Can It Be My Man?

“Me man, me make babies”. Fertility help for men.

Although few men would admit it, they too need fertility help. Men might find this difficult to accept, but let’s face the facts. A fourth of infertility cases worldwide are due to male-factor infertility. So if you suspect that this might be true, go ahead and seek help. You are not alone with this problem.

Some men would delay getting fertility help because they are too shy to discuss the problem. As an obstetrician-gynecologist dealing with infertile couples, I find that women are more likely to undergo testing and seek treatment for infertility. Men might accompany their wives or girlfriends for consultation, but they would often balk at the thought of having themselves tested as well.

For men who think they may have fertility problems, here are some fertility help tips for you.

The first step is to get tested. To test for fertility problems, you will have to undergo a basic semen analysis. This test will assess the volume, concentration, and morphology (or appearance) of your sperm cells.

For men with a low sperm count, you may try supplementing with vitamins C and E. These two vitamins are potent antioxidants. They prevent oxidative damage to sperm cells, improving the quality and motility of the sperms. Vitamin C has an added benefit of preventing agglutination. This is when sperm cells are clumped together in groups, making them move slower and unable to impregnate.

You may also supplement your diet with zinc and selenium, two minerals which are believed to improve sperm cell concentration and motility. Zinc improves testosterone levels and sperm production. Zinc has also been shown to increase sperm motility. Selenium, on the other hand, has antioxidant properties which prevent damage to sperm brought on by free radicals.

Women wanting to conceive are advised to take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. Now it seems that men can benefit from this advice, too.

There are also a variety of herbal supplements known to boost sperm count and motility. Siberian ginseng and ginkgo biloba are two of the most popular herbs used to boost both male and female infertility. Ginseng and ginkgo biloba are also known to boost libido and virility in men.

Men should avoid smoking. Smoking hastens damage to sperm, resulting in suboptimal sperm levels. Smoking can also damage small blood vessels to the male reproductive organs, resulting to decreased sperm production.

Coffee and other caffeinated drinks should be taken in moderation. Alcohol consumption should likewise be kept to a minimum. Data from several studies have shown these two compounds to adversely affect male fertility.

To improve chances of getting their partners pregnant, men with suboptimal sperm volume may opt to have sexual intercourse every other day instead of daily. This is to improve sperm concentration in semen. You may time intercourse during the period when a woman is most likely fertile. You may ask your doctor about the different methods to predict when ovulation has occurred.

Lastly, do not hesitate to share your insecurities and apprehensions about your virility with your partner. She can provide you with the reassurance and the love that you need. Knowing that your partner understands your problem can do wonders for you and your relationship. And may make you more determined to seek fertility help and hopefully, to conceive.