Make sure he's daddy material : Six ways to safeguard your man's fertility.

By Ginny Graves for Lifetime Television


We women know that our reproductive systems — and especially our eggs — are fragile things, vulnerable to the effects of aging and our environment. But many of us view men's sperm as hardy little lumberjacks, impervious to the ravages of time. The truth is that women and men of childbearing age are equally likely to have problems with infertility, according to Larry Lipschultz, M.D., professor of urology at Baylor College of Medicine in Boston.

Forty percent of all infertility cases are due to a problem with the man, another 40% stem from a problem with the woman, and 20% are caused either by problems with both partners or an unknown issue. More than 90% of all male infertility cases are due to low sperm count, poor sperm quality or both. A man's sperm may exhibit signs of aging from his mid-30s on as well as genetic changes that can compromise its ability to fertilize an egg; after age 50 or so, men's sperm count begins to decline.

In addition to the natural process of aging, 'a number of everyday activities can have a negative impact on sperm,' reports Philip Werthman, M.D., director of the Center for Male Reproductive Medicine in Los Angeles. To help you and your partner safeguard your collective fertility, we've outlined the six most common factors that can compromise your man's sperm, as well as precautionary steps to take.

The problem: Hot baths
'Heat suppresses sperm production,' says Matthew Hardy, Ph.D., a male hormone specialist and a senior scientist at the Population Council, a reproductive health research organization. The testicles are located outside of a man's body to serve as a kind of mini refrigerator, keeping sperm approximately five degrees cooler than the body's typical temperature of 98.6 degrees F. Anything that heats up the testicles, including soaking in hot water, can interfere with sperm production for up to two to three months, about the length of time it takes for new sperm to mature.
The solution: 'Tell your mate to stay out of hot tubs if you're trying to get pregnant,' says Dr. Werthman.

The problem: Cigarettes
Smoking produces a high level of free radicals in the body. 'Free radicals wreak havoc on sperm,' says Werthman, who explains that these agents impair a sperm's motility (its ability to swim) and reduce its life span.
The solution: Your partner should try to quit smoking and begin taking a supplement that contains the antioxidants vitamins C and E, which help the body get rid of harmful free radicals.

The problem: A beer belly
According to Larrain Gillespie, M.D., a urologist and author of 'The Gladiator Diet,' excess body fat produces a hormone called estradiol, a close cousin of estrogen. Estradiol affects the production of testosterone, one of the two key hormones that regulate sperm quality and quantity.
The solution: Men should try to maintain an optimum weight for their height. Dr. Gillespie recommends a diet that consists of 40% protein, 35% low-glycemic carbohydrates, such as whole grains and vegetables, and 25% fat (consisting of no more than 10% saturated fat). 'That's the best balance for weight loss and maintaining an appropriate balance of hormones,' she says. For men with serious weight problems, a doctor can prescribe medications known as aromatase inhibitors that can prevent body fat from producing estrogen.

The problem: Zinc deficiency
'Zinc serves as an antibacterial in the prostate,' says Werthman. When a man's body is low on zinc, he's more prone to infections, which can reduce his sperm count.
The solution: Make sure to include plenty of zinc-rich foods, including beans, nuts, whole grains, fortified breakfast cereals and dairy products, in your household diet. Adult males should consume 11 milligrams of zinc a day.

The problem: Stress
'Stress can suppress testosterone production,' says Dr. Hardy. Testosterone is one of the key hormones that triggers and supports the making of sperm.
The solution: Try to build time into both of your lives for enjoyable, relaxing activities such as exercise, massage, yoga or getting together with friends.

The problem: Cycling
A recent study conducted by Austrian researchers found that serious mountain bikers — those who ride for more than two hours a day, six days a week — have lower semen volume and reduced sperm motility compared with non-bikers. The researchers theorize that cyclists' sperm are compromised because of injuries to the scrotum and testicles.
The solution: Although the verdict is out on whether mountain biking poses a fertility risk, it can't hurt to ask your partner to reduce the number of hours he spends cycling, or even find an alternative form of exercise, if you're seriously trying to conceive. When he does get on his bike, make sure he's using a well-padded seat with a shock absorber in the seat post, which may help minimize trauma to the genital area.