Many factors contribute to male fertility, including age, stress levels, lifestyle, number and shape of sperm, and the general health of the genital tract.  Overall male fertility begins to decline in the early 30’s, but most men have the ability to conceive throughout their lives.  It may take older men longer, than men in their 20’s, to conceive. Even among the youngest couples, the probability of pregnancy in any one month ranges from 20 percent to 60 percent (1).

If you are trying to conceive, here are a few tips to improve your chances:

• Some chemicals are known to affect reproductive hormones.  Avoid exposure to chemicals such as those found in paints, pesticides, industrial chemicals, pollution and plastics.  Store and heat your food in glass and buy organic whenever possible. 

• Eat a balanced diet rich in whole foods and free of preservatives and artificial ingredients.  Cook at home as much as possible and avoid processed, pre-packaged foods.

• Acupuncture may be tried to improved sperm count and quality.  Traditional Chinese medicine has an ancient tradition of use in improving fertility.  Your acupuncturists may also recommend herbs to be taken. One large meta-analysis showed that acupuncture increased the success rate for in vitro fertilization (2).

• Maintain a healthy body weight.  Obesity can lower number and quality of sperm.

• Keep your body clean.  Tobacco, alcohol and drug use may lower sperm count.  Alcohol use in men may also increase the risk of birth defects in offspring.

• Decrease stress.  Consider trying meditation, breath work, yoga, counseling, regular prayer, or guided imagery to keep your stress levels low.

• Pay attention to body temperature.  Testicles hang below the body because they need to be a few degrees cooler than the core of the body in order to properly produce sperm.  Wear boxers or loose briefs and avoid saunas, hot tubs, and steam rooms.