When it comes to IVF and the collection of an optimal sperm sample, it’s all about timing, a healthy lifestyle and a sprinkle of luck. Here, we will run through our strategies to give you the best chance possible of a healthy sperm sample. Plus, we’ll detail what to expect and plan for in advance, as well as on the collection day itself.
Top tips to prepare for the best sperm sample for successful IVF
To increase your chances of preparing the best sperm sample for successful IVF, it’s important to think about lifestyle adaptations such as diet, exercise, IVF supplements, hydration, managing stress, and avoiding smoking or alcohol. With the quality of the sperm playing a critical role in the success of IVF, a strategy to optimise sperm health can make all the difference. Read more in our blog on sperm health.
Before collection day
Ahead of collection day, you should prepare yourself by making suitable healthy changes to improve your chances of the collection of high-quality sperm. The recommended steps to gain the best possible outcome with your sperm sample are detailed below:
Abstain from sexual activity for a short period
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommend abstinence for 2-7 days before a sperm sample is collected for analysis. This is because abstinence can increase sperm concentration. Abstaining from sexual activity increases sperm count and semen volume. However, have shown an association between short abstinence and improved outcomes, with further research showing a less than 4-day abstinence resulted in a higher implantation rate. Longer abstinence periods can mean a decrease in sperm motility and volume, so opting for less than 4 days is recommended. studies in IVF have shown an association between short abstinence and improved outcomes, with further research showing a less than 4-day abstinence resulted in a higher implantation rate. Longer abstinence periods can mean a decrease in sperm motility and volume, so opting for less than 4 days is recommended.
Maintain a balanced diet
A healthy, balanced diet can have a huge impact on male fertility and sperm quality. Studies have shown swapping out the Western diet of junk food, fizzy drinks, saturated fats and processed meats to focus on a nutrient-rich diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can make a big difference. This is because diets with high sugar and high fat can affect fertility through changes in hormonal levels and sperm function.
Studies suggest diets containing fish and seafood were associated with better sperm quality, and the consumption of walnuts also proved beneficial for a longer sperm lifespan, motility and sperm morphology. Studies also suggest that omega-3-rich foods can increase mitochondrial energetic metabolism and a reduction in oxidative damage. Learn more in our male fertility diet blog.
Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated may seem like an obvious tip, but it is important for a healthy reproductive function. If you aren’t consuming enough water, research has shown that it can lead to poor-quality erections, low seminal volume, and prostate infections.
While hydration levels vary depending on the person and can fluctuate based on health, exercise, weather, and how much caffeine or alcohol you may be consuming, we recommend approximately 12 cups of water a day for men. One way of knowing your hydration levels is by assessing the colour of your urine. Straw-coloured urine indicates optimum hydration, whereas urine that is dark in colour can mean dehydration. Drinking sufficient fluids can help you avoid associated symptoms of dehydration, such as headaches, dry skin and dry lips, and improve your chances of high-quality sperm sample collection.
Avoid exposure to extreme heat
Research has proven that the quality of sperm is reduced when exposed to internal and environmental heat, with the recommendation being to avoid heat and prevent the risks of male infertility. It’s therefore crucial to consider avoiding prolonged exposure to extreme heat, such as saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs, when preparing to have a sperm sample taken. The stress of heat can have a damaging impact on sperm, with studies showing it reduces sperm motility and viability. For every degree increase in temperature, there is a 14% decrease in spermatogenesis. So, if you are in a hot environment, seek shade and take regular breaks to keep cool alongside dressing appropriately with loose-fitting, breathable clothing and underwear that gives adequate air circulation to avoid trapped, unwanted heat from causing a negative impact.
Avoid alcohol and smoking
Smoking and fertility are well spoken about, and there are plenty of health benefits that come with the avoidance of smoking, such as reduction in stress and increased energy. Studies show that men who smoke increase their risk of a lower sperm count and poorer sperm quality and motility. Similarly, they increase their likelihood of abnormally shaped sperm. Both alcohol and smoking have an association with decreased sperm quality and the potential to affect fertility. One study shows that couples that consume as few as four alcoholic drinks per week are linked with a decrease in IVF live birth rate. Refraining from smoking and excessive alcohol consumption generally, when trying for a baby, and before the sperm collection is done, can reduce the risks of your sperm being affected and improve the chances of a higher-quality sperm sample. Read more in our alcohol and fertility blog to discover the truth about drinking when trying to conceive.
Keep active and exercise regularly
It’s advisable to regularly exercise in order to help optimal development of sperm. Keeping active not only helps with your physical wellbeing but also your mental state. Embracing an active lifestyle can be a pivotal part of your journey through the IVF process, especially when it eventually comes to the sperm collection phase. This doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym hard for hours a day.
Instead, it’s about incorporating a regular and consistent routine of exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, to boost testosterone levels, improve circulation and ensure vital nutrients reach the sperm to improve motility. There are studies that prove the positive effects of physical exercises on semen quality and reproductive outcomes, noting how sedentary work can double the high risk of sperm DNA damage, so exercise is key. A trial showed that physical exercise can improve semen parameters and live birth outcomes.
Minimise stress
Trying to conceive brings a range of emotional and mental pressures, and it can be common to feel a loss of control and anxiety. Efforts to consciously minimise stress can be beneficial as there can be a detrimental impact on sperm quality in men. One study found linear negative associations between perceived stress, sperm motility, and concentration. Reducing your stress can be achieved by openly talking about your worries and breaking any perceived issues into smaller, more manageable tasks to work through. Stress can be exacerbated by workload and isolation, so make sure you’re spending time with others and finding the support you need. If you’re looking for more information about stress and male fertility, take a look at our blog.
Take fertility supplements
Alongside a healthy diet, fertility supplements can enhance and support your body, increasing the nutrients needed to ensure optimal fertility.
Our IVF supplements can help with both egg and sperm quality. Impryl is a fertility supplement that both men and women can take. It helps you to reach your optimum fertility level and improve your reproductive health, ideally ahead of sperm sample collection for IVF. It’s made from activated micronutrients that empower every cell in the body and has been clinically proven to significantly improve live birth rates for men and women.
Read more about the science behind Impryl, with evidence showing it enables your body to maintain its natural metabolic balance, optimising fertility, including couples undergoing IVF treatment.
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On collection day
Familiarise yourself with the process for collecting a sperm sample for IVF – usually masturbation, so you understand what will happen on the day. A single sample should be all that is required, and it can often be collected at home as long as it can be appropriately transported to the clinic within an hour. Sperm freshness plays a crucial role in IVF success. Follow the guidance of your fertility doctor and the clinic’s instructions, and always inform them of any medications or supplements you’re taking.
If for any reason you do not have sperm in your semen sample, you will have been briefed on sperm retrieval, carried out by surgical means.
Ensure your hands and genitals are clean when collecting the sample
Cleanliness of the hands and genitals is important to avoid cross-contamination and provide optimal results. Before producing the specimen wash hands thoroughly and dry them and ensure genitals are also clean and dry beforehand.
Don’t use lubricant unless provided by the clinic
Lubricants should be avoided unless instructed by your medical professional. Following the guidelines of the clinic is important when it comes to the collection and use of a lubricant not provided by the clinic can harm the quality of the sample ans potentially, the motility of the sperm. Sperm-friendly lubricants are available but always check with your specialist first.
Ejaculate directly into the provided container
Using the sterile, non-toxic plastic jar provided by the clinic is important, as any other container is not suitable. Ejaculate directly into the container provided to ensure a sufficient sample is collected.
Successfully preparing for sperm sample collection ahead of IVF involves more than just showing up on collection day. Investing in a healthy lifestyle, managing stress and adhering to professional guidance on abstinence and diet can make all the difference in the weeks and months leading up to collection day. Emphasising the importance of a nutrient-rich diet, proper hydration, regular exercise and avoiding harmful habits all play a part. We hope you’ve found our advice and recommendations helpful to take the steps necessary for optimising sperm health.
References
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