Smoking, drinking alcohol, recreational drug use and being overweight are all factors that can aversely affect a man’s sperm count, according to the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE), but they are not the worst factors.
Recent research has found that changing underwear style could improve a man’s chances of having a baby, the Independent wrote.
Allan Pacey, senior lecturer in adrology at the University of Sheffield, was involved in the study and said while “there is no need for men to become monks just because they want to be a dad”, they would be wise to opt for boxers or briefs.
“If they are a fan of tight Y-fronts,” Pacey said, “then switching underpants to something a bit looser for a few months might be a good idea”.
The reason? Research shows that in order to make healthy sperm, the testicles need to be a degree or two below body temperature which is why they hang in a their own sac outside the body.
According to the article, researchers from the Univeristies of Manchester and Sheffield compared 900 men with low sperm counts with 1,300 who had high sperm counts and found that drugs, smoking, alcohol and weight had little effect, but boxer shorts were key.
Dr Andrew Povey, from the University of Manchester’s School of Community Based Medicine, said: “This potentially overturns much of the current advice given to men about how they might improve their fertility and suggests that many common lifestyle risks may not be as important as we previously thought”.
More tips below. Foods that can help increase your sperm count:
Oysters
Ask Men writes:
A fascinating new study conducted at Barry University in Miami found that these bivalve mollusks contain potent amino acids that help produce testosterone in males and progesterone in females.
“Increased levels of those hormones in the blood means that you are more active sexually,” said lead researcher George Fisher in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Dark Chocolate
The decadent dessert contains L-Arginine HCL, a powerful amino acid that has been clinically proven to double sperm and semen volume.
The key here, however, is to avoid consuming the chocolate in excess so as to avoid the love handles that are sure to follow.
Bananas
Ask Men writes:
Everyone knows that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. But if you want to keep fertility specialists away, you should probably try adding bananas to your daily routine.
That’s because this fruit contains an enzyme called bromelain, which has been found to increase male libido and sex drive.
Asparagus
One way of increasing your sperm count is by decreasing harmful free radicals in your body, which is why many doctors recommend a steady diet of asparagus.
Known for its cleansing and healing properties, this miraculous green veggie contains a high concentration of vitamin C that protects sperm from oxidative damage and increases sperm volume and motility.
In fact, the only downside to asparagus is that it will make your pee smell like you’ve just chugged a bottle of ammonia.
Ginseng
Ask Men writes:
Asian men have been turning to ginseng for hundreds of years to improve their virility, and now scientists are finally beginning to follow their lead by investigating the medicinal properties of this fabled root.
A study by the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine found that ginseng produced hormonal secretions in lab rats that led to enhanced libido and sexual performance.
Garlic
Ask Men Writes:
Mankind has been using garlic to treat everything from the common cold to cardiovascular disease for hundreds of years, and now we finally know that this fragrant bulb can also be used to boost sperm count.
That’s because garlic contain high levels of allicin, an organosulfur compound that can create millions of hardy little swimmers by improving blood flow to your sexual organs.
