While much of this chapter mentions how Moms and Dads-to-be can improve their diet and lifestyle, these tips are directed to the guys.
Research shows that chewing tobacco can affect fertility similarly to that of cigarette smoke—and the effect is dose dependent. In fact, men who chewed more than 6 times a day were 14 times more likely to have some semen samples containing no sperm compared to those who chewed less than three times a day.
While the evidence is far from conclusive, a few studies show that Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Waves (RF-EMWs) emitted from cell phones may have a negative effect on sperm; potentially causing negative effects on sperm count, motility, viability, shape and size. An increase in oxidative stress is also thought to be caused by RF-EMWs, and the damage to sperm appears to increase with increasing cell phone use. There may be other long-term effects of cell-phone use—the World Health Organization recommends using a hands-free device and using a cell phone in an area of good reception to reduce power usage. While trying to conceive, it’s best for dads to avoid carrying a phone in the pants-pocket.
Men with type 2 diabetes have been shown to have a lower level of testosterone and a higher level of DNA fragmentation in their sperm, which can affect fertility. Insulin resistance is also known to reduce testosterone levels.
As jobs are divided around the house, men usually grab the chores that involve chemicals: pesticides insecticides, gasoline, adhesives and solvents. They may affect fertility and, due to potential DNA damage to sperm, can affect your child (or maybe even your grandchild’s) risk of having a birth defect. While your partner is trying to conceive, it’s best to stay away from chemicals as much as possible. If you can’t avoid them completely, use gloves and masks to keep them out of your body.