6 Things Men Should Do When Trying to Get Their Partner Pregnant

Trying to conceive can be an exciting time in any couple’s life, but it can also be extremely stressful. Don’t worry, though, because men have options to boost the chances of getting their partner pregnant.

If you want to have a baby as soon as possible, consider these tips we’ve collected.

1. Reduce your alcohol intake

Drinking alcohol excessively has been linked to lower testosterone levels, which can decrease the quality and quantity of a man’s sperm. If drinking is a major component of your life, it can be helpful to cut back or even stop drinking during the period when you’re hoping to conceive. Try to have only a couple of drinks once or twice a week.

2. Eat a balanced diet

This sounds logical: The healthier you eat, the healthier your body is. When you nourish your body with balanced meals full of greens, healthy carbs and lean proteins, you’re also boosting the health and vitality of your sperm. The healthier your sperm are, the better your chances of getting your partner pregnant.

3. Quit smoking

Cigarette smoke and tobacco use have been linked to lower sperm counts and even decreased sperm motility. On top of this, exposing a female partner to secondhand smoke can also decrease her fertility. It’s usually best to stop smoking completely when you’re trying to conceive and to limit or eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke for both you and your partner.

4. Maintain a healthy weight

Obesity has been linked to decreased fertility in men, because it reduces testosterone levels and throws hormones out of balance. Carrying too much weight can also negatively impact sperm count and overall health. If you’re already at a healthy weight, try to maintain your current weight while trying to conceive. If you’re overweight, take steps to lose some weight through a balanced diet and moderate exercise if you want to help boost your chances of getting your partner pregnant.

5. Have sex, often

This might be obvious, but it’s a win-win tip: The more often you and your partner have sex, the better your chances of becoming pregnant sooner. There is conflicting research on whether abstinence before periods of sex leads to increased fertility, but the bottom line is, having more sex when your female partner is ovulating will boost your conception chances.

6. Stay cool

Hot temperatures can damage and even kill sperm, so make sure you stay at a safe temperature. Avoid hot tubs, seat warmers and long, warm baths. It’s even recommended that men avoid placing laptops on their lap, as the computer’s heat is high enough to damage sperm.

You should also wear breathable boxers; boxer-briefs should be OK, but if you want to err on the side of caution, avoid them. Tight undergarments increase your body temperature—especially your testicles’ temperature—and that can affect your sperm.

Conceiving can take time

You can do everything right and play by all the rules, and you still might not conceive right away. Getting pregnant takes time, and it’s important to realize this upfront. Have patience, be prepared to keep trying, maintain healthy eating and exercise habits, stay positive, and always support your female partner on this wonderful journey.