The male reproductive system may be complex but it is important. Taking care of it promotes sexual development, general well-being, and procreation. Unfortunately, many men do not pay much thought to their reproductive health until something goes wrong. Taking care of male reproductive health is about paying attention to lifestyle, diet, existing medical conditions, and much more. The following are tips to keep your reproductive parts healthy.

1. Diet

Pay attention to your diet as it can have a major impact on your reproductive health. Your diet should be rich in nutrients with low fat. Drink plenty of water to get rid of the toxins in your body. If your urine is colored with an unpleasant odor, you need to increase your water intake. Some foods are known to improve the quality and quantity of your sperm. Ideally, a man’s sperms count should not be below 39 million per ejaculation. 

Some of the best foods include:

Oranges – Increase your intake of oranges as they are rich in vitamin C. They improve sperm morphology, count, and motility. Broccoli and tomatoes are rich in vitamin C as well.

Dark Chocolate – Dark chocolate has a high level of arginine which can improve sperm quality and count.

Oysters and Pumpkin Seeds – Both pumpkin seeds and oysters are rich in zinc. They increase sperm count, testosterone, and sperm motility.

Dark, Leafy Vegetables – Some of the best options include brussels sprouts, spinach, and romaine lettuce. They promote the body’s ability to produce healthy sperm.

Foods to avoid include full-fat dairy, caffeine, alcohol, processed meats, and fried food.

2. Speak With Your Doctor

If you want advice on how to maintain your reproductive health, speak with your doctor. Doing some research and STD testing online is great but it is not enough. It is important to get a physical at least once every year. Your doctor will check for abnormalities and irregularities and prescribe the relevant remedies. If you have any questions or concerns, they will address them.

3. Stop Smoking

According to most doctors, smoking is bad for male reproductive health. It can cause sexual dysfunction and other problems. Research suggests that most men with erectile dysfunction are smokers. Smoking blocks the arteries that transport blood to the penis making it difficult to attain or maintain an erection. Here is a closer look at the effects of smoking:

1. Sperm Motility: This refers to sperms’ ability to swim. If they cannot swim, they are unlikely to reach the egg for fertilization. Research suggests that 13percent of men who smoke have low sperm motility.
2. Sperm concentration is the number of sperm in a specified semen quantity. Smoking reduces sperm concentration by about 23 percent.
3. Sperm Morphology: This term refers to the shape of sperm. If a sperm is oddly-shaped, it may have trouble swimming to the egg. Smoking reduces sperm health and many smokers have few well-shaped sperms.

In conclusion, the male reproductive system is important and it should not be ignored. Take control of it by changing your lifestyle and visiting your doctor before something goes wrong.