The Male Side of Infertility

One possible cause of sperm-related problems is oxidation, which may damage the membrane of the sperm cell. Dr. O'Brien starts patients on a multivitamin that contains powerful antioxidants like selenium, folic acid and zinc. She also recommends they eat foods with more lycopene, a phytonutrient (and antioxidant) found in cooked tomato products.

About 25 percent of male infertility cases are deemed "idiopathic," meaning there's no apparent cause. Sometimes things improve on their own; sometimes the only option is assisted reproduction. Today, specialists can isolate quality sperm to use in procedures like artificial insemination or intracytoplasmic sperm injection, in which a single sperm is injected into the egg.

Lifestyle Changes for Healthier Sperm:

• Stop smoking. Nicotine reduces the amount of antioxidants in your semen.
• Have frequent intercourse. Contrary to popular belief, abstaining from intercourse doesn't increase the amount of sperm. Instead, intercourse every three to four days is ideal.
• Reduce your alcohol consumption. Alcohol may suppress sperm production.
• Wear boxer shorts and avoid hot baths and spas. This folk remedy is actually quite true—heat suppresses sperm production.
• Avoid pesticides, herbicides, heat and radiation at work. All can affect sperm production.