YOUR SPERM IS delicate and valuable – Protect it

Things you need to know
If you and your partner are planning a pregnancy, then the health of your sperm is very important. However, you need to understand the various factors that can affect male fertility, and that’s why you need to consider the following steps in order to help your sperm become top performers according to Oladapo Ashiru, a medical practitioner
1. Do not have unprotected sex. Sexually-transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhoea and Chlamydia, can damage the sperm-producing cells that block the tubes carrying sperm from the testis to the penis.
2. Avoid pesticides that control pests in the garden and on the farm. Such chemicals can damage the sperm-reproducing organs.
3. Avoid insecticides that are usually sprayed to kill mosquito. Such chemicals can damage the sperm-reproducing organs. Therefore, if you must spray your room against mosquitoes, allow at least one hour before going back into the room.
4. Avoid exposure to lead fumes generated in the manufacture of small cell batteries and in bullets. Such fumes can reduce sperm count through their negative effects on the hormones and the testis.
5. Avoid exposure to heavy metals like cadmium from the manufacture of heavy batteries, as they negatively affect the hormones.
6. Avoid exposure to paint fumes and plastic softening chemicals like phthalates; hydrocarbons such as ethylbenze, benzene, toluene and xylene, as they destroy the sperm-producing cells and hormones.
7. Minimise exposure to electromagnetic radiation, as the sperm germ cells are very easily damaged by the gamma rays.
8. Minimise exposure to radiation, as the sperm germ cells are very easily damaged by radiation.
9. Avoid fumes generated by welders and iron smelters, as their heat can affect sperm production and lead to low sperm count.
10. Avoid exposure to accumulated old newsprints, as the carbon can lead to low sperm count.
11. Avoid wearing tight pants and trousers, as the heat generated can cause low sperm count.
12. Avoid children with mumps, as having mumps in childhood can cause irreversible damage to the testis. Therefore, never allow a male to visit other children that have mumps.
13. Minimise your consumption of alcohol, as drinking to excess can cause low sperm count and also reduce libido, causing you to have a low sex drive.
14. Do not smoke, as cigarette smoking can damage the testis and lower the sperm count, lower the ability of sperm to move and lower the lifespan of the sperm.
15. Do not eat too much saturated fat, as they reduce the efficiency of the hormones and enzymes that help in the sperm production process.
16. Do not eat food or supplements with soya beans, as soya beans convert to the female hormone oestrogen, which tends to neutralise the male hormone testosterone, which is needed for men to reproduce sperm.
17. Minimise your intake of refined carbohydrate such as white flour, white bread and white rice, as they reduce the efficiency of the hormones and enzymes that help in the sperm reproduction process. Instead, eat more of the unrefined carbohydrate such as brown rice, wheat bread and oats.
18. Do not become constipated, as this can obstruct blood flow to the testis. Therefore, eat more dietary fibre.