and it comes in the form of antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetables. Antioxidants including vitami
A, C and E - alongside minerals selenium and zinc - are especially important for the health of sperm. Go for plenty of fresh produce and organic meat, beans and pulses. Oysters are particularly rich in zinc which is partly why they are famed for their aphrodisiac properties so tuck in with your fellow parent-to-be!

Folic acid is not just important for mum. It is vital for sperm production, count, motility and a reduced risk of morphological abnormalities. Vitamin C aids absorption.
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant which prevents damage from free radicals and is vital for the production of healthy sperm. Low vitami
C levels have been linked to an increase in birth defects.

Up to 5% of all men under the age of 50 are classified as infertile. Common causes include nutritional deficiencies, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, diabetes, heavy metal toxicity and also diseases such as Mumps, Chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

Alcohol interferes with the secretion of testosterone. It speeds up the conversion of testosterone into oestrogen which lowers sperm count and also sex drive. Also, the breakdown product of alcohol is acetaldehyde which is toxic to sperm.

High intake of caffeine may also impair sperm production, causing chromosome abnormalities and reduced sperm motility.
So cutting down on alcohol and coffee alongside quitting smoking may not sound like fun, but your reward will be well worth it! Plus the time and money you save in not going to the pub can be spent on decorating your VIP arrival’s nursery!

The diet of both pre-conception parental units should be nutrient dense and low in environmental toxins. Avoid non-organic meat because it is often pumped with artificial hormones. Choose unrefined, fresh and organic foods where possible. An adequate protein intake is crucial for sperm production in the first place.

Considering the average UK population is deficient in 6 out of 8 key nutrients, a good quality multi-vitamin and mineral supplement would be recommended simply to meet your basic requirements and to up your chances of a stress free, fast conception. There are some good products available which are specifically designed for baby-making needs.

And finally, stress really is our arch nemesis and no more so than when trying to conceive. When stressed your blood is sent swimming straight to your vital organs for survival such as your lungs, heart and brain. Unfortunately, your testes are not considered a survival organ of your body (ironically) and are therefore not sent their required flow of circulation meaning malnourishment of your male parts! So aim for stress management through light exercise, a well-balanced colourful diet and perhaps investment in an herbal adaptogen such as ginseng which is also shown to help to increase sex drive... quite important for making a baby!