Considering the high cost, success rates, and possible side effects of assisted reproduction techniques (ART), early efforts to improve male fertility appear to be an attainable and worthwhile primary goal. Having healthy sperm is essential to the success of your fertility treatment. Since a full sperm regeneration cycle (spermatogenesis) takes about 76 days (about 3 months to be ejaculated), the quality of the sperm reflects the state of sperm health 3 months earlier. Therefore, it is beneficial for the husband to begin his preparation sooner rather than later.

1. Balanced diet 

 A dad-to-be’s diet should include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially greens, as well as a moderate intake of vegetable protein and healthy fats, as well as foods rich in folic acids, such as soybeans, eggs, asparagus, lentils, and sprouts. Reduce intake of refined sugar, alcohol, fruit juice, etc., and eat less takeout, fast food, fried food, and sweet desserts. For irregular diet, man can properly supplement some multivitamin preparations, including vitamins A, C, and E, and trace elements zinc, selenium, etc. Advice to quit smoking and minimize alcohol consumption, to supplement folic acid in an appropriate amount if the husband has a folic acid deficiency or tobacco and alcohol addiction, in turn, improves the quality of the husband's sperm.

2. Healthy lifestyle 

 Avoiding sedentary and appropriate exercise can balance hormones in the body, reduce body fat and decrease psychological stress and enhance libido. Find the amount of exercise that works for you, and do not over-exercise which leads to fatigue. Increasing outdoor activities and exposure to sunshine were associated with higher vitamin D levels in men, thereby improving sperm quality.

3. Regular work and rest 

Studies have shown that sleep quality affects the quantity and quality of sperm directly. The male who falls asleep between 20:00 – 22:00 has higher sperm quality and greater fertility. In addition, regular work and rest are also in line with the characteristics of male sex hormone secretion, which is conducive to improving hormone levels, thereby improving male fertility.

4. Prepare before semen collection 

 To ensure the quality of sperm, avoiding exposure to a high-temperature environment is advised, for example, no sauna or no hot sitting baths. Abstain from intercourse for 2-7 days. Pay attention to personal hygiene. Wash hands and clean the genitals before semen collection.

Compare to the wife, the husband is easier to cope with during IVF treatment, as the wife bears most of the treatment and emotional stress. Therefore the husband should take further steps to support their wife thus reducing the stress caused by drugs and procedures. This is very important to get a positive outcome from IVF treatment.

In addition, the husband should take care of his health. Consult professional advice if you have the underlying disease and take medicine for a long time.

Reference
[1]Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the Practice Committee of the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Optimizing natural fertility: a committee opinion [J]. Fertil Steril. 2022 Jan;117(1):53-63.
[2] The effect of cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and fruit and vegetable consumption on IVF outcomes: a review and presentation of original data[J]. Reproductive Biology & Endocrinology, 2015, 13(1):134.Daniel M .
[3] Can Male Fertility Be Improved Prior to Assisted Reproduction through The Control of Uncommonly Considered Factors?[J]. International Journal of Fertility & Sterility, 2013, 6(4):214-223.