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Fertility Boosters
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nib can help you Quit
One of the best things you can do to help your sperm is to quit smoking. Some of nib’s health insurance covers provide benefits for approved quit smoking programs under the Healthier Lifestyle benefit. To check if you’re covered, call 13 14 63 or visit nib.com.au. |
Fertility boosters
Although many people still think of fertility as a "woman's problem," up to half of all cases of infertility involve problems with the man. And 90% of male infertility is caused by low sperm counts.
Luckily, there are lots of things you can do to help your sperm count and thereby boost your fertility. Here are some suggestions:
Quit smoking. Cigarettes are linked to reduced sperm counts and low sperm motility. Long-term use of marijuana can result in low sperm count and abnormally developed sperm. Not to mention a tendency to fall asleep on the couch.
Cut down on alcohol. Booze is proven to reduce the production of normal sperm. And it doesn’t do much for performance either.
Stick to a healthy weight. Both overweight and underweight men can have fertility problems. If you’re overweight, there can be hormonal disturbances. If you’re too lean, chances are your sperm count will drop and the sperm you do make will be less functional.
Exercise in moderation. Over doing it could affect your sperm count indirectly by lowering the amount of testosterone in your body. And, as you might have guessed, stay off the steroids – they’re famous for causing testicles to shrink.
Step up your vitamin intake. Low levels of vitamin C and zinc can cause sperm to clump together. Vitamin E can counteract excess free-oxygen radicals, which can also affect sperm quality.
Protect yourself from toxins. Landscapers, contractors, manufacturing workers and men who have regular contact with environmental toxins or poisons (pesticides, insecticides, lead, radiation, or heavy metals) are all at risk of infertility. Work safe by using proper safety equipment at all times.
Reduce stress. Not only can stress interfere with hormone production, it can also have a drastic impact on your libido. Try stress busters such as an evening walk, watching a funny movie, talking to your mates, or doing an enjoyable hobby.
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If you and your partner haven’t conceived after a year of sex with no contraception, see your doctor and get some answers. Around 50% of couples that have an infertility evaluation will respond to treatment and get pregnant. Those who don’t get help have a "spontaneous cure rate" of only about 5%, which means there’s a 10 times greater chance of conceiving if you get medical help.
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