Sperm health relies on a lot of different organs and systems functioning properly. Maintaining your overall health is crucial for reproductive health and optimal sperm production.Why is Men’s Health Important?
We care about each of our donors and want to ensure everyone is comfortable and informed about their health. Men, on average, are less likely to visit healthcare professionals routinely compared to women. Highlighting common health concerns and sharing tips for staying healthy helps ensure that we are all taking care of ourselves.
Additionally, in our donor program, only high-quality donations are eligible for compensation. No one wants to miss out on $100 per donation, so keeping up with your overall health will ensure you receive the maximum benefits of the donor program.
Staying Healthy: Nutrition and Exercise
Maintaining health can be broken into two parts: what we eat and what we do. Let’s start with nutrition.
Eating Right
A healthy diet doesn’t mean giving up on the foods you love. It’s about finding a balance that’s sustainable and enjoyable. Reduce the intake of overly processed foods and increase the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Trying new fruits and vegetables might help you discover new favorites. Here are some quick and easy recipes to try:
If you’re having trouble getting all the vitamins and minerals you need from food alone, consider adding a nutritional supplement. Look for these key vitamins and minerals:
- Folate
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin D
- Zinc
- L-carnitine
- L-arginine
Decreasing alcohol consumption and increasing your daily water intake can also significantly improve sperm counts.
Regular Exercise
Regular exercise keeps your body in shape and your circulatory system running smoothly, which is essential for reproductive health. Good circulation is crucial for getting and maintaining an erection. Staying active doesn’t mean you have to become a bodybuilder or marathon runner. Choose activities you enjoy and can do multiple times a week, such as:
- Morning and evening walks
- Kayaking
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Daily stretching
- Yoga
Incorporating movement throughout your day will help keep your body active. Simple changes like parking further away and taking the stairs instead of elevators can make a big difference. If you have a job that involves sitting for long periods, take regular breaks to stand up and stretch.
It Takes Time
Starting new habits can be challenging, so be kind to yourself. Mental health is also part of your overall well-being. It takes about three months for new sperm cells to reach full maturity, so it will take some time before your healthy changes start making a difference in sperm production.
If you have questions about sperm quality or becoming a donor, reach out to a Donor Coordinator at 206-588-1484 or send us a message at donor@seattlespermbank.com.
