Holistic healing

Sex: Natural ways to boost male fertility

Boost his fertility naturally

Boost his fertility naturally
Infertility is an ever increasing problem and is growing year on year; it is now estimated that it affects one in six couples. Amongst those cases there is a growing number of male infertility.

Last year more than 23,000 ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatments) were performed. ICSI is a procedure used during IVF to treat male infertility. Sperm is injected directly into an egg and then the egg is left to develop before transferring back into the uterus.

More than 23,000 procedures were performed last year which is just over half of all IVF treatments and I have been seeing a gradual rise in the number of ICSI treatments performed year on year. IVF clinics have been accused of wanting to profit from couples desperate to have a baby at any costs, but couples place an enormous amount to of pressure on clinics to give them any treatment that might improve their odds. This is particularly true in the private sector where it is such a huge financial pressure on couples, not surprisingly they want to do everything they can to optimise the chances of success.

Until recently there was little evidence to suggest that ICSI was anything but safe,although there was some theory that malefactor infertility may theoretically be passed onto a male baby. Since ICSI was such a major breakthrough in the treatment of male infertility and has enabled so many more couples to become parents, it is disturbing to read in recent research that it is now thought to be associated with a rise in birth defects.

The New England Journal of Medicine,researchers from the University of Adelaide in Australia looked at more than 300,000 births and found that one in ten babies born through ICSI suffered some form of birth defect. In naturally conceived babies this is normally one in 20. They found that babies born via ICSI were 57 per cent more likely to suffer some form of abnormality.

There is an argument to suggest that couples could try more natural ways to enhance and optimise their fertility before rushing into IVF/ICSI. In my clinic I see many women who have ICSI because of male factor infertility and whose partners have been reluctant or are unaware that they maybe able to improve things through lifestyle changes. My heart sinks when I hear that couples go straight into ICSI before doing anything to try and improve their general health and although there are no certainty that by making changes the sperm will be improved in a reasonable time frame, there is growing evidence that it might. In light of the recent research I would suggest that, time allowing, it’s worth a shot!

EMMA’S TOP MALE FERTILITY TIPS

Natural fibres such as cotton are better as they help the area keep cool and ‘breath’. I have heard it said that in the 70s and 80s when there was a fashion for tight polyester underwear there was a decrease in men’s fertility but I am not sure how scientific this is! Loose cotton underwear is the best option.
Expanding from above: heat is bad for sperm health so cyclists and chefs for example are susceptible to abnormal changes in the sperm. The testicles hang outside of the body so that the sperm can remain cool, so make sure you let it all hang loose when you get the chance. Nothing wrong with a bit of nakedness at home.Ditch the saunas, steam rooms and the electric blanket.
Studies demonstrate that liquorice and ginseng are good for sperm and sexual function.
Acupuncture can improve sperm count,morphology and motility.Increase zinc; food sources include oysters,pumpkin seeds, almonds and oats; heard the saying ‘are you getting your oats’ well that is where is comes from.
Increase selenium-rich foods such as tuna,sesame seeds, avocado and whole grains.
Taking an antioxidant supplement has shown in studies to improve sperm morphology
Quit smoking cigarettes and marijuana, reducealcohol and bin the junk food
Take charge of your sexual health and get screened for STDs or general infections
Limit your exposure to dangerous, toxic chemicals.
Lose weight if you are overweight
Take moderate exercise
Having too much sex is not recommended if you have a low sperm count. To be honest, this is not much of an issue as I mostly see that patients are not having enough sex. Research suggests that abstinence beyond a few days does not improve male fertility. However the general advice for men with low sperm count is to preserve semen supplies to nearer the fertile window.

And Finally…

Generally I see more problems with poor morphology which is the shape of the sperm and this definitely benefits from regular ejaculation. So aim to have sex three times a week throughout the month with an increase to every other day for a week from day nine (in a 28 day menstrual cycle).

Article by

Emma Cannon

Integrated Health Expert & Acupuncturist