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

The effect of heat
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, whereas in hot conditions, the testes hang much lower.

• Soaking in hot baths
  
• Working in a high environmental temperature
  
• Jacuzzis or saunas
  
• Wearing tight or support underwear
  
• In addition, illness 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
  
• Try taking zinc and vitamin E. There is evidence to suggest that in some cases the taking of zinc and vitamin E can improve sperm quality.
  

Other factors
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
  

Measures to Improve Female Fertility
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.

Weight
To help you identify the acceptable weight for your height, please refer to the Body Mass Index chart. (Click to go to chart) If you check your weight against your height, your body mass index should lie in the green shaded area.

Please note that it is in your best interests to achieve an acceptable body weight. If you do not do so it may significantly reduce the chances of your treatment working. Research has shown that ovaries respond more effectively (ie produce eggs) when the women has a BMI between 20 and 30. Procedures such as ultrasound scans and egg collection are alos performed more effectively.

Smoking
To help maximise your potential to achieve pregnancy it is vital that you give up smoking. Research has shown the following:

Male: Smoking is associated with a decreased sperm count, reduced sperm motility, reduced testosterone levels and an increase in the number of abnormal cells.

Female: Smoking is associated with a reduction in the number of eggs the ovary produces, poor implantation of embryos and low birth weight.

There are many other detrimental factors of smoking relating to fertility.

QUITLINE Tel:0800 002200 9am - 9pm
You can phone this number for a QUIT PACK leaflet and information on the best way to stop smoking.

Diet and Exercise
Eat a balanced diet including 5 portions of fruit/vegetables per day. Reduce alcohol intake to minimum (5 units per week) and avoid if possible. Reduce caffeine intake by avoiding coffee. Regular exercise helps to keep 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. You may obtain further information from the organisation 'Foresight' whose address in provided in the section on Useful addresses.

Body Mass Index
Check your weight against your height. Your body mass index should be in the green area of the chart prior to commencement of treatment. For example, if you are 5’6” and you weigh 10st 10lbs, your body mass index is 24.