Expert: Catherine Beier MS CBE - 3/28/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello.  Thank you for taking my question.  First off, I should tell you that I am the male in my relationship with my wife.  I thought you might not know because of my name but yes, I am the guy.  My question is simple really:  I am taking opiate based medication for pain and I am also trying to get my wife pregnant...we are trying to have a baby.  My wife doesn't drink and is generally healthy over all but again, I take opiate based pain meds for an old shoulder injury.  Everybody always speaks of the mom being healthy and what she can and cannot eat but what about me and my sperm?  Do you think this medication will have an effect on the fetus?  By fetus, what I mean to say is, can this effect the baby?  I've been told that the males sperm isn't that sensitive to things like drinking and drugs.  Is this true?  Is my unborn future baby at risk?  
Also, since we are trying to conceive, what things can I eat to become more fertile?  Thank you.

ANSWER: Emad,

Some opiate-based medications, or narcotics for pain, have been shown to decrease male fertility.  They haven't been shown to hurt a developing baby, but they could possibly make it more difficult for you to impregnate your wife by decreasing the quality, quantity or motility of your sperm.  Much of this will depend on what medications you take, the dosage and how long you've been taking it.


If you are truly concerned about sperm quality, you can visit your doctor for a semen analysis to rule out any problems.  Just remember that even for normal couples, it can take about a year to become pregnant.  


For information on increasing male fertility, including diet, visit http://www.fertilinet.com/male.htm



Best,
Catherine



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for getting back to me.  Your answer was or is important to me.  Can you please reply with some natural foods or over the counter medications or supplements that I can take to increase my sperm "quality."  By quality I mean anything that will help me be more fertile so that I can make my wife pregnant.  This answer can be "unofficial" in that I understand it is only your opinion or only rumors.  I'm just looking for a little help.
Thank you very much.
emad

Answer
Emad,

There are few common rules to start with for increasing male fertility:

1. Limit or eliminate caffeine intake.
2. Stop smoking
3. Stop Recreational Drugs
4. Wear Loose Underwear (boxers)
5. Stay out of Hot Tubs
6. Quit drinking alcoholic beverages


Some supplements that may, but have not been proven, to help are:

   *  Arginine—Take 4 gr daily.
   * Coenzyme Q10—Take 10 mg daily. Increases sperm count and motility.
   * Flaxseed oil—Take 1 tbsp daily. Is a source of essential fatty acids.
   * L-carnitine—Take 3-4 grams daily. Required for normal sperm function.
   * Multivitamin-mineral—Buy a high-quality product and take one serving size (differs from brand to brand).
   * Selenium—Take 200 mcg daily. Improves sperm motility.
   * Vitamin B-12—Take 1000 mcg daily. A B-12 deficiency reduces sperm motility and sperm count. Even if no deficiency exists, B-12 supplementation may help men with a sperm count of less than 20 million per milliliter or a motility rate of less than 50%
   * Vitamin C—Take 500 mg 2 times daily. Is an antioxidant.
   * Vitamin E—Take 400 IUs 2 times daily. Is an antioxidant and improves sperms’ ability to impregnate.
   * Zinc—Take 15 mg 2 times daily. Required for a healthy male reproductive system and sperm production.


However, it may take 3-4 months to see any increase in fertility.  There are also products called Fertility Blend that incorporate ingredients specifically to increase male fertility.


In terms of nutrition, stay away from processed foods.  Choose vegetables, fiber, and other healthy food choices.  Also pay attention to staying well hydrated with water.  In general, following  a typical healthy diet will keep your body in balance and provide normal fertility.


Best,
Catherine