Men’s Health Month: 5 Ways You Can Improve His Reproductive Health

In honor of Men’s Health Month, we wanted to share important health information that applies to the man in your life. A man’s overall well-being is vital to his reproductive health. Poor diet and other lifestyle choices can make or break your ability to have a healthy baby on your own, without the assistance of assisted reproductive technology. Plus, once that beautiful baby of yours is born, she/he wants to enjoy a relationship with a healthy father for as long as possible.

Here are 5 ways you can improve your man’s reproductive health as well as his health in general.

1. Lay off the junk food. There is more than one reason to lay off the junk food when trying to get pregnant. You are most likely aware of the link between obesity and infertility, but did you know that fast food wrappers, candy wrappers, microwave popcorn packaging, etc., use perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) because of their non-stick properties? Unfortunately, these chemicals are known to have an unhealthy effect on sperm count and motility. You may also want to get rid of any cooking pans/utensils that have Teflon, which is loaded with toxic chemicals known to decrease fertility.
2. Take a couples’ Yoga class. There is a link between yoga and male reproductive health. Yoga is a form of exercise that benefits both the mind and the body. This means that in addition to keeping him more agile and physically fit, it can also lower his stress levels. Also, people who do yoga on a regular basis are more apt to change their diets for the better and make healthier overall lifestyle choices.
3. Quit smoking. Smoking is absolutely contrary to the entire fertility cycle. Men who smoke have lower sperm counts and are more likely to have sperm motility issues. Plus, women who have partners who smoke have a more difficult time getting pregnant. Once the baby is conceived, his second- and third-hand smoke is also a detriment to your child’s health. What better reason than that to kick that smoking habit once and for all?
4. Up his super food intake. He always wanted to be a super hero, right? Make that fantasy a reality by eating the super foods that will help him achieve his goal. Include nutrient-rich super foods into your diets on a daily basis and opt for pesticide-free choices whenever possible. Examples include things like bananas, fatty fish that is high in Omega-3s, blueberries, whole grains, broccoli, Brazil nuts and orangey-colored veggies like butternut squash, yams and carrots. You are what you eat – as well as what you don’t – so make your diet a priority.
5. Limit his alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol consumption does nothing to enhance male sexual performance, which is the traditional method of conception. Try to get your guy to limit his alcohol intake to no more than two drinks per night. If, like smoking, you’re concerned that your mate has a drinking problem, now is the time to address it. You will have plenty to deal with once your little bundle of joy arrives and your new family will be much healthier if latent addictions have been confronted and processed before the baby is born.

When it comes to male reproductive health, a solid foundation is the best place to start. Celebrate Men’s Health Month by prioritizing your guy’s health. Work together to make the best diet and lifestyle choices you can for your future family’s interest.

Contact RRC for more information about male reproductive health or infertility.