Fit to Be a Mom? How Exercise Affects Your Fertility

5 Ways to Boost Male Fertility

By Lisa Haney

Your guy's fitness habits also affect your chances of conceiving. Whip his swimmers into shape with these tips.

"Working out together is a great first step," says Larry Lipshultz, MD, professor of urology and chief of male reproductive medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Regular exercise decreases fat and increases lean muscle, leading to less estrogen and more testosterone and better sperm production, he explains.

Too-snug running tights or bike shorts may increase heat around his testicles, which is bad for sperm production.

Hard, narrow bicycle seats put pressure on the perineum, reducing blood flow to a man's genitals. Dr. Lipshultz suggests that men saddle up in a seat that spreads the pressure out laterally, such as one that is split or has gel padding.

Yes, it's great for sore muscles. But research shows the ultrahot water stunts the production of sperm, Dr. Lipshultz says.

Make sure your guy isn't taking any testosterone supplements or prohormones to gain muscle. "Testosterone that comes from outside the body is bad for sperm," Dr. Lipshultz says.

Originally published in FITNESS magazine, July/August 2011.