There is little doubt that chronic stress plays a role in subfertility, therefore gaining balance in your life and allowing time for relaxation is very important. Moderate exercise is better than heavy exercise, which may also affect sperm fertility. Keeping hydrated is extremely important. Dehydration will impact on the amount of ejaculate formed. A varied and balanced diet is essential. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruit, especially a variety of colours, plenty of whole grains, include nuts, seeds and fish in the diet and reduce saturated fat, sugar and caffeine.

Keep your cool. In order for the testes to produce sperm, they need to be at slightly lower than body temperature, hence the reason for the testes hanging away from the body in the scrotum. Wear loose fitting underwear, avoid saunas, very hot baths and use laptop computers on a table rather than on your lap.

A naturopath or nutritionist will recommend different vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids and herbal supplements, which have been shown to have a positive impact on sperm counts, morphology and motility. A combination of these therapies with acupuncture can be highly effective for this condition.

Always consult your GP before starting any new regime or self treatment. Next week's article is on the prostate. The contents of this article are for information purposes only and are not intended to prevent, diagnose or cure any medical conditions. If you would like a topic covered, contact The Clinic of Complementary and Natural Medicine, Kiltartan House, Forster St., Galway on 091- 568804.

Dr H Bhatti is the President of the Association of Naturopathic Practitioners and can be contacted at his clinics at Kiltartan House, Forster Street, Galway on 091-568804 or at The Village Nursing Care Centre, Ballygarriff, Craughwell on 091-777700.

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