By Dr Jyoti Bali, Medical Director, Babysoon Fertility & IVF Centre and Secretary Delhi Chapter ISAR & Delhi Gynaecology Forum and Joint Secretary, Doctor’s Women Wing, IMA
Reproduction inability is a growing concern in India and research suggests that it has gone up by 20-30 per cent in the past five years. It is known to affect about 1 in 6 couples. Hence to avoid inability it is advised to follow some tips to boost reproductive ability naturally.
His Risks
There are some medical condition factors that could affect sperm count, sperm health, or sperm delivery.
- A repaired hernia
- Testicles that haven’t descended
- An inflamed or infected prostate
- Mumps any time after puberty
- Prescription medications for ulcers or psoriasis
- Cystic fibrosis
- Premature ejaculation or a blockage in your testicles
- Enlarged veins in your testes
Tips To Boost Male Fertility
- Extra weight presents a multitude of health issues and can wreak havoc on male fertility. Obesity causes elevated estrogen and low testosterone levels, which can cause sperm count to decrease. Overweight males also experience a decreased libido. The simple solution is to calculate your Body Mass Index, which provides a healthy numerical range based on height and weight and works towards it. Exercise will increase energy, decrease weight, and equalise testosterone and libido levels. Studies show that men who exercise regularly have higher testosterone levels and better semen quality than men who are inactive
- Oxidative stress is when levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) reach harmful levels in the body. It happens when the body’s own antioxidant defences are overwhelmed because of disease, old age, an unhealthy lifestyle or environmental pollutants. Adequate intake of antioxidants, such as vitamin C, may help counteract some of these harmful effects. There is also some evidence that vitamin C supplements may improve semen quality.
- Vitamin D is another nutrient that may boost your testosterone levels. One observational study showed that vitamin D-deficient men were more likely to have low testosterone levels
- Taking zinc supplements may increase testosterone levels and improve fertility in men with low zinc status or deficiency. Zinc is an essential mineral found in high amounts in animal foods, such as meat, fish, eggs and shellfish.
- A study in infertile men showed that taking 1,000-mg vitamin C supplements twice a day for up to two months increased sperm motility by 92% and sperm count by more than 100%. It also reduced the proportion of deformed sperm cells by 55%
- Having unprotected sex puts you at risk for STDs. Chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and epididymis blockages that can lead to infertility in men.
- Smoking increases the risk of male infertility by 30%. Even one cigarette a day is enough to cause damage to sperm. Avoid smoking and heavy alcohol consumption, as it may reduce testosterone levels and impair semen quality
- Get enough folate: A few studies indicate that a low intake of folate may impair semen quality
Her Risks
Any one of the following could cause problems with ovulation, hormones, or your reproductive organs:
- Endometriosis
- Fallopian tube disease
- Chronic disease like diabetes, lupus, arthritis, hypertension, or asthma
- Two or more miscarriages
- History of irregular periods
- Early menopause (before age 40)
- An abnormally shaped uterus
- Polyps in your uterus
- Leftover scar tissue from a pelvic infection or surgery
- Uterine fibroids or cysts
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
Tips to boost female fertility
- Keep a record of your menstrual cycle.
- Being overweight can reduce a woman’s odds of conceiving, but being too thin can make it even harder to have a baby. So, strive for healthy body weight.
- Eating a variety of healthy foods can help boost fertility. Critical nutrients such as calcium, protein and iron are necessary to lift up fertility. This means eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, dairy and healthy sources of fat.
- Being physically active most days of the week can help a woman’s body prepare for the demands of pregnancy and labor.
- Give up drinking and smoking – it not only decreases the fertility, but also increases the chances of adverse maternal and fetal effects in those who conceive and continue taking alcohol and smoking.
- Limit your caffeine intake – in fact leaving coffee and switching to other healthier options is a wiser idea.
- Instead of rigorous exercise it’s always advisable to practice yoga to relax the body, go for mediation to relax the mind or go for a brisk walk or jogging anytime. All these needs to done after consulting your medical expert to ensure your physical health
- If busy pursuing educational and career goals, planning to delay marriage and pregnancy then Egg Freezing through Oocyte Preservation is a safe option as it is a sort of woman’s biological insurance against ageing. When in future you decide to get pregnant, the eggs are thawed, fertilised in-vitro and transferred back into the uterus