Prepare a man to conceive a child

Preparing a man for the conception of a child involves changes in lifestyle and dietary habits, which should start to be corrected 3 to 4 months before the planned pregnancy.

When to Start Preparation

Sperm, ready to be fertilized, mature in 72 to 74 days. Based on this, a man's preparation for the conception of a child should begin no later than 3 to 4 months before the planned conception. At that time, the couple can consult a gynecologist specializing in assisted reproductive technology (ART), and the man can see a urologist or andrologist.

Main Steps of Preparation

Even if the future father feels perfectly healthy, it is important not to neglect a visit to a specialist, as reproductive disorders can be asymptomatic. The gynecologist specializing in ART will first ask the patient about his health status, any complaints, and will refer him for a sperm analysis. The sperm analysis is a study of the ejaculate that assesses the fertilization capacity of the sperm and the chances of successful conception.

If fertility disorders are detected, the doctor will propose a plan to correct them. The specialist will also recommend ways to increase the chances of successful conception, including lifestyle and dietary changes, such as

• Increasing physical activity - regular exercise helps improve overall health and fertility.
• Giving up bad habits - quitting alcohol and tobacco significantly improves sperm quality and increases the chances of successful conception.
• Maintaining a normal weight - an optimal weight helps normalize hormones and improve fertility.
• Reducing stress and improving sleep - avoiding stress and maintaining a normal sleep pattern are important aspects of preparation.

Nutrition During Pregnancy Planning

For normal spermatogenesis and to maximize the fertilizing power of sperm, it is essential to have a balanced diet containing all necessary nutrients.

Main Components of the Diet

• Proteins: proteins should be included in the diet, with a preference for lean meats and fish. Proteins are also found in nuts and dairy products (cottage cheese, cheese, milk), which are rich in calcium.
• Polyunsaturated fatty acids: these are important for reproductive system health and are found in fish, flaxseed oil, nuts, avocados, and chia seeds.
• Vegetables, fruits, and greens: meals should include vegetables, fruits, greens, whole grain products, and fiber-rich cereals.
• Antioxidants: it is particularly important to consume foods rich in antioxidants for people living in large cities who are exposed to free radicals. Antioxidants are found in berries (blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, raspberries), vegetables (beets, asparagus, broccoli, artichokes, onions, peppers, red cabbage), and dark chocolate.

Nutritionists recommend that men who are considering having a child avoid eating fast food, sweets, sugary sodas, and not to overindulge in tea and coffee, as these products can harm sperm quality, reduce testosterone levels, and deteriorate the overall condition of the reproductive system. The diet should be varied and balanced.

Consultation with a Reproductive Specialist

To learn more about preparing a man for the conception of a child, including recommendations for adjusting diet and lifestyle, you can consult a gynecologist specializing in ART at the NatuVitro clinic. The specialists at the clinic will help you develop an optimal preparation plan to increase the chances of successful conception and the birth of a healthy child.

For more information on in vitro fertilization (IVF), see the section on treatments.