Improving your swimmers for a 2024 surrogacy journey

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Improving your swimmers for a 2024 surrogacy journey

As part of Fertility Awareness Week 2023, we aim to provide valuable information and support to individuals and couples who are considering surrogacy as a means of building their families. Today, we’d like to address gay men in particular who are looking to embark on a surrogacy journey in 2024. While surrogacy presents a wonderful opportunity for gay couples to have biological children, it’s essential to pay attention to the quality of sperm, often humorously referred to as “swimmers.” In this blog, we’ll explore how to improve your swimmers’ quality, to ensure a higher chance of success on your surrogacy journey.

Understanding the basics

Before diving into how to enhance your sperm quality, let’s briefly review some basics. Sperm are the male reproductive cells responsible for fertilising an egg. For couples embarking on a surrogacy journey, the sperm will be combined with an egg from a donor, which will then be implanted in a surrogate’s uterus.

Key factors that affect sperm quality

Diet and nutrition:

A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can positively impact sperm quality so include foods like fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your diet. You should also stay hydrated and limit your intake of alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods.

Lifestyle choices:

Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can harm sperm quality so you should try to maintain a healthy body weight as obesity can negatively affect sperm production.

Stress management:

High stress levels can lead to decreased sperm production so it’s good practice to engage in relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga.

Exercise:

Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and can improve sperm quality, however, excessive exercise can have the opposite effect, so moderation is key.

Avoid overheating:

High temperatures can reduce sperm production so avoid hot baths, saunas, and tight-fitting underwear.

Sexual health:

Regular sexual activity can help maintain sperm quality so practice safe sex to prevent sexually transmitted infections, which can affect fertility.

Consultation with a fertility specialist

If you’re planning a surrogacy journey, it’s essential to consult with a fertility specialist. They can assess your sperm quality and offer guidance on how to enhance it. A specialist may recommend specific treatments, lifestyle changes, or dietary modifications to improve your chances of successful fertilization.

Medical Interventions

In some cases, medical interventions may be necessary to enhance sperm quality. These can include:

Hormone Therapy: If hormonal imbalances are affecting sperm production, hormone therapy may be recommended.

Surgical Procedures: In some cases, surgery can correct issues such as varicoceles, which can negatively impact sperm quality.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): In vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are ART methods that can overcome fertility challenges.

Seeking Support

Embarking on a surrogacy journey can be emotionally and physically challenging. It’s essential to seek support from professionals and support groups that can help you navigate this process. Your mental and emotional well-being is just as crucial as your physical health in this journey.

As you prepare for your surrogacy journey in 2024, improving your sperm quality is a vital step. By addressing lifestyle factors, consulting with fertility specialists, and considering medical interventions if necessary, you can significantly increase your chances of a successful surrogacy experience. Remember, building a family through surrogacy is a beautiful and rewarding journey, and with the right care and support, you can look forward to welcoming your new addition with confidence and excitement. Wishing you the best of luck on your path to parenthood!