Male factor represents approximately 40% of the reason some couples have difficulty conceiving. In many cases and with sufficient time, natural methods of treatment can make a dramatic improvement in the quality of sperm parameters--although at least 120 days of targeted treatment is required before definite improvements can be possible.

The key to optimum fertility is to be as healthy as possible prior to a conception attempt. This will not only improve your chances of a natural or assisted conception, but it will significantly improve your chances of having the healthiest possible baby. In addition research shows that couples who, together, undergo a comprehensive natural fertility program prior a conception attempt are at least 47.1% more likely to conceive through IVF and have approximately 78% chance of naturally overcoming infertility.

As far as sperm are concerned--heat, toxic environmental exposure and oxidation are enemies that are best avoided. The key is to be as diligent as possible with leading a healthy lifestyle, whilst implementing effective natural strategies. Here are some tips you can start implementing now:

1)Be Cool

As best as you can try to avoid overheating the testicles--boxer shorts ARE better than briefs--AND stop crossing those legs! Research shows that squashing the testes for long periods can harm nerves and temporarily impede blood flow. This can cause tingling and numbness in the entire reproductive region and lead not only to infertility but also eventually to erectile dysfunction. If your job involves sitting for long periods, be sure to get up and walk around to cool things down a little and avoid using heated car seats all together. You will definitely also need to avoid baths, spas and saunas.

2)Watch Where You Put That Thing!

The last place you should put your mobile phone is in your pocket! Sperm cells are very sensitive to radiation of any kind and your sperm parameters will negatively suffer from the exposure. In order to optimise your fertility, it is best if you and your partner can avoid and protect yourselves as much as possible from all types of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. Ensuring you don't have any electric equipment in the bedroom is already a great positive start, because the hours you spend sleeping are potentially the only time in your day you are not constantly being radiated.

3)Antioxidants PLUS!

Nutrients and herbal medicines can have an amazingly nourishing and restorative effect on the body, which can be used to support healthy sperm production. However, each individual has different requirement and an assessment of your needs, as well as what other supplements or medicines you are currently taking is really important before embarking on any new supplementation. Resolving depletion or deficient states in your body can make a world of difference to optimizing your fertility!

4)Toxins Kill

Not only can toxins have a negative impact on general health, they literally kill or damage sperm to a level which renders them unable to effect a healthy conception, causing infertility and/or being a contributing factor in recurrent miscarriages. A lot of chemicals in our environment are hormonal disruptors and have a part to play. The key is to avoid chemicals in every form as much as possible from cleaning products and pest control to paints, building materials, heavy metals and more. The basic rule: Do your homework before using any new product or chemical 'solution' presented to you. And ensure to use every possible and available protection from chemicals and other toxic hazards in the workplace.

5)Clean Up Your Diet & Lifestyle

Cut out the junk food, cigarettes, alcohol, caffeine, sugar and base your meals on fresh, unprocessed, vital foods--everyday! The healthier your diet and lifestyle, the most optimum your fertility--it is that simple. Of course these are not the only factors in naturally boosting fertility; however they are vital pillars in The Natural Fertility Solution Program based on my 11 Pillars of Fertility to ensure you do everything possible to take home the healthy baby of your dreams.

Making positive changes to optimise your health will also have a remarkably positive impact on your fertility--and the benefits don't stop there! In ensuring you are doing your best you are also making a decision about your legacy in the form of your offspring. Start making consistently better choices today--your prospective child's life depends on them.

(c) 2008 Gabriela Rosa