How to Maintain Male Reproductive Health

When men think about their overall health, they may give very little thought to how to maintain male reproductive health. If fertility problems happen at some point in family life, it’s not uncommon for people to think of it as a problem with female reproductive health. However, like women, men should be proactive about their reproductive health. There are things men can do to increase their chances of producing healthy sperm. Whether or not you’re currently trying to get pregnant, it’s important to remember that the choices you’re making today are affecting your reproductive health now and in the future.

Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Lifestyle choices can impact every system in the body, including the male reproductive system. Small daily choices that seem to have minimal effect on overall health may impact reproductive health in the long run. To achieve optimal health, men should work on getting to a healthy body weight, and once there, work on maintaining it. Some research indicates that having a high body mass index (BMI) can affect the production of sperm.

Physical activity can have a positive impact on sperm production, so men should make an effort to make regular physical activity a habit. Regular exercise is beneficial for your heart, lungs, and reproductive system and it can help to maintain good body weight. However, at the other extreme, it’s possible to exercise too much or too intensely. Exercising over 60 minutes a day may increase the risk of infertility as overexercising can have a negative impact on your hormones.

Diet and Nutrition

For good reproductive health, men need to be sure their diet includes nutritious choices such as protein from lean meats, vegetables, and fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. In contrast, processed food and caffeine should be limited. Additionally, hydration is essential; men who don’t consume enough water may be dehydrated, and that can lead to a lower volume of semen and lower sperm quality. It’s important to drink plenty of water to help flush toxins from the body.

Chemicals, Substances, and Stress

Chemicals can be harmful to male reproductive health. Men who smoke may have lower sperm count and poorer sperm quality not to mention the impact smoking can have on their overall health. For these reasons, men who smoke need to commit to quitting. Consumption of alcohol and other substances should also be limited.

Furthermore, stress is harmful to overall health, and when not managed properly, it can affect hormones and sexual functioning. Men need to be proactive about learning stress management techniques, which include getting on a regular sleep schedule.

Prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Men who contract an STI such as gonorrhea or chlamydia are at a higher risk of infertility. To help prevent contracting STIs, it’s a good idea for men to commit to a monogamous relationship with a partner who isn’t infected. Men who aren’t in a committed relationship should limit the number of partners they have, and always wear a condom.

Medical Screenings and Professional Care

Having a physical at least annually allows a man’s doctor to screen for abnormalities and take action right away if there are any concerns or anything that needs to be remedied. Men who have made poor choices in the past about sexual activity or lifestyle choices can work on getting healthier so that they can make better choices going forward. There are some factors that can’t be controlled, but men should do what they can to help their reproductive system be as healthy as possible.

Key Factors Impacting Sperm Health

• Body Mass Index: A high BMI can affect the production of sperm.
• Smoking: May lead to lower sperm count and poorer sperm quality.
• Dehydration: Can lead to a lower volume of semen and lower sperm quality.
• STIs: Infections like gonorrhea or chlamydia result in a higher risk of infertility.
• Overexercising: Exercising over 60 minutes a day may increase the risk of infertility.