This gives you simple information about simple measures that you can take to improve the quality of your semen and your fertility.

The normal activity of the sperm producing tubules in the testes is affected by heat. Intermittent overheating of the testes leads to a reduction in sperm production and/or a decrease in sperm activity (motility). The testes are situated in the scrotum mainly because it is cooler there than inside the abdominal cavity. The testes have their own heat regulating mechanism so that in cold conditions, the scrotum contracts pulling the testes closer to the body, where as in ho conditions, the testes hang much lower.

Overheating of the testes can be caused in various ways:-

· Soaking in hot baths

· Working in a high environmental temperature

· Jacuzzis or saunas

· Wearing tight or support underwear

In addition, illnesses associated with fever temporarily reduces fertility.

Remember that sperm take 70 days to develop from their cells of origin, thus any episode of testicular overheating could affect your fertility for over 2 months.

To improve your fertility, you should:-

· Avoid hot baths, jacuzzis and saunas and change to having showers or lukewarm baths

· Wear non-support, non-insulating cotton boxer shorts

All vices of modern living may effect fertility and should be either completely avoided or taken in moderation.

These include:- Smoking, Alcohol, Marijuana, Certain drugs.

Improvements in general health including exercise can improve fertility, thus overeating and obesity are discouraged.

Unfortunately there are no specific measures to improve female fertility but, by improving your general health, you can prepare your body for treatment and hopefully a pregnancy.

It is helpful for women to be as near to their ideal body weight for their height as possible. If you are unsure of your ideal weight, Unit staff can advise you of this.

Eating a balanced diet and keeping alcohol intake to within safe limits will improve your general health. If you smoke, then you should reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke a day, or ideally, give up altogether.

Regular exercise helps in keeping your weight within normal limits and reduces stress levels. It is also recommended that women trying to get pregnant or who have just become pregnant should take Folic Acid tablets. You can get these from any chemist.