Fatherhood 101 - How to Improve Your Odds

14.05.2010 | By: T. B.

Read our Fatherhood 101 guide to improve your chances of actually becoming a father.

If you're thinking about this, you better read our Fatherhood 101 guide for advice. (PhotoXpress)

Fatherhood 101 - About your little soldiers

A healthy man ejaculates about 50 million sperm cells. Only one or two sperm cells (in rare cases more) reach an ovum or egg that is ready for fertilisation.

Until recently the shape and movement of sperm cells has been assessed by microscopes. Today, knowledge in the field of genetics enables us a more detailed insight in the behaviour of sperm. According to research, the number of sperm cells in male population in most parts of the world is decreasing every year. Some people oppose these researches. In any case, something is true. Healthy sperm depends on a healthy person. If a man has proper diet and takes care of his body, this will also show in his sperm. Sometimes a complete change of lifestyle is needed, which can last quite a while. Although people generally prefer quick solutions, it is worth a wait. You can do a lot for yourselves and fatherhood 101 gives you the details.

Fatherhood 101 - What influences your sperm?

Influences on your sperm can be roughly divided into three larger areas.

Sperm does not like high temperatures and tight clothing.

Your sperm cells do not like to be kept as warm as you. They prefer if you make sure that their environment is about four degrees cooler than your body temperature. In practice, this means that you throw off all the snug-fit boxer shorts in which everything is so tight and replace them with ordinary ones, i.e. wide, cotton boxer shorts. Soaking in warm water can be a very pleasant part of your foreplay, but your sperm will fall asleep rather than go wild. A refreshing shower is therefore much more recommended. Some people say a longitude and latitude position also count. In more northern, colder parts people should have fewer problems with sperm count and the speed of sperm cells. Instead of romance while enjoying the wonderful sunset and sunbathing, it is better to go to the north!

Fatherhood 101 - You are what you eat? Perhaps not, but your sperm sure is.

Alcohol, drugs and certain medications are particularly harmful to the quality of sperm. Alcohol has an impact on the liver and the rise of oestrogen levels, thus disturbing the appropriate hormonal balance, which has an impact on the development of sperm. In addition, alcohol kills cells that produce sperm. Sperm cells need three to four months to develop and it is therefore recommended that you lower the intake of alcohol at least for that time – if you are planning to conceive a baby.

Drugs and medications are the second area of substances which have an impact on fertility. Opiates, steroids and medications used to treat cancer (radiation) are only some of the substances – research on the impact of a number of other substances is still ongoing. The sperm of smokers is halved, if compared to non-smokers.

Healthy and balanced diet means the person is healthy and as a result the sperm is healthy as well. Some additives to food can have a very beneficial effect on sperm count. Folic acid (contained in cereals, beef liver, spinach, bananas, papayas, tomatoes, oranges, raw eggs, avocados and broccoli) in combination with zinc sulphate can increase the number of sperm cells by 74%.

Fatherhood 101 - Rise and shine! Your sperm does.

The number of sperm cells in higher in the morning and that is why the morning sex is especially recommended if you want to conceive. Abstinence lasting two to three days contributes to sperm count. If you mostly sit at the workplace, try to do some exercises because longer periods of sitting contribute to poorer quality of your sperm. Mental and physical exhaustion do not help improve the quality of your sperm. Stress has a harmful effect on all the areas of your life and it is therefore recommended that you learn relaxation methods. Yoga or other forms of meditation are very popular. A massage of the body that rushes blood through the vessels also has an anti-stress effect.