Skip to main content
  • Contact us
Login
Home
  • Products
    • Product Range
      • Menevit
      • Elevit Pre-conception & Pregnancy
      • Elevit Probiotics
      • Elevit DHA & Choline Pregnancy
      • Elevit Breastfeeding
    • Elevit Comparison Chart
  • Planning
  • Pregnancy
  • Mum & Baby
  • Nutrition & Diet
  • Community
  • Available Resources
    • Tips and resources for you
      • Ovulation Calendar
      • Your Week by Week Pregnancy Journey
      • Guide to Sleeping While Pregnant
      • Pre-Pregnancy Checklist
      • Pregnancy Checklist
      • New Mums Checklist
      • Baby car seat guidelines
      • NZ Govt. financial support
Bayer Cross Logo

Planning

What can dad do?

Sporty man running up steps in urban setting

This article may help answer:

How can dad optimise his sperm health?

Do men need to take a supplement before conception?

What if dad smokes?

What foods should men avoid if they want a baby?

Hey would-be dad. Nobody wants to spoil your baby-making fun, but there are a few things to remember before you let your little swimmers loose.

Men who are overweight or obese may have a reduced sperm count, and their sperm may be poor swimmers

 

Did you know that your semen quality will improve if you eat well and that keeping fit might help give the little guys enough stamina to reach their target? Remember, having a baby is a team effort, so get involved now.

Find out more:

    What to eat for healthy sperm
    Couple cooking together

    Studies have found that your semen quality is optimised by eating certain foods and avoiding others. So, aim for a diet that favours seafood, poultry, nuts, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid foods that are high in saturated or trans fats. Happily, the advice is similar for your partner, so you can do your meal planning together.

    Oysters, chocolate and red wine

    Oysters are rich in zinc, which aids ejaculation and has fertility-boosting qualities. You don’t need to follow legendary lover Giacomo Casanova’s lead and devour 50 oysters a day. A single oyster has about 15mg of zinc, which is the daily requirement for men.

    Green vegetables, nuts, whole grains and fruits are rich in antioxidants, which are known to be good for fertility. Dark chocolate and moderate amounts of red wine are also an enjoyable way of helping to reduce free radicals.

    How a supplement can help

    Not everyone wants to eat oysters every day so male fertility supplements such as Menevit which is specially formulated for men who are planning for a baby can help. Menevit has your daily zinc requirements covered, and it contains a combination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients designed to support sperm health and male fertility.

    Watch your weight

    Men who are overweight or obese may have a reduced sperm count, and their sperm may be poor swimmers and less able to reach their target. You can use this simple online BMI calculator to check how you’re doing. Talk to your doctor if you feel you need to lose weight. 

    Have a sexual health check up

    Speak to a GP about having tests if there is a chance you may need treatment, as untreated infections can lead to infertility.

    Stating the obvious

    You probably already know this, but smoking cigarettes is bad for your health. Smoking can also cause a low sperm count and weaken your erections. Treatments can help you quit, so speak to your GP if you need help.

    Heavy drinking is also a no-no. It can lead to reduced testosterone production, impotence and decreased sperm production. Also, spare a thought for your partner, who will be advised to avoid alcohol entirely, if only because she is unlikely to know that she is pregnant until the foetus is several weeks old.

    Take precautions

    You should speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are using any medications, as these may contribute to fertility issues. Also, try to avoid exposure to pesticides, lead and other toxins, which can affect sperm quantity and quality. Use protective gear if you work with toxins.

    You’ve read advice on:

    What food to avoid when trying to conceive

    How to supplement your diet when trying to conceive

    Why you need zinc and antioxidants if you are trying for a baby

    See the pre-pregnancy checklist

    Read more on:

    Sex & getting pregnant 

    Preparing for pregnancy 

    Diet & getting pregnant 

    Coming off contraception 

    Read more on planning pregnancy:

    Couple in Bed

    Sex & getting pregnant

    LEARN MORE
    Woman eating a salad

    Diet & getting pregnant

    LEARN MORE
    Woman eating breakfast

    Preparing for pregnancy

    LEARN MORE
    Hand holding contraceptives

    Coming off contraception

    LEARN MORE
    Woman in summer cafe holding a pink phone

    When are you most fertile?

    LEARN MORE
    Women pleased with home pregnancy test result

    Are you pregnant?

    LEARN MORE
    Sad and stressed woman sitting on a sofa

    Stress & getting pregnant

    LEARN MORE
    Young woman's hand holding pill

    Why take a pregnancy vitamin?

    LEARN MORE

    Pre-pregnancy checklist

    LEARN MORE
    Home
    • Products
      • Planning
      • Pregnancy
      • Mum & Baby
      • Nutrition & Diet
    • Community
      • Available Resources

    © Copyright Bayer. All rights reserved. This website is intended for audiences in New Zealand only.

    CH-20230413-07

    • Contact Us
    • Conditions of Use
    • Privacy
    • Imprint
    • References
    • Sitemap


    Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. Vitamin and mineral supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet. If you have a baby with a neural tube defect/Spina Bifida, seek specific medical advice. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional. Elevit Preconception & Pregnancy Multivitamin contains (per tablet) 800 mcg folic acid, 60 mg iron, 220 mg iodine plus a range of other beneficial vitamins and minerals - For full active ingredients, see the label. If you have any pre-existing conditions, or are on any medications always talk to your healthcare professional before use. Bayer New Zealand Ltd., Auckland.