How can I improve my chances of becoming a dad

How can I improve my chances of becoming a dad?

How can I improve my chances of becoming a dadIn today’s society there are so many myths and misunderstandings of what is actually required to become a dad.

It takes two to tango and whether you are looking to conceive naturally or through other methods.

We have written this article to help you improve your lifestyle and what you can do to help your chances.

Timing is everything

It may seem so obvious, but you need to have regular sex (2 or 3 times a week) if you want to become a dad.

Having sex around the time your partner ovulates (when an egg is released from the ovary) will increase your chances of conceiving.

Testicles

Testicles are outside of the body as they need to be kept cooler than the rest of the body.

If you are planning on conceiving or being a sperm donor, if you work in a hot environment, take regular breaks in a cooler space.  If you sit for long periods make sure you remain active.

Although no official evidence, wearing tight underwear can also affect sperm quality.

Smoking, Alcohol & Drugs

Smoking can reduce male fertility, so you should give up smoking if you want to become a dad.

Drinking alcohol excessively can affect the quality of sperm. The UK Chief Medical Officers’ recommendation is to drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week, which should be spread evenly over 3 days or more.

One unit of alcohol is the equivalent of half a pint of beer or lager, or a single pub measure (25ml) of spirits. A small glass of wine (125ml) contains 1.5 units of alcohol.

Some recreational drugs are known to damage sperm quality and reduce male fertility. These include:

  • cannabis
  • cocaine
  • anabolic steroids

You should avoid taking these types of drugs if you’re trying for a baby.

Diet, Weight and Exercise

Eating a healthy, balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight is essential for keeping your sperm in good condition.

The Eatwell Guide shows that to have a healthy diet you should:

  • eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day (see 5 A Day)
  • base meals on higher fibre starchy foods like potatoes, bread, rice or pasta
  • include some dairy or dairy alternatives (such as soya drinks and yoghurts)
  • eat some beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other protein

Being overweight (having a body mass index above 25) may affect the quality and quantity of your sperm.

If you’re overweight and trying for a baby, you should try to lose weight by combining healthy eating with regular exercise.

Stress

Stress can play a part in both female and male fertility struggles.  Stress can affect your relationship. It can also lower your or your partner’s sex drive (libido), which may reduce how often you have sex.

Severe stress may also limit sperm production. So when trying to have a baby, learning to relax and taking steps to reduce the amount of stress in your life will help.

What Else Can I do to Improve My Sperm Quality

  • Get tested – Speak to your GP or fertility specialist to request, hormone blood tests, sperm testing and DNA Fragmentation
  • Acupuncture
  • Reflexology
  • Vitamins and Supplements
  • Healthy Diet
  • Less Stress

If you have any questions or would like some further information about fertility treatments confidentially on how we can help please contact us.  We would be pleased to help

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