How men can prepare for IVF

When it comes to IVF preparation, it’s not just women who play an important role. Male fertility has a big impact on IVF success because sperm quality contributes half of your baby’s genetic make-up. Preparing your body and lifestyle ahead of treatment can make a real difference.

• Why male IVF preparation matters
• How men can prepare for IVF
• When to start preparing for IVF
• Getting started
  

Why male IVF preparation matters

When it comes to IVF, it is beneficial that both partners are healthy and fully prepared for their treatment. We want you to get the very best from your treatment, sperm health affects not just fertilisation, but also embryo quality and development. Healthy sperm are more likely to create strong embryos and improve your chances of pregnancy — whether through IVF or ICSI.

How men can prepare for IVF

When preparing for IVF, there’s plenty you can do to support your fertility and improve your chances of success. Lifestyle changes don’t have to be overwhelming — even small adjustments can help boost sperm health and hormone balance.

Below, we’ve shared five simple ways to get your body ready for IVF and make the most of your treatment.

1. Eat for fertility health
Research shows that diet affects sperm quality just as much as it affects egg health. Focus on nutrient-rich foods such as oily fish, leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains. Vitamins like folate (B9), omega-3, zinc, and vitamin D all play a part in sperm production and function.

2. Choose your protein carefully
Avoid anabolic steroids and soy-based protein supplements, as these can interfere with hormone balance and sperm production. Long term steroid use prevents the hormone responsible for sperm production being released naturally, and therefore, sperm production can cease, and this can often be irreversible. Instead, opt for lean meats, fish, eggs, and plant-based proteins such as lentils and beans instead.

3. Keep cool below the belt
Sperm production is temperature-sensitive. Avoid sitting with a laptop on your lap, skip hot baths and saunas, and wear loose-fitting underwear to keep things cool.

4. Quit smoking
Smoking increases oxidative stress in the body, which can damage sperm DNA. Giving up smoking (and vaping) can improve sperm count and motility in as little as three months.

5. Reduce alcohol intake
Too much alcohol can lower testosterone and affect sperm quality. Try to stick to the NHS guidelines — no more than 14 units per week, spread across several days.

How long before IVF should I start preparing?

Preparing for IVF takes time — and that includes sperm health. It takes around three months for new sperm to fully develop, so any positive lifestyle changes you make now will show in the samples you provide later. Starting early gives your body the best chance to respond, helping to improve sperm quality, count, and motility before treatment begins. 

Feeling ready to start your IVF journey?

Preparing for IVF can feel like a big step, but remember — you don’t have to do it all at once. Small, consistent changes in your lifestyle can make a real difference to sperm health and your overall wellbeing before treatment.

If you’re thinking about starting IVF, our team at Care Fertility is here to guide you through every stage — from your initial fertility tests to your doctor consultation, treatment planning, and beyond. We’ll make sure you understand what to expect and help you feel confident and supported throughout your journey.

Get in touch with our expert team today