Men’s Sperm Quality Linked To Antioxidant Intake

Antioxidants are important compounds found in foods. It is also produced by the body to protect the organs and body systems from free radicals which can damage cellular structures. According to fertility experts, consumption of fruits and vegetables can help promote good reproductive health. Vitamin E which is found in vegetable oils helps to reduce the oxidative stress on our cells. It also has positive effect on both eggs and sperms’ health because as an antioxidant, it protects these reproductive cells from damage. Other good sources of antioxidants in foods are found in green vegetables like spinach and broccoli, while zinc sources include seafood, red meat, beans, nuts and dairy.

A new study revealed that middle aged and older men who consume enough antioxidants in their diet may have better-quality sperm than men who lack the important nutrients. Those who receive the most antioxidants have fewer DNA-strand breaks in their sperm. DNA-strand breaks in their sperm measures the genetic quality of male reproductive cell.

Further studies are to be made because the study does not prove that antioxidants directly improve sperm quality or improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy. Although male factors only account to forty percent to infertility cases, it doesn’t hurt to take care of the body and improve fertility. 

Upon reading this, I thought that men will now be more interested and willing to take antioxidants, share your thoughts and point of views regarding men who needs to take antioxodants.

New Development In Birth Control Can Prevent HIV

Today, there are so many kinds of birth control methods that men and women can use to prevent pregnancy. Some of the most common forms of contraceptives that are also available in local drug stores and pharmacies are condoms, pills, sponges and spermicidal.  According to the latest report of opposingviews.com, new birth controls are being developed that can actually prevent cancer and reduce the risk of infection.

The first type of birth control method discovered that can prevent transmission of Human immunodeficiency virus or HIV is the vaginal ring that contains microbicides. If this birth control method is used in combination with other methods, it is an effective form of contraceptive.

The second type is a non-hormonal oral contraceptive pill for men. As of the moment, the only reversible contraceptive method that men can use is condoms. Vasectomy, another famous procedure is meant to be a permanent birth control method. Regularly, women are the ones who are responsible for taking the pill on a regular basis to prevent pregnancy. Thanks to the advancement of science, a new molecule known as JQ1 was developed, which according to research inhibits a testes-specific protein known as BRDT that is essential for fertility and procreation.

This is very interesting discovery and innovation from our scientists, share your thoughts and point of views regarding its efficacy to prevent HIV. 

Kegel Exercises To Prevent Incontinence In Third Trimester

Kegel exercise consists of repeatedly contracting and relaxing the muscles of the pelvic floor. It was first published by Dr. Arnold Kegel in 1948. The aim of the exercise is to improve muscle tone by intensification and strengthening the pubococcygeus muscles of the pelvic floor. Doctors would recommend kegel exercises to pregnant women for preparation to the physiological stresses during later stages of pregnancy and childbirth.

At a standstill, there have been questions on the effectiveness of Kegel exercises in preventing incontinence - predominantly the fecal variety. Researchers of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology conducted a study and assigned 855 women in their second trimester to either join a supervised exercise program or stick with schedule prenatal care. The schedule prenatal care includes standard advice to do Kegels and written information about them, but not active instruction.

Based on the report of chicagotribune.com, the exercise group had one weekly hour-long session of low-impact aerobic exercise and strength training, which includes Kegel exercises. The study lasted for twelve weeks of trial; the women were in their late pregnancy. The study revealed that about 11 percent of the exercisers said they had problems with urine leakage at least once a week as  compared with 19 percent of women in the control group. Thus, women who exercise and strengthen their pelvic muscles are less likely to have problems with urine leakage in their third trimester.