Between 10 and 20% of couples are infertile - that is they are unable to conceive after one year of unprotected sexual intercourse. It is estimated that in about 40% of cases the problem is sperm related.

What Can Help
	Start eating a healthy, well balanced diet. Avoid animal fats, sugar, junk foods and fried foods.
	Quit smoking and avoid cigarette smoke - there are toxins in cigarette smoke that cause abnormalities in sperm
	Cut out alcohol. Alcohol decreases the body's ability to produce the male hormone, testosterone. It also can effect sexual function.
	Stay out of hot tubs and saunas, and avoid vigorous exercise as these can reduce sperm count. One study also showed that vigorous exercise may reduce the production of a hormone that is directly involved with fertility, potency & sex drive.
	Avoid tight-fitting underwear and pants. The testicles need to be at the correct temperature to keep sperm healthy and mobile.
	RELAX ! Stress is well known as an excellent contraceptive.

Some Nutrients Worth Considering
	Multivitamin & mineral supplement - a good place to start to ensure adequate nutrition.
	Vitamin C, 1000mg daily - keeps sperm healthy and mobile (see below)
	L-Arginine - helps to increase sperm count
	Vitamin E, 400 - 800 IU daily - Needed for the balanced production of hormones
	Zinc 75mg daily - Aids in prostate gland function

For conception to occur it is necessary that a man's sperm be healthy. If the sperm move slowly or clump together then the chance of a pregnancy is greatly reduced.

Men who smoke are particularly at risk, as toxic chemicals from cigarette smoke gets into their sperm reducing the sperm count and increasing sperm abnormalities. Studies have shown that these problems can be helped by increasing Vitamin C intake.

A study at the University of Texas showed that giving men 500 mg of Vitamin C twice daily reduced the number of sperm that clumped together from over 20% to less than 11%. It was also found that Vitamin C neutralized the damaging effects caused by the toxic chemicals in cigarettes.

The greatest improvements were seen in men who took 1000 mg of Vitamin C daily for at least one month. To get this amount from diet alone would be very difficult, so some doctors feel that supplements are a good idea. However it is still best to increase your intake of foods that are rich in Vitamin C as well.

Disclaimer: The information presented is for information purposes only. It is based on scientific studies or traditional usage. Consult a health care professional before using supplements or making any changes in prescribed medications.

Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.