Male infertility
Some cases of male infertility may be avoided by doing the following:
- Avoid smoking as it damages sperm DNA
- Avoid drugs and medications known to cause fertility problems, like steroids and some antifungal medications.
- Avoid excessive exercise.
- Avoid exposure to environmental hazards such as pesticides and heavy metals such as lead, mecury and cadmium.
- Avoid frequent hot baths or use of hot tubs.
- Avoid tight underwear or pants.
- Eat a diet with adequate folic acid, vitamin C, Zinc, calcium, magnesium, selenium, iron loaded food.
- Get early treatment for sexually transmitted diseases.
- Have regular physical examinations to detect early signs of infections or abnormalities.
- Keep diseases, such as diabetes and hypothyroidism, under control.
- Practice safer sex to avoid sexually transmitted diseases.
- Take a lycopene supplement.
- Wear protection over the scrotum during athletic activities.
Female infertility
Some cases of female infertility may be prevented by taking the following steps:
- Avoid excessive exercise.
- Avoid smoking.
- Control diseases such as diabetes and hypothyroidism
- Eat a well balanced nutritious diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables (plenty of folates).
- Follow good weight management guidelines.
- Get early treatment for sexually transmitted diseases.
- Have regular physical examinations to detect early signs of infections or abnormalities.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol intake.
- Do not unnecessarily delay having children if the options are available to you. Fertility starts declining after age 27.
