Men’s health: Expert shares tips to preserve semen quality and safeguard fertility

Men’s health: Expert shares tips to preserve semen quality and safeguard fertility

According to a recent study, male factors contribute to nearly 50 per cent of infertility cases among Indian couples. By embracing positive lifestyle practices, men can actively contribute to preserving their semen quality and safeguarding their fertility potential.

For couples striving to conceive, a holistic approach that addresses the fertility health of both partners is crucial. (Image: Freepik)

New Delhi: In India, the desire for parenthood is deeply rooted in our cultural values and traditions. Infertility is a pressing issue currently in India and across the globe. Around 8 to 10 per cent people across the globe is suffering from infertility, while in India, the number ranges from 15 to 20 million in couples.

According to a recent study, male factors contribute to nearly 50 per cent of infertility cases among Indian couples. Some of the major reasons behind the damage of sperm count are poor lifestyle habits such as obesity, smoking and drinking, which reduces the sperm count in men. By embracing positive lifestyle practices, men can actively contribute to preserving their semen quality and safeguarding their fertility potential.

In conversation with News9, “For couples striving to conceive, a holistic approach that addresses the fertility health of both partners is crucial. While much attention is given to promoting ovulation and egg quality in women, the male factor plays an equally vital role in achieving successful conception.”

• Balanced Diet: A well-rounded, nutritious diet is a must for male reproductive health. Incorporating antioxidant-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and nuts can help protect sperm cells from oxidative damage. Zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, and folate are also vital for supporting sperm production and quality. Making dietary choices that provide these essential nutrients can have a significant impact on semen parameters.

• Regular Exercise: Regular moderate exercise offers multiple benefits for male fertility. It improves blood circulation, delivering essential oxygen and nutrients to the reproductive organs while reducing oxidative stress. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight through exercise is advantageous, as both obesity and being underweight have been linked to decreased semen quality. However, it’s crucial to avoid excessive, strenuous exercise routines or activities that involve prolonged cycling, as friction and elevated testicular temperatures can impair sperm production.

• Stress Management: Chronic stress can disrupt the delicate hormonal balance required for optimal sperm production and quality. Our ancient practices like yoga, meditation, and pranayama (breathing exercises) can help mitigate the negative impact of stress on male fertility. When the body is under constant stress, it releases high levels of cortisol, a hormone that can disrupt this intricate process. Incorporating these proven stress management techniques into your routine can promote a healthy state of mind and body, conducive to reproductive health.

• Substance Avoidance: Substances like tobacco, excessive alcohol, and recreational drugs have all been associated with decreased sperm count, motility, and abnormal sperm shape. Eliminating or moderating these harmful habits can significantly improve semen parameters, increasing the chances of successful conception. Our traditional wisdom encourages a balanced and disciplined lifestyle for overall well-being, including reproductive health.

• Weight Management: Achieving and maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) through a balanced diet and regular exercise routine is essential for optimizing male fertility. Our traditional practices emphasize the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle for overall well-being, which naturally extends to reproductive health.

• Safe Sexual Practices: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia and gonorrhoea can cause inflammation and scarring in the male reproductive system, leading to fertility issues. Practising safe sex by using protection can help prevent STIs and protect your ability to conceive in the future. Responsible sexual behaviour is not only a matter of personal health but also a reflection of our cultural values and respect for our partners.