Hardly a day goes by without an article in the press about infertility.  Its affect on a couple can be devastating.  However, a low sperm count does not necessarily mean infertility or prevent achieving pregnancy.  A lower than optimum sperm count can be due to lifestyle factors which you can control.

The three biggies that affect quality sperm production are:

1. excess consumption of alcohol
2. carrying excess weight
3. using recreational drugs

If your sperm count is low consider cutting out or at least cutting down on the amount of alcohol you drink.  Not only will your general health improve (also important for sperm production) but, for many men, the quality and quantity of health sperm will increase.

Carrying too much weight is another factor that affects fertility in men as well as women.  A healthy eating plan will help over time and also improve your libido too!  Don't be embarrassed to ask for help, your doctor or health professional will be more than happy to recommend a healthy plan or refer you on for expert help.

Cut out recreational drugs completely.  They are a major cause of fertility problems.  Marijuana has long been known to adversely affect fertility - but all recreational drugs are suspect.

Although those are the main culprits in inhibiting healthy sperm production, there are a few other lifestyle factors that are worth considering.

Smoking tobacco not only affects individual fertility but can also affect the chances of maintaining a pregnancy.  Researchers have identified that the partners of smokers are more likely to miscarry.  Cut out smoking completely if you can - the Quit Line is more than happy to help here.  You can contact them New Zealand-wide on 0800 778 778 or by clicking www.quit.org.nz

Are you an exercise junkie?  Excessive exercise can affect your fertility - this goes for both men and women.  You want to maintain a healthy lifestyle so don't want to cut out exercise completely, however,  cutting down could be an option for you.

You may be hot stuff but remember to keep those testes cool!  Too much heat around the testicular area can affect sperm production.  Chefs can be prone to low sperm production as they are around heat a great deal.  Things to avoid if you want to increase your sperm count: laptops on lap - make sure your laptop is on a firm surface away from your lap; cell phones in trouser pockets - find another place to carry it, in your shirt pocket maybe?  If possible keep away from machinery spreads heat around the testicular area - riding a motor bike a great deal may not be such a good idea if you are wanting to increase sperm quality and quantity.

Chemicals and pesticides have long been known to affect sperm production.  If you have to use them make sure you are well protected and use recommended protective clothing.

Stress.  Well this is a difficult one because worrying about your low sperm count can be causing more stress!  If you are under a lot of stress, what can you do to reduce it?  Exercise might help; a holiday might be even better but taking up a hobby that you enjoy may be the answer.  You will have to decide but stress can be a major factor in reducing sperm levels and also reducing your libido.  In this case worrying about your sperm count is not going to do you any good at all and the best advice is to just get back to enjoying your love-making and those intimate times together.

Want to talk it over or need further advice - Natural Fertility NZ Educators are trained to help individuals and couples with lifestyle factors that may be affecting their fertility.  Give us a call on 0800 178 637 or click here to contact the Educator closest to you.  Our Distance Service Educator, Kim Walker, is available for national and international clients who are unable to access a clinic.