What can a man do when planning a pregnancy?

What can a man do at the stage of planning a pregnancy?

Maciej W. Socha, MD : It is a very important element of pregnancy planning preconception visit of the couple , during which we discuss the possibilities of increasing the chances of the so-called taken-home-baby, or what to do get pregnant, reduce the risk of miscarriage and complications pregnancy and have the best possible chance of delivering a healthy baby. We diagnose possible problems that may contribute to difficulties in getting pregnant and implement appropriate measures treatment or we take appropriate action preventive actions . In the case of women, very good results can be achieved by using pharmacotherapy and appropriate supplementation , thanks to which you can modify lifestyle errors. In the case of men, the situation is slightly different, because - I may surprise readers here - we, men, are these " delicate flowers ".

What does it mean?

For men, it has a huge impact on fertility way of life and therefore the best effects are provided not by dietary supplements or tablets, but by: lifestyle-related health activities . It's best if a man has one as little fat tissue as possible, but a lot of muscle beany – but in a qualitative, not quantitative sense. Nicotine and alcohol have it even in small doses dramatically bad influence on male fertility. To improve spermatogenesis – i.e. the process of sperm formation and maturation – we recommend not drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes, above all. Man he must also be well rested, simply – circardial rhythm disturbances also have a negative impact on fertility. They also have a destructive effect stress-related toxins . In a man's body, when something unfavorable happens - obesity, insomnia, chronic stress, our body itself somehow cuts off spermatogenesis and lowers libido . This is a biological adaptation of the body to this situation. As andrologists, we observe that in such a situation semen parameters deteriorate.

And then what?

If everything is fine for the woman, we recommend appropriate ones dietary supplements preparing for pregnancy , and in the case of a man, we order semen examination, i.e. spermiogram . We assess how a man functions in life, but already on the first visit we advise him to give up alcohol and nicotine, eat well, get enough sleep and avoid stress. Sometimes men, even those who are task-oriented, imagine that there is one magic pill that will improve semen parameters and fertility. It doesn't exist, you have to put in some effort . Live well, simply, work, exercise, eat well.

Even if such conditions occur - the man smokes, sometimes drinks a beer or two, is obese, but the semen parameters are normal, we do not delay getting pregnant. We assume that from today he stopped smoking and started eating healthily – and we hope that the couple will get pregnant.

What is the optimal time to plan a pregnancy?

It's great when a couple says that in half a year she would like to get pregnant. It's a good time because spermatogenesis cycle lasts from 90 to 120 days. So if your partner starts taking care of himself after this first visit and following the recommendations, it will be done in six months genetic material in a single sperm it will be better.

How many couples show up for such a preconception visit?

More and more people realize that at the stage of planning a pregnancy, such a visit is simply very helpful in preparations. Interestingly, it is often the case that this the man shows up first , wants to have sperm quality tested, needs andrological advice, and then brings his partner. It's also important that they are like this solid preparation for pregnancy from the man reduces the risk of miscarriage . Simply put, the healthier and better prepared the couple, the lower the risk, and remember that miscarriage is a highly traumatic situation. Therefore, it is very valuable that a lot can be done already at the stage of planning pregnancy to prevent this event.

I've heard the term "pregnant man". What does it mean?

It is a term that borders science, psychology and emotions. During the partner's pregnancy, men often gain weight and appear emotional changes associated with those in pregnant women, functional magnetic resonance imaging studies show that u a man involved in pregnancy , present at every stage, changes neurohormonal system , higher levels of prolactin appear and are secreted oxytocin , i.e. the so-called caregiving/family hormones. A man who is present from the very beginning, involved in the pregnancy, because he has in his mind that he will be a father and is preparing for this role, it will look great in it . However, the one who is absent will not know what is happening because he will miss the emotions that the first man experienced. This, of course, translates into a relationship - often after the birth of a child crises appear . Why? Precisely because such a mentally and emotionally unprepared guy doesn't know what's going on. The partner seems distant, focused on the child, he recedes into the background and tensions appear. And this couple who she was pregnant together , she experienced it together, everything will be fine it was more gentle, because this man is not only more aware, but also, for example, will have lower libido . Both patients and doctors mature, which is why we always encourage men to do their best actively participating in pregnancy from the beginning. And us? We, doctors, manage pregnancy and assist in childbirth. Both steam and nature.

A conversation with Dr.N.M.D. Maciej Socha about what is important in preparing a woman for pregnancy, you can read at this link.