Sperm are produced continuously, and the process is sensitive to general health. This is why lifestyle can make a difference.
Habits that can help
- Stay active with regular, moderate exercise.
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole foods.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Sleep well and manage stress.
Habits that can harm
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Heavy alcohol use
- Recreational drugs, and anabolic steroids or testosterone products taken without medical advice
- Being overweight
- Prolonged heat exposure to the testicles, for example frequent very hot baths
Be careful with supplements
Many products promise to improve fertility, but not all are proven or safe. Please speak with your doctor before using any supplement.
Lifestyle is only part of the story
Fertility also depends on medical factors, such as hormones, a varicocele or a blockage, that lifestyle cannot change. If a couple has had difficulty conceiving, a semen analysis and a medical consultation will show what is needed.
This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment. Treatment recommendations depend on each person’s clinical condition and medical evaluation.
