You might feel like you’re doing most of the work, especially if you’re undergoing a fertility treatment like IVF, but your hubby can also do his part in maximizing your chances of getting pregnant. This includes:
*_Taking vitamins
*_L-carnitine, zinc, vitamin C and vitamin E have all been shown to help improve sperm health, so for starters, he should take a daily multivitamin or supplement that includes all or some of these micronutrients.
*_Quitting smoking (and we mean all kinds) and drinking
*_If he’s a smoker, he should quit, not just for his own health but also for yours. And if he smokes a different kind of cigarette, he should also take a break — research shows marijuana will also reduce sperm count. And while he’s at it, tell him to cut back on his alcohol: Too much of it can reduce zinc levels, important to fertility.
*_Reviewing his meds
*_Certain medications, including steroids like prednisone and cortisone can impact male fertility, so have him talk to his doctor about whether he can switch treatments.
*_Avoiding hot stuff
*_If he likes to relax in the sauna or hot tub, he may need to take a short break, since elevated levels of heat can cut sperm count; same goes for hot showers (more than 30 minutes), heating pads and electric blankets.
*_Changing his workout
*_If he’s a cyclist, he might want to consider cross-training: Staying in the saddle can increase the temperature of the testicles.
*_Switching to boxers
*_Finally, if he’s a brief’s guy, he might want to switch over to boxers: Those tighty whiteys can cause the testicles to overheat, decreasing his number of sperm.
Plus More From The Bump:
10 Crazy Fertility Myths
Cooking To Conceive: The Best Foods For Fertility
6 Ways To Naturally Boost Your Fertility
