With China's two-child policy now in effect, many men face increased risks due to environmental hormone exposure, reproductive tract infections, and disease susceptibility—factors that sometimes outweigh age-related testicular decline. Prioritizing health maintenance is crucial for men seeking to father healthy offspring.
Conditions to Treat Before Second-Child Pregnancy Preparation
Prostatitis
Many young men mistakenly believe prostatitis is an elderly male condition irrelevant to them. In reality, youth offers no guarantee against prostate inflammation.
Gonococcal Urethritis
In the early stages, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in men may present few noticeable symptoms but can be transmitted to partners. Therefore, preconception screening for reproductive and urinary tract diseases is essential for both partners. Gonorrhea, being an STI, can be transmitted between partners. Genital infections in either partner can affect the fetus, with greater risks for women. Comprehensive reproductive health examinations for both partners are recommended. Only with confirmed normal results can the health of the future fetus be assured.
Abnormal Sperm Quality
Semen quality directly impacts fertilized egg quality, making semen analysis a crucial component of reproductive health screening. Poor sperm quality or low count increases the likelihood of fertilized egg abnormalities. Most early pregnancy miscarriages result from unhealthy fertilized eggs, where unhealthy sperm make embryo survival difficult.
How Can Men Maintain Sperm Health Daily?
Practice Proper Hygiene
Men should cultivate good hygiene habits, as intimate areas can harbor bacteria. Daily cleaning of the foreskin and scrotum is essential. Avoid situations like wearing tight, poorly ventilated pants; taking hot baths; using saunas; cycling; driving for extended periods; or sitting on cushioned furniture.
Maintain appropriate exercise
Exercise not only preserves physical strength but also serves as an effective stress reliever. Men experiencing high stress should consider exercising 30-45 minutes daily.
Ensure proper nutrition
While men often face issues of nutritional excess, for healthy fertility, they should prioritize increased intake of vegetables, fruits, and seafood, and regularly consume animal liver.
Nurture Kidney Essence
No matter how busy modern men are, they must prioritize wellness. This involves two key aspects: first, adjusting dietary structure to replenish kidney essence; second, minimizing its depletion. From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, kidney essence—also known as innate essence—originates primarily from parents and is continuously nourished and replenished through postnatal diet and lifestyle.Especially for those with insufficient innate essence, focusing on postnatal nourishment—strengthening replenishment and protection—can improve sperm quality and enhance fertility.
Create a favorable environment for sperm
Under life pressures, many men experience chronic stress, excessive social engagements, and unhealthy habits that diminish sperm vitality—such as irregular schedules, spicy diets, and prolonged sitting.To create a favorable environment for sperm, men should avoid spicy foods, smoking, and alcohol. They should refrain from or limit wearing tight jeans, reduce sauna use, and avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures or radiation in the workplace. Use Tonic Supplements with Caution When facing sexual health issues, some men are swayed by overwhelming advertisements and may overuse "kidney-tonifying" health supplements.In reality, kidney deficiency manifests in different forms, and supplements have specific indications and contraindications. They should only be used after confirming one's constitution and under medical guidance. Otherwise, unintended consequences may arise, potentially worsening the condition and affecting fertility.