When my partner and I embarked on our journey to conceive, I quickly realised that trying to conceive (TTC) was much more than just a physical process.
As a dad-to-be, I was on an emotional rollercoaster, filled with excitement and anticipation but also anxiety and stress.
While discussing women’s emotional experiences during TTC is common, it’s equally important to address the feelings of fathers-to-be.
The excitement of becoming a dad and the pressure to succeed in conception can trigger an array of emotions in men.
I can personally attest to the importance of prioritising mental and physical wellbeing throughout this journey.
Superfoods for Men TTC
As a father who has experienced the journey of trying to conceive (TTC), I understand how crucial it is to maintain a healthy diet to increase the chances of success.
My wife and I discovered that consuming nutrient-rich foods enhanced my fertility and overall wellbeing. Superfoods, in particular, played a crucial role in our TTC journey, as they are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help boost reproductive health.
Here are some of the top superfoods that helped improve my male reproductive health and how you can easily incorporate them into your daily meals.
- Dark chocolate: This delicious treat contains antioxidants that improve sperm count and motility. I enjoyed guilt-free nibbling on a few squares of dark chocolate every day!
- Walnuts: High in omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts can improve sperm quality. Add a handful to your breakfast cereal or yoghurt for a tasty and healthy boost.
- Pumpkin seeds: Rich in zinc, these seeds can enhance testosterone production. I would often snack on them during our breaks at work, enjoying the crunchy texture and knowing they were doing good things for our fertility.
- Spinach: This leafy green is full of folate, which can improve sperm DNA quality. I loved adding spinach to my salads or smoothies.
- Berries: These fruits are high in antioxidants that protect sperm from damage. I enjoyed adding a mix of berries to my yoghurt or oatmeal in the mornings.
Incorporating these superfoods into your daily meals doesn’t have to be a chore either. As a dad who has gone through the TTC journey, I found that it was all about being creative with recipes and enjoying the delicious, nutritious benefits.
Exercises to Boost Reproductive Health for Men TTC
As a father who has experienced trying to conceive (TTC) with my partner, I understand first-hand the importance of prioritising exercise to improve reproductive health and reduce stress.
When my partner and I were TTC, we found that regular exercise helped us feel better physically and brought us closer together as we pursued our dream of starting a family.
One of the most effective workouts we discovered was weightlifting, which can help increase testosterone levels and boost sperm production.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) was another great addition to our routine. It gave us a quick and efficient way to get our hearts pumping and improve blood flow to our reproductive organs.
We also incorporated yoga and swimming into our routine. These activities improved our cardiovascular fitness and offered us a chance to unwind and relax.
To create a balanced workout routine that works for you and your partner, aim to include a combination of strength training, cardiovascular exercise, and relaxation techniques.
However, always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program.
Tips for Men TTC to Support Their Partners
During this time, small gestures of kindness can mean the world to your partner.
I also made it a point to attend doctor’s appointments with my partner.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions and share your perspective. Your involvement shows you’re in this together.
Ultimately, the most important thing I learned as a father during TTC was that building a solid partnership with my partner was the foundation for successfully navigating this challenging journey.
By working together, communicating openly, and offering emotional and physical support, you can strengthen your relationship and ultimately achieve your goal of starting a family.
Like many other couples, my partner and I wanted the best possible chance of success.
That’s why we used the Clearblue Ultra Early Pregnancy Test and the Clearblue Digital Ovulation Test during our TTC process.
Introducing the Ultra Early Pregnancy Test by Clearblue
The Clearblue Ultra Early Pregnancy Test was a game-changer for us.
Here’s what you need to know about it:
- Ultra-sensitive: The Ultra Early Pregnancy Test is Clearblue’s most sensitive pregnancy test yet. It allows your partner to test up to 6 days before your missed period. If she doesn’t know when her period is, no worries. Use this guide or get tested 7 to 9 days after ovulation.
- Accurate: Most pregnancy tests in the market urge users to wait for a missed period or pregnancy symptoms. But not this one.
- Easy to use: Clearblue features an ergonomic design, including a longer, curved stick, and wide colour-changing tip. Their unique Floodguard
- Easy to read results: Clear and simple result layout; 2 lines if pregnant, 1 line if not pregnant.
No More Waiting, Fatherhood Is Right Around the Corner
There is no other reproductive health brand more committed to the parenthood journey than Clearblue.
With over 30 years of research, innovation, and experience, they are the leading manufacturer and provider of at-home pregnancy and ovulation test kits for women worldwide. Truly a trusted name for all prospective parents.
Don’t miss out on the Clearblue Ultra Early Pregnancy Test Launch Promo by visiting Clearblue Store on Motherhood.com.my. Receive RM10 OFF @ RM29.90 only*. Promotion valid until 30th June 2023.
*Limited to the first 20 purchases only
Dads, no more waiting. Parenthood is right around the corner.
So, let Clearblue guide you and your partner all the way!
For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!