How to boost male fertility

A startling new study has revealed that sperm counts among British men have plummeted over the past decade. The research, the largest study of its kind, shows a drop of almost onethird - one of the largest falls ever recorded in British men.

For many, infertility is already a distressing fact of life, affecting one in six couples in Britain. There are now around 27,000 couples seeking fertility treatment.

So what is causing the problem? It is thought that man's capacity to produce sperm over his lifetime is initially determined in the womb. Scientists believe there are also environmental factors which could affect male fertility later on. Here are ways which could help boost the sperm count:

TAKE SUPPLEMENTS

Zinc and folic acid are both needed for sexual reproduction. Nutritionists believe zinc can improve potency and repair the damage caused to sperm and its DNA through environmental toxins. A supplement of 15mg a day is recommended. Rich sources of zinc include seafood (particularly oysters), lean red meat, whole grains, seeds and peanuts.

According to a study by the University of California, sperm counts in rats fell by 90 per cent when folic acid was withdrawn from their diet. Folic acid is found in dark green vegetables such as broccoli as well as fortified breakfast cereals. Alternatively, take a supplement of 400 mcg a day.

Selenium, a trace antioxidant mineral found in soil and introduced to the diet through vegetables, is essential for normal sexual development. However, intensive farming means that it is found in low quantities in British soil. Brazil nuts are rich dietary sources of selenium.

STOP SMOKING

Studies have shown that smoking damages the sperm membrane, its mobility and ability to reach an egg.

Smoking also affects levels of Vitamin C in the body, which is vital for healthy sperm production. A pregnant woman who smokes can also damage the DNA of her son's sperm. Giving up is the best answer or reduce to no more than ten a day.

AVOID TIGHT CLOTHES

For healthy sperm production, the testicles need to be cooler than core body temperature. This is why scrotal skin is so thin and why the male reproductive organs are external rather than internal.

A study by the University of Milan found that men wearing tight briefs were nearly twice as likely to be infertile as men who wore looser underpants.

AVOID HOT BATHS

A temperature rise of just 1C can affect healthy sperm formation. So avoid sitting in hot baths for any length of time. Take tepid baths or showers. Avoid saunas.

EXERCISE MORE

Experts from America's Fertility Research Laboratories in New York discovered that exposure to lead damages the way sperm functions.

It is believed lead can build up in the body through lack of exercise, though researchers also found that a diet high in animal fats can encourage lead accumulation in the body.

Take 20 minutes of moderate exercise at least three times a week, but don't be too vigorous as increased body temperature and sweating could also affect sperm production.

CUT BACK ALCOHOL

More than eight units of alcohol in 48 hours can have a toxic effect on sperm production by lowering testosterone levels and depleting the body of essential nutrients.

One study found that 40 per cent of male low-fertility patients could attribute their problems to a moderate alcohol intake (fewer than 21 units a week).

Beer and lager can be particularly problematic as they contain plant oestrogens which can mimic female hormones and trigger infertility in men.

It is generally recommended that male drinkers have at least two alcohol-free days each week.

Water is vital to thousands of chemical processes in the body. For optimum health, drink up to two litres of water a day. However, some studies suggest that tap water could contain traces of oestrogen. Drinking bottled water could limit exposure.

TAKE CARE AT WORK

Sitting for hours at a desk or behind the wheel of a car could affect male fertility, as the sedentary position can heat the testicles, so lowering sperm count.

A study of 200 Italian taxi drivers found they had much lower sperm counts than normal - though they were also at risk of inhaling lead and toxic exhaust fumes, which can affect male fertility levels.

Take regular breaks every 20 to 30 minutes away from your desk or car, as this will help to regulate the temperature of the testicles.

IMPROVE DIET

Good nutrition is closely linked to healthy sperm. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables and protein sources. If necessary, supplement essential nutrients such as vitamins C, D and E.

AVOID STRESS

Stress has a direct effect on sperm count. A study presented to the British Psychological Society conference revealed that men with higher stress levels could be at risk of lower fertility levels.

Stress can cause the body to release the hormone cortisol, which is thought to interfere with sperm production.

DRINK COFFEE

Caffeine has traditionally been associated with low fertility, particularly in women. But researchers at Sao Paulo University in Brazil discovered that men who regularly drank coffee had stronger sperm than men who did not.

The reason is thought to be that caffeine has a stimulating effect on sperm. General medical advice is to drink no more than six cups a day.

CHEMICAL DANGER

According to experts, as many as four in ten men are at risk of becoming infertile due to the 'gender-bending' substances used in the manufacture of cosmetics, plastics, food cans and household furniture.

These chemicals, which mimic the female hormone oestrogen, could accumulate in the body, and exposure in the womb could lead to reproductive abnormalities in boys.

If you are exposed to solvents, wear protective clothing and work in a ventilated area.

Pesticides found in residues on vegetables, fruit, grains, bread and many canned products can also affect sperm count. Experts advise eating organic food and reducing exposure to detergents by rinsing dishes after washing.

Scrub fruit and veg to limit exposure to harmful chemicals and avoid fatty foods in clingfilm because chemicals in the plastic can get into the food.