Men should not be so "willful" when going there during pregnancy preparation

It is well known that improper use of medication by expectant mothers can affect the development of the fetus and even cause deformities. In fact, unauthorized use or abuse of medication by expectant fathers can also have adverse effects on the fetus.

Experts say that many drugs can pass through the blood-testis barrier of men and affect the healthy combination of sperm and egg:

One is to interfere with the formation of sperm. Common drugs such as cyclophosphamide, nitrogen mustard, vincristine, cisplatin, etc. have strong toxic effects and can directly interfere with the synthesis of sperm DNA, including changes in genetic material composition, chromosome abnormalities and sperm deformities. There are also morphine, chlorpromazine, erythromycin, rifampicin, antipyretic and analgesic conazole (antifungal drugs), etc. These drugs affect the fertilization ability of sperm by interfering with the synthesis of androgens.

Second, these drugs enter the testicles through the blood-testicular barrier. They can be discharged into the vagina with the semen produced by the testicles through sexual intercourse, and enter the blood circulation after being absorbed by the vaginal mucosa, increasing the incidence of low-birth-weight and malformed fetuses, and also increasing perinatal fetal mortality.

In addition, some drugs can reduce the quality of sperm and affect the development of offspring, such as methylhydrazine hydrochloride, mitomycin, triamine triazine and other drugs have this effect. Therefore, it is best for prospective fathers to stop taking all drugs 2 to 3 months before pregnancy and during pregnancy.

Further reading: What are the things that men should pay attention to when preparing for pregnancy?

1. Eat healthy

Normal sperm metabolism depends on nutrients in the male body, with the most obvious demand for zinc, selenium and protein. Men who are preparing for pregnancy should eat more lean meat, poultry, fish, seafood, animal liver and other foods rich in zinc, selenium and high-quality protein. Men with poor sperm quality can take nutritional supplements such as Yuzhiyuan tablets for supplementation.

In addition, eat an appropriate amount of fresh fruits and vegetables every day. Eat less fatty meat, cream, chocolate, fried foods and other greasy sweets, which are not conducive to sperm production. Avoid spicy foods such as peppers and ginger, and must abstain from alcohol. Certain substances in coffee, tofu, and milk tea can reduce male fertility, so eat less or no coffee during pregnancy preparation.

2. Stay away from sperm killers

1. You must quit smoking: Tobacco contains more than 60 known toxic substances, which can directly kill reproductive cells, inhibit sperm production, and affect male erectile function. Men who smoke for a long time have a high rate of sperm deformity, low sperm motility, erectile dysfunction, and a high rate of fetal malformation.

2. Avoid continuous high temperature: The testicles are generally 1~2℃ lower than body temperature, and their optimal working temperature is 35℃. If the male testicles are in a state of continuous high temperature for a long time, it will inhibit the production of healthy sperm. Men who are preparing for pregnancy should avoid saunas, hot baths, cycling, sitting for long periods of time, wearing tight pants, etc. Men who are engaged in high-temperature work such as chefs and metallurgical industries should do a good job of cooling down on a daily basis.

3. Stay away from poisons: Drugs, chemicals, radiation, hormones, heavy metals and other toxic substances are sperm killers. Long-term exposure can cause serious damage to the male reproductive system and should be avoided as much as possible. Men who work in related fields should stop contacting for more than 3 months before considering pregnancy.

3. Exercise more

Persistent exercise can enhance physical fitness, improve immunity, and reduce the risk of male diseases. Exercise can also promote metabolism and is conducive to the production of healthy sperm. In addition, moderate exercise can help relieve stress and keep men in the best mental state to actively prepare for pregnancy. The key to exercise is persistence. Men who are preparing for pregnancy should exercise 3 to 4 times a week for 1 to 2 hours each time. The amount of exercise can be changed according to personal circumstances.