Men should freeze their sperm before the age of 25

Maintain a healthy weight

The majority of male fertility issues relate to sperm disorders. But there are changes men can make to try and improve their overall wellbeing. Lifestyle can have a major impact on general health, including fertility.

Excess weight can put extra pressure on your body and there is a link between a higher BMI and a decrease in testosterone and erectile dysfunction.

It’s for these reasons it is wise to maintain a healthy weight, especially if you want to start a family.

Quit smoking

For both men and women trying to get pregnant the advice is to quit smoking.

A large volume of research has shown a link between smoking tobacco and having difficulty conceiving. Smoking can also damage sperm and cause erectile problems – making it harder to get pregnant.

Ditch the booze

Enjoying the occasional drink is fine but excessive or binge drinking could harm sperm, and sperm that is damaged is unlikely to lead to a successful conception.

Wear looser pants

Professor Nardo recommends avoiding tight fitting underpants (stock image)

It is normal for up to 96 per cent of sperm to appear abnormal in some way. However where there are higher numbers there could be an underlying cause for this.

One cause could be the increased temperature of the testes.

A number of studies in the past have tried to find a definitive link between tight fitting underpants and a higher count of abnormal sperm.

Although we can’t say for certain, it is recommended that men wear loose boxer shorts rather than briefs.

Get enough sleep

Having a good sleep routine can help you feel rested even during the busiest of times.

When you’re tired it can also make you more likely to reach for sugary quick fixes and caffeinated drinks, sending blood sugar levels up and down throughout the day and making it harder to sleep well.

Keep stress in check

Stress is generally bad news for your overall health, and it’s not great for fertility, either.

Stress is associated with hormonal changes and damage to cells in the body.

Many people think keeping stress in check while trying to conceive is purely for women, but it’s important men keep calm and take time to de-stress too.

Keep fit

Moderate exercise two or three times a week is important for overall health and studies have indicated it can also help improve the shape and concentration of sperm.

We never recommend people go on crash diets and start an intensive exercise regimes when they are trying to conceive a child, but small changes to improve overall health and well-being are really important.

Exercises like running can also improve mental health, and help to de-stress the body.

Don’t leave it too long

If you’re having regular unprotected sex with your partner for 12 months and haven’t conceived, get checked.

You may initially feel uncomfortable speaking to a doctor about these things but the earlier you talk to someone about it, the better.

Doctors can carry out a semen analysis and also check for chlamydia, which can affect fertility.