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10 things your man should do to help you conceive. LONG

posted 3rd Jun
I got an interesting article on my email and thought I would share. I hope it helps.


Ten things HE should do before you try to get pregnant

Reviewed by the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board
Last updated: September 2006

Highlights

Check in with your doctor
Get in touch with your medical roots
Stock your fridge with healthy foods
Just say no to partying
Check your workplace for hazards
Meet with a financial adviser
Buy some boxers
Steer clear of the hot tub
Be bike-savvy
Relax

You don't usually find men scouring pre-pregnancy books, stocking up on the right vitamins and minerals, and avoiding hidden dangers that could harm their baby-to-be. But this kind of male nesting behavior should be more commonplace, says F. Sessions Cole, a neonatal specialist and director of the newborn medicine division at St. Louis Children's Hospital in Missouri. When a couple is trying to get pregnant, "most of the attention is focused on the woman," he says, "but men make up half of the equation." If you're thinking about becoming a dad, here's a list of what you can do before heading down the conception road to ensure a healthy pregnancy.



Check in with your doctor


Make an appointment to see your doctor, especially if you have a chronic disease, take any medication, or experience problems with erections, ejaculation, or loss of libido. Certain drugs (including any steroid or hormone, one class of drugs for high blood pressure, a few antibiotics, and some medications used to treat diseases like fungal infections, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, peptic ulcers, and seizures) can affect either the quality or quantity of sperm and cause male fertility problems. In most cases, the effect is reversible once you go off the drugs. Talk to your physician about your plans to become a dad, and find out if you can safely switch to a different medication.

One study found that St. John's wort and a few other herbal supplements adversely affect sperm, but the researchers mixed the supplements directly into the sperm. There is no evidence that taking these supplements by mouth affects fertility.

Anabolic steroids, which bodybuilders often use to bulk up, are well studied, and evidence shows they can reduce sperm count and shrink the testicles. Be sure to let your physician know about everything you're taking, whether it's prescribed or over-the-counter.

Also, let your doctor know if you think you may be at risk for a sexually transmitted infection — STDs can cause male infertility, so you'll need to be tested and treated if necessary. Your primary care physician may refer you to a urologist or a male fertility specialist if additional testing or treatments are required.

You'll also want to talk to your doctor about your family's medical history (see "Get in touch with your medical roots," below). If you have a family history of birth defects, including genetic or chromosomal disorders, mental retardation, or other developmental delays, you and your partner should have genetic counseling to find out what risks you face and which screening tests to consider.

Last, ask your doctor about any hazards you may be exposed to on the job (see "Check your workplace for hazards," below) or elsewhere. Exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and organic solvents, for instance, can affect the quality and quantity of your sperm.

Get in touch with your medical roots


It's a good idea to find out about your family health history, so call your parents, siblings, or other relatives to get the medical scoop. If they get suspicious and you're not ready to share your news, tell them you're trying out a new healthcare provider. The most important thing to ask about is whether anyone in your family has genetic or chromosomal disorders such as Down syndrome, sickle-cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, or bleeding disorders. You'll also want to find out if any relatives have mental retardation or other developmental delays, or were born with an anatomical birth defect like a cardiac or neural-tube defect. Your partner will be asked for this information at her first preconception or prenatal visit, and your answers will help determine whether any specific prenatal tests are recommended or if either of you should consider getting tested before you even start trying.

Stock your fridge with healthy foods


If you thought you could continue chewing on chili dogs and cheese fries while your mate dines on grilled chicken and steamed vegetables, think again. Not only will it be easier for her if you join in on the healthy eating lifestyle, your sperm will be better off, too.

Studies have shown that poor nutrition can affect the quality and quantity of sperm. For example, men with low levels of folic acid — the same B vitamin women need to reduce the risk of neural-tube birth defects — were found to have low sperm counts. You may be able to get the amount you need (400 micrograms a day) from fortified breakfast cereals, leafy greens, legumes, and orange juice. Just to be sure, it can't hurt to take a folic acid supplement or a multivitamin, says Cole. Other fertility experts recommend vitamins that contain anti-oxidants or amino acids such as L-arginine for men with low sperm counts or poor sperm function.

Zinc is another nutrient to keep an eye on. Several studies show that even short-term zinc deficiencies can reduce semen volume and testosterone levels. Plus, research suggests that low levels of this mineral may interfere with the absorption and metabolism of folic acid. Eating meat, seafood, and eggs are great ways to get the 11 milligrams of zinc you need a day, and most multivitamins also contain the mineral.

And don't skimp on vitamin C, which has been shown to boost sperm motility. Fruits are an easy way to pick up this vitamin — load up on oranges, cantaloupe, kiwi, mandarins, and grapefruit. Broccoli, asparagus, and bell peppers are other good choices.

Just say no to partying


The party's over for your partner once you start trying for a baby, but what about you? Same goes for men, says Cole. Sperm is just as affected by tobacco, alcohol, and drugs as a woman's eggs. Research suggests that this troublesome trio may lower sperm counts and slow motility. That means you should completely cut out recreational drugs, such as marijuana and cocaine, cut down on alcohol, and quit smoking before you start trying. Plus, kicking the habit now can help your family later. Secondhand smoke is dangerous for your partner and your children, both in utero and after birth. Even the use of chewing tobacco has been linked to poor sperm function.

A lowered sperm count isn't the only reason you should lay off the bottle. Research shows that dads who drink the equivalent of two drinks a day during the month before conception have babies who weigh on average 6.5 ounces less than other babies. Low birth weight is a serious medical condition that can affect your child's health and behavior for the rest of his life.


Check your workplace for hazards


A hidden danger to sperm may be lurking where you work. Regular exposure to chemicals such as organic solvents, which are often found in dry cleaning and auto shops, and pesticides can make it more difficult to conceive. They also can alter sperm composition, leading to birth defects and premature delivery. Because it takes three months for sperm to develop and fully mature, cut your exposure to these chemicals at least three months before you and your partner start trying. Visit the Centers for Disease Control's Web site for more information on how to avoid workplace hazards that can harm your reproductive health.
Meet with a financial adviser


Shelling out $20 for cute designer baby booties is just the start of what you'll be spending on your little one in years to come. According to a 2005 report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, families earning between $43,200 and $72,600 will spend about $190,980 to raise a child from birth through age 17. Find out how much you're likely to spend with our Cost of Raising a Child Calculator. But never fear: By investing just $50 or $100 a month, you can create a nice nest egg by the time your little one heads off to college. Talk to a financial adviser about how to start saving now.

Buy some boxers


The jury is still out on the boxers vs. briefs debate. Some say the testes can get overheated in briefs, inhibiting sperm production. Others say it's really not an issue unless sperm count is already a concern. Cole points out that if wearing boxers can potentially give you an edge over briefs, why not go with boxers for a few months? It's a fairly simple wardrobe adjustment that could speed things along.
Steer clear of the hot tub


Don't look to hot tubs, saunas, or hot baths as a way to unwind before all this baby business gets under way. Heat kills sperm. And because they take up to three months to regenerate, if you spend a long time in the hot tub in January, it could be April before you have a full set of swimmers again. Testicles function best when they keep their cool: "The boys" are happiest at 94 to 96 degrees, a couple of degrees cooler than normal body temperature. To protect your swimmers, avoid hot tubs and saunas for up to three months before trying to conceive.
Be bike-savvy


The casual cyclist shouldn't stress about recent studies that found long hours on a hard bike seat can lead to lower semen volume and reduced sperm count and motility. It's the hard-core cyclist who spends more than two hours a day, six days a week in the saddle who should take note. All that riding can injure the scrotum and testes and potentially lead to fertility problems. What's more, wearing bike shorts for hours on end can kill off your sperm as effectively as a spell in the hot tub. The scrotal area can also get hot and sweaty when it's sandwiched between the legs and bike seat, and that can lead to lower sperm counts in avid cyclists. Men's testes are outside the body for a reason — they need a cooler environment to function properly. If you're going to ride, limit your time on the bike, wear loose-fitting shorts, and choose the softest seat possible.
Relax


Although embarking on a pregnancy is wildly exciting, it can also be stressful, especially if it takes several months to conceive. Take time to relax and unwind — go for a swim, shoot some hoops, or take a stroll. While studies haven't concluded that such exercises will boost your conception odds, it will certainly make the process more pleasant, says Alice Domar, a psychologist and founder and director of the Domar Center for Complementary Healthcare, as well as assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School.
quote
I'm TTC since November '07 & live in Aurora, Colorado
posted 3rd Jun
ooo...thank you...im printing that off for joe to read  
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I'm due April 19th, have 2 angel babies & live in Edmonton, Alberta
posted 3rd Jun
Quoting ♥::Shay::♥:“ ooo...thank you...im printing that off for joe to read  


lol every little bit of info helps!"
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I have 3 kids & 1 angel baby & live in Sheffield, United Kingdom
posted 3rd Jun
I thought it might be good to know because certainly we women aren't the only one's that have issues with TTC.. The men need to know they have a responsibility in this too. I am going to show my dh this article too.
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I'm TTC since November '07 & live in Aurora, Colorado
posted 3rd Jun
Aww thanks Christina! You and Ruthie are so good keeping us informed!  
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I'm TTC since September '06, have 1 angel baby & live in Massachusetts
posted 3rd Jun
Quoting *~*~Lisa~*~*:“ Aww thanks Christina! You and Ruthie are so good keeping us informed!  

you know, I am trying to keep myself informed and just want to share my knowledge. Hopefully it will make other people's ttc journey a lot easier.
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I'm TTC since November '07 & live in Aurora, Colorado
posted 3rd Jun
Quoting LOOPY4971:“ you know, I am trying to keep myself informed and just want to share my knowledge. Hopefully it will make other people's ttc journey a lot easier.”
you are AWESOMe!!
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I'm TTC since September '06, have 1 angel baby & live in Massachusetts
posted 3rd Jun
OFF TOPIC BUT STILL GOOD INFO I stole it, borrowed really, from someone on twoweekwait.com

First when ovulation occurs the egg pops out of the ovary and into the fallopian tube. The egg will only live for 12 to 24 hours if it doesn’t get fertilized. This is why it’s important to have sperm in the fallopian tube waiting for the egg. Sperm can live up to five days in the fallopian tube. Once the egg, if fertilized within the first day, will sit in the fallopian tube for a couple of days, taking it’s time rolling along toward the opening into the uterus. It takes another day or so for the fertilized egg to float into the uterus and to find the spot where it will implant. Up until that moment your body will not produce any hCG – the hormone that the pregnancy test picks up to show a positive.

Implantation takes place anywhere from 3 to 10 days after ovulation. In about a day or so after implantation the implanted fertilized egg sends signals to the corpus luteum – the cyst on the ovary that formed when the egg popped out – to begin producing hCG and more progesterone. It’s this hCG that is detected when using a home pregnancy test. At first the levels will be low, starting at around 10, then doubling every other day. Depending on how much hCG is first emitted into the body will depend on when a home pregnancy test will show a positive result.

With the very sensitive home pregnancy tests, ones that detect 15 mIU/hCG you can test as early as 8 days post ovulation, assuming that you implanted early. Normally a test that detects 20 mIU/hCG can show a positive at 10 days post ovulation. Tests that detect 40-50 mIU/hCG can show a positive at 12 days post ovulation and test that detects 100 + mIU/hCG usually shows positives at around 14 days post ovulation. This is all under the assumption that implantation took place early. If implantation takes place later, around 10 days post ovulation, and then even a sensitive test won’t show a positive until 12 to 14 days post ovulation.

So remains the question, When can I test? Well, much of the answer depends on when ovulation occurred and when implantation took place. If you don’t mind taking a risk and possibly seeing a negative, try testing early at 8 to 10 days post ovulation. But remember that even if you see a negative, you still may be pregnant. If you don’t want the risk, wait till at least 14 days post ovulation. Sometimes, rarely, it may take up to 17 days post ovulation to detect a positive test
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I'm TTC since November '07 & live in Aurora, Colorado
posted 4th Jun
i'm not sure if you know, but it has you logged in when it arrives at the url. Just FYI!   Miss you guys!  
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posted 4th Jun
Crap. Hubby does all the bad stuff. He eats crap (well actually better now, i refuse to buy the crap anymore) takes muscle building suplements, he gets hot and sweats like crazy down there alot, and he is around new construction and hazardous chemicals all day. To the point when I was pregnant with my daughter he would not let me even touch him until he showered.   Thats a little disappointing, but helps!

Also, I love the info on ovulation, and when you can POAS. I will probably do it anyway lol, but hey I am gonna try to wait!
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I'm due April 19th, have 1 child & live in Cincinnati, Ohio
posted 4th Jun
Quoting mrsfairbanks:“ i'm not sure if you know, but it has you logged in when it arrives at the url. Just FYI!   Miss you guys!  
so it does. I didn't notice that before. Hopefully no one will f*** with my info.
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I'm TTC since November '07 & live in Aurora, Colorado
posted 4th Jun
Quoting LOOPY4971:“ so it does. I didn't notice that before. Hopefully no one will f*** with my info.”
I'm gonna f*** with your info Christina! LOL
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I'm TTC since September '06, have 1 angel baby & live in Massachusetts
posted 4th Jun
Quoting *~*~Lisa~*~*:“ I'm gonna f*** with your info Christina! LOL”

BItch. LOL
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I'm TTC since November '07 & live in Aurora, Colorado
posted 4th Jun
Quoting LOOPY4971:“ BItch. LOL”
HA HA
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I'm TTC since September '06, have 1 angel baby & live in Massachusetts
posted 4th Jun
You are too funny Lisa. I love ya girl. you always make me smile. Oh wait that was just gas. ha ha.
quote
I'm TTC since November '07 & live in Aurora, Colorado
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