In fact, when a man is considering becoming a father, it is not only as simple as providing sperm, but also a lot of things to do before trying to get pregnant.
1. Pre-pregnancy physical examination
It is a good idea to have a comprehensive physical examination so that doctors can check out the hidden dangers that may affect pregnancy. They include:
Varicocele:
Varicose veins cause the testis to not cool normally, which can lead to a decrease in sperm count, malformation or a decrease in sperm motility. About 40% of men with pregnancy problems have varicocele, which is generally treatable.
Sexually transmitted diseases:
May lead to male infertility, early treatment.
Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) or mumps (mumps virus or simultaneously invading the testis, causing swelling of the testis) may lead to infertility.
STEP 2 Tell the doctor what medication you are taking
Let the doctor know every drug you take, whether prescription or over-the-counter. Some drugs can affect the number or motility of sperm and lead to infertility.
Normally, once you stop using these drugs, the effect of these drugs on sperm is reversible. Tell your doctor about your pregnancy plan and make a smooth transition to other alternative drugs with the help of your doctor.
In addition, special attention should be paid to the fact that although Chinese herbal medicines look harmless, they also have potential risks of damaging fertility, such as the famous Tripterygium wilfordii.
3. Learn about your family health history
Ask your parents, brothers or other relatives if they have genetic or chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down’s syndrome, sickle anemia, cystic fibrosis, familial dementia or other bleeding abnormalities.
As far as possible, know whether relatives suffer from mental retardation or other delayed development, or have congenital birth defects, such as heart disease.
Tell the doctor all the family health history you know, and it is up to the doctor to decide whether you and your partner should have a genetic related gene test.
Step 4: Healthy Food
Studies have confirmed that lack of nutrition will affect the quantity and quality of sperm. For example, men who lack folic acid will reduce the number of sperm.
Zinc is an important nutrient element. Studies have shown that short-term zinc deficiency can reduce semen volume and testosterone levels, and zinc deficiency also affects the body’s absorption and metabolism of folic acid. Eating meat, seafood and whole grains can ensure daily zinc intake, and multiple multivitamins also contain zinc.
Studies have shown that some antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, can promote sperm activity. However, overdose may also damage sperm DNA. Therefore, it is better to supplement it through a healthy diet.
A healthy diet can also enable you to have a reasonable weight. It has been proved that overweight is related to low testosterone, low sperm quality and low fertility.
Step 5 Stay away from all kinds of banquets
Once you are ready to get pregnant, your one will stop such activities. But what about yourself?
Studies have shown that tobacco and alcohol can affect sperm count and motility, so you must quit drinking and smoking before you become pregnant. In addition, quitting these habits is also good for your family. Secondhand smoke is not only bad for your partner, but also bad for your future children.
6. Check the risk factors in work and living places
Some factors that are harmful to sperm in the workplace may be ignored. For example, exposure to pesticides and chemicals, organic solvents and heavy metals can cause sperm problems, leading to birth defects and premature delivery.
Certain behavioral habits may also expose you to toxic chemicals. Painted furniture, repaired cars, oil paintings, newly built models or other glue and paint that use skinners, defatters or non-water-based materials.
Since it takes three months for sperm to produce and mature, avoid exposure to these chemicals at least three months before you and your partner decide to have children. Check out the CDC website in advance or consult your doctor about the potential risks in your work or living environment that may lead to decreased fertility.
7. Do not use bath or sauna
Sperm function at its best when it is kept at low temperature. The most suitable temperature for sperm is 2 degrees lower than body temperature. Do not use bath or sauna during the first three months of pregnancy. High heat can kill sperm.
8. Ride less bicycles
Cycling has become popular in recent years. But sitting on the hard seat of a bicycle for a long time may lead to a decrease in semen. Reduce sperm activity and occasionally ride a bicycle without worrying. Athletes who sit on the back pad of the bicycle for 2 hours a day, 6 days a week, need to pay attention: long-term riding may damage scrotum and testicles and lead to infertility.
Wearing shorts for a long time will kill sperm just like taking a bath for a long time. The scrotum is sandwiched between the legs and the seat cushion for a long time, which will lead to a decrease in the quantity and quality of sperm. If you want to ride a bicycle, try to be short, wear loose clothes and choose soft seat cushion.
Step 9 Relax
Although getting your partner pregnant can be very exciting, it can also be stressful, especially if you don’t get pregnant for a long time, such as months. Take time to relax, swim, play basketball or go for a walk. Although research does not show that these exercises increase the chances of pregnancy, it will at least make the pregnancy process easier.