Male infertility is more common than you think. Here are five ways to avoid it Fitness and Health 10:41 | December 12, 2023

Here are five things men should do to increase their fertility.

Try to maintain a healthy weight. Obesity leads to hormonal changes that negatively affect sperm. This reduces the likelihood of both spontaneous conception and IVF. But this effect can be reversed. There is strong evidence that a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, low-fat dairy and seafood, as well as small amounts of red and processed meat, desserts and sugary drinks, is associated with better sperm quality.

Avoid recreational drugs. Cocaine, benzodiazepines, heroin, methamphetamine, oxycodone and ecstasy negatively affect male reproductive functions, including sexual desire, testosterone production, sperm production and quality. Some scientific evidence also suggests that frequent marijuana use may reduce sperm quality and be a risk factor for testicular cancer.

Stay away from anabolic steroids. Some use them to improve their appearance and physical fitness. However, they affect the functioning of the testicles by reducing the size of the testicles, reducing or stopping sperm production, leading to impotence and infertility.

Quit smoking and e-cigarettes. There is evidence that these habits harm men’s reproductive health.

Reduce your body’s exposure to environmental chemicals. Because these substances mimic or inhibit the production of male sex hormones, they can reduce sperm quality and cause fertility problems. You can’t completely avoid exposure to these chemicals, but you can still do a few things: wash your fruits and vegetables, eat less processed, canned or packaged foods, drink beverages from glass or hard plastic bottles instead of soft ones, reheat foods. porcelain or glass bowl lined with paper towels or plates (rather than plastic wrap or plastic wrap).

News materials cannot be equated with a doctor’s prescription. Consult an expert before making a decision.