Tomatoes and sperm

Tomatoes and sperm

Environment and diet can have a significant impact on the health and quality of sperm – smoking, heavy drinking, maintaining an unhealthy lifestyle and diet can result in increased DNA fragmentation in sperm, poor morphology and has been linked to poor embryo development. We’ve often posted about the types of food you can eat to help increase the health of your sperm and the types of activities you should avoid to help improve your chances of having a healthy pregnancy.

A very recent article published in the European Journal of Nutrition has identified Lycopene, a natural pigment found in tomatoes as a carotenoid that can greatly improve sperm quality.

Scientists from the University of Sheffield in the UK conducted a study involving 60 test subjects and found that those who consumed Lycopene showed a 40% improvement in both sperm motility, concentration and morphology. The powerful antioxidant effects of the carotenoid were also believed to be helping protect the sperm against damage caused by oxidation, which has been well document as a cause of male infertility.

The university is now planning a larger scale study involving men who have known fertility problems to observe the powerful effect of the natural pigment.

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FAQs about improving natural fertility

Will stress affect my ability to get pregnant?

Yes, chronic stress can impact fertility by disrupting hormonal balance and ovulation patterns. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and mindfulness practices may help optimise your chances of conception. Consider speaking with a counsellor if stress feels overwhelming.

How does my partner's health affect our fertility?

Sperm health accounts for about 40% of conception challenges. Your partner can improve sperm health by maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding excessive heat exposure (hot tubs, saunas, tight clothing), limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, managing stress, and taking a multivitamin with antioxidants. Sperm takes about 3 months to develop, so lifestyle changes need time to show results.

When during my cycle am I most fertile?

Your fertile window typically spans 5-6 days, ending on ovulation day. For a regular 28-day cycle, this usually falls between days 10-15, with peak fertility 1-2 days before ovulation. Track your cycle using ovulation predictor kits, basal body temperature, or cervical mucus changes to identify your unique pattern. Having intercourse every 1-2 days during this window optimises your chances.