It may sound apparent, but if you want to be a father, you must have regular intercourse (2 or 3 times each week).
Having intercourse around the time your spouse ovulates (releases an egg from the ovary) increases your chances of conceiving.
You can also boost your chances of becoming a father by making a few lifestyle modifications.
Temperature of sperm
Your testicles are outside your body because they need to be kept colder than the rest of you in order to generate the greatest quality sperm (slightly below body temperature).
If you’re contemplating pregnancy, a few basic precautions to keep your testicles cold may be beneficial. Take regular pauses outside, for example, if your profession requires you to work in a hot setting. If you sit for lengthy periods of time, stand up and walk about frequently.
Tight underwear is also estimated to raise the testicular temperature by up to 1 degree Celsius. Although a study has shown that tight underwear has no effect on sperm quality, you should wear loose-fitting underwear, such as boxer shorts, when trying for a baby.
Smoking
Smoking might lower fertility, thus if you want to be a father, you should quit smoking. The possibility of respiratory illness and cot death (sudden infant death syndrome).
A doctor can provide you with guidance and therapy to help you quit smoking.
Alcohol
Excessive alcohol consumption might have an impact on sperm quality. The UK Chief Medical Officers suggest no more than 14 units of alcohol each week, divided equally over three days or more.
A unit of alcohol is half a pint of beer or lager or a single pub measure (25ml) of spirits. 1.5 units of alcohol are included in a modest glass of wine (125ml).
Drugs used for recreation
Some recreational drugs have been linked to decreased male fertility and sperm quality-
- Cannabis
- Cocaine
- Anabolic steroids
If you’re attempting to conceive, you should avoid using these medicines.
Medicines
Some prescription and over-the-counter medications can have an impact on male fertility.
Some chemotherapy drugs, for example, might have a temporary or permanent effect on fertility.
Long-term usage of certain antibiotics can potentially have an impact on sperm quality and quantity. However, these effects are normally restored three months after taking the medication.
If you’re taking a medication and are unclear whether it may affect your fertility, see your doctor, pharmacist, or another healthcare expert.
Diet, weight, and exercise
Eating a healthy, balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight are critical for keeping your sperm in excellent shape.
According to the Eatwell Guide, in order to maintain a healthy diet, you should:
- Every day, consume at least 5 servings of a variety of fruits and vegetables (see 5 A Day)
- Meals should be based on high-fibre starchy foods such as potatoes, bread, rice, or pasta.
- Incorporate some dairy or dairy substitutes (such as soya drinks and yoghurts)
- Consume beans, lentils, fish, eggs, meat, and other protein-rich foods.
Being overweight (having a BMI more than 25) may have an impact on the quality and quantity of your sperm.
If you’re obese and attempting to conceive, you should strive to shed weight by combining healthy food with frequent exercise.
Stress
Stress may have an impact on your relationship. It may also lessen your or your partner’s sex desire (libido), which may reduce the frequency with which you have sex.
Stress might also reduce sperm production. So, when trying to conceive, learning to relax and taking efforts to lessen stress in your life would be beneficial.
