Making changes to lifestyle habits can help some people conceive. Here are some steps that may help:
Change the Timing of Sexual Activity and Avoid Lubricants
Sperm quality lowers if ejaculation happens more than every 48 hours or less than every 5 days. Chances of pregnancy also improve if sex happens a day or so before ovulation. This gives sperm time to travel to the egg.
Avoid using lubricants during sex. They may harm sperm make it hard for them to move.
Avoid Tobacco, Marijuana, Illegal Drugs, and Excess Alcohol
Avoid tobacco products. They can reduce sperm count, make it harder for them to move, and increase the number of abnormal sperm. Marijuana and illegal drugs can cause similar harm and should also be avoided.
Excess alcohol can affect hormone levels and lower sperm count and quality. Do not have more than three to four drinks per week.
Excess weight can lower sperm count and hormones. Make changes to reach or maintain a healthy weight.
Regular exercise can increase sperm count. Excess exercise like long-distance running can lower sperm count.
Excess heat from things like saunas, hot tubs, laptop computers, and even tight underwear and clothing can lower sperm count and quality.
Some bicycle seats may cause problems with blood flow and nerves in the groin. This can cause problems with erection.
Stress may lower sex drive and impact how often a person has sex. Relaxation methods, such as yoga, tai chi, or mental health counseling can help.
Boosting your fertility: Lifestyle modifications. Resolve website. Available at: https://resolve.org/infertility-101/optimizing-my-fertility/boosting-your-fertility-lifestyle-modifications/. Accessed November 11, 2021.
Infertility in men. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/infertility-in-men-23. Accessed November 11, 2021.
Male infertility/andrology. American Society for Reproductive Medicine website. Available at: https://www.reproductivefacts.org/topics/topics-index/male-infertility. Accessed November 11, 2021.
Overview of infertility. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/infertility/overview-of-infertility. Accessed November 11, 2021.
Reproductive health and the workplace. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/repro. Accessed November 11, 2021.
Last reviewed November 2021 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Mary-Beth Seymour, RN
Last Updated: 11/11/2021