Fertility problems are often temporary, and can be resolved by self help. During the 12 to 18 months while trying to conceive, check general health, level of stress, amount of sleep, exercise, diet, medication and substance abuse, especially cigarettes. Each is on the list of factors which can affect sperm production.
Before starting a fitness program, keep in mind it takes 72 days for sperm to mature. Avoid performance pressure. Enjoy a relaxed intimacy in these pre-conception days. They may be the last peaceful times before a baby arrives. The following self-help tips are not based on scientific proof but may have practical value.
Direct heat: Heat damages sperm production. The testicles should be 4 degrees below body heat. Avoid any direct or indirect heat of the groin area. One dip in a hot tub or Jacuzzi can impair fertility for up to six months. A prolonged hot bath has the same effect. One recommendation is to spray the testes with cool water daily.
Sitting: If a man were sitting naked for extended office hours, the rise in groin temperature could impair fertility. Sedentary workers can avoid sitting for long periods by moving around at intervals to lower the testicles away from body heat. In tropical climates, a bead frame fitted to the motorist’s seat is a “must” to avoid a hot sweaty groin.
Clothing: Modern fashions in clothing make the problem worse. Wear loosely woven cotton boxer shorts. Eschew all garments which are tight: clinging underwear, “spray-on” jeans and other closely fitting constricting trousers. At home, and where possible, wear a wrap-around sarong. Consider the Scottish kilt, the African cloth, the Indian dhoti, the Roman toga.
Weight: Attempt to reduce a weight problem. Excess flesh at the buttocks, inner thighs and lower abdomen not only keep the groin hot, they actually raise the temperature. If obesity is advanced, seek professional help. If mild, and weight loss is slow, try a water-cooled jock strap available from the fertility clinic.
Lubricants: Check the use of lubricants. Some commercial products actually block sperm. A Canadian study found many infertile couples who substituted egg white for their normal lubricant were successful in conceiving. It is thought egg white might be an appropriate lubricant because it is protein and does not kill sperm cells. Saliva is also thought to block sperm.
Caffeine: Excess caffeine may be a problem. It is thought to interfere with sperm metabolism and sperm formation. This is more likely with a heavy coffee drinker – 4 to 8 cups a day. There is a low, but definite, correlation between excess caffeine and impaired sperm function. Reduce (or weaken) the volume of coffee, tea and cola drinks containing caffeine. Substitute fruit drinks, herbal teas or bland drinks.
Making love: Find the partner’s exact ovulation dates. The family doctor, gynecologist or family planning clinic will help with this. Then, some 7 days after menstruation ceases, make love frequently. Use the split ejaculate method until ovulation occurs.
Keep in mind the first part of the ejaculate is richest in sperm. The penis must be deep inside the vagina just before ejaculation. Withdraw immediately after the first spurt. This releases the highest concentration of sperm close to the cervix. It keeps out dilute semen and stops the ejaculate from spilling out. The woman stays still with legs raised for an hour. The split ejaculate is not entirely proven but it is worth trying for a few months.
If these self-help techniques fail after 18 months, consider professional medical help.
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