Fertility — there’s a lot contained in this one word as it stands between you and your ability to create a new life. Given that male fertility issues are present in half of cases of infertility, paying attention to this area of your health is an excellent idea if you're trying to build a family.
At our practice, Dr. Mike Hsieh is a urology and men’s health expert specializing in highly complex issues that can lead to male infertility.
In the following, we’re going to share some of our expertise in 6 steps that you can take that will go a long way toward improving your fertility.
As we mentioned, male infertility can be complex, so it’s important to clearly understand what you’re dealing with. Fertility issues can stem from not enough sperm, immature sperm, sperm that don’t move well, hormone issues, or obstructions, to name just a few hurdles.
So, if you and your partner have been trying to conceive without success, it’s a good idea to see us for a fertility evaluation. For starters, we can test your sperm counts and assess the health of your sperm, which will give you a good idea about what you're working with.
DAA is a type of amino acid found in your testes, sperm, and semen. Taken as a supplement, DAA has been shown to increase testosterone levels and boost sperm counts and motility (how sperm moves).
You’re not doing your fertility any favors if you’re a smoker. Smoking causes your sperm cells to be smaller and slower. Smoking can also harm the DNA in your sperm cells.
Research suggests that having obesity can not only lower your testosterone levels. It can also lower your sperm count and slow down your sperm. In fact, men with obesity are 42% more likely to have low sperm counts than men of average weight.
There’s a lot to be stressed about these days, but this constant state of anxiety and worry can wreak havoc on your fertility. Stress can lead to sexual function issues, such as erectile dysfunction, because testosterone levels can fall when cortisol levels go up.
While you and your partner are trying to conceive, it can be beneficial to curb your alcohol intake. Alcohol can not only get you out of the mood for sex, but it can also lower your testosterone levels and affect the quality of your semen.
There are many other tips we can share with you, as well as supplements and dietary recommendations that might boost your fertility. For a comprehensive fertility plan, we urge you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hsieh’s office in La Jolla, California.
