For the best chance at fathering a child, you should maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen. Having regular sex also helps! Here are a few more tips…
Overheating
Avoid spas, saunas and hot baths. Wearing boxer shorts may also help keep things cool down there.
Infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
STIs, especially untreated gonorrhoea and chlamydia, can cause blockages in the sperm tubes so that sperm can’t move on from the testicles and into the semen when they are ejaculated.
Prostate infections
As the sperm move through the prostate and into the urethra, swelling of the prostate may stop sperm from passing through the reproductive system.
Mumps
The mumps virus can totally destroy the tubes that make sperm and permanently stop sperm production.
Drug use
Cancer drugs
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy and can cause long-term problems with sperm production.
Prescription drugs
Fertility or sexual performance problems can also happen with other prescribed drugs such as those used for inflammatory conditions, depression, epilepsy, hypertension, and diabetes.
Illegal drugs
Taking anabolic steroids for bodybuilding or competitive sports can cause your testicles to shrink in size and sperm production to stop. In other words, “steroids = sterile”. Fertility can also be affected by marijuana, cocaine and heroin which can lower testosterone levels and sex drive.
Your Lifestyle
Sperm DNA is damaged by the chemicals in tobacco smoke – this may lower the chance of a healthy pregnancy and may affect your child’s future health. Binge drinking and regular heavy drinking can harm your health, causing liver problems that can affect the function of the testicles, among other body functions that can also affect sexual and reproductive function.
Work Environment
Pesticides, heavy metals, toxic chemicals and radiation may affect the quality of sperm you produce. If you must work with such agents, always follow occupational health and safety guidelines.