Vitamins for men when planning pregnancy

For a couple who wants to become parents, planning a pregnancy is no less important than the pregnancy itself.

After all, you need to carefully prepare for conception, monitor your health, and eat rationally. And this applies to both partners. It is generally accepted that only the expectant mother should think and worry about the health of her long-awaited offspring. But not only a woman must “sacrifice” in order to conceive and bear a healthy baby, a man also needs to give up bad habits, change his lifestyle and diet in some way. Vitamins and microelements are especially important in the diet; their consumption should be sufficient to “lay in” the future of a healthy person. Therefore, vitamin complexes for pregnancy planning are needed by both women and men planning to acquire heirs.

Of course, the mother bears a much greater burden in terms of offspring; she will have to bear the child, feed, care for, and raise. But the future father needs to take into account that the child receives a set of genes from both parents. Therefore, a man must assist the woman in everything regarding joint children and not just support his other half, but act in unison with her when preparing for pregnancy. This must be done in order to minimize the health risks of the future joint baby. It is necessary to plan a pregnancy approximately 3-6 months before the expected conception.

What vitamins are needed to get pregnant?

Often, couples do not have problems conceiving; women become pregnant as soon as they stop using contraception. Of course, this is wrong: if you do not prepare for pregnancy, then there is a very high chance of developing fetal pathologies, disturbances in the development of the fetal neural tube, miscarriages, and miscarriage. Vitamins are needed not only by women, but also by men for the proper formation of germ cells and their maturation, and vitamins for men when planning pregnancy should be taken 3 months before the expected conception. This is due to the fact that sperm development takes about three months.

If a couple has problems conceiving, the reason for this is often the inferiority of reproductive cells.

Vitamins for pregnancy provide the parents' bodies with the necessary substances for normal spermatogenesis and folliculogenesis. Their absence often causes problems with sperm maturation in men. Often, in case of infertility, after examination it turns out that the man’s sperm quality is reduced (read how to improve sperm quality in this material - note altravita-ivf.ru), this may be the reason that conception does not occur. When a couple is given vitamin supplements to get pregnant faster, the quality of sperm increases, then the woman becomes pregnant. That is, they nourish the body and contribute to the normal development of sperm and eggs. Your doctor will tell you what to drink to get pregnant faster. So, men need a sufficient amount of zinc and folic acid to improve spermatogenesis. Important microelements for normal spermatogenesis are also selenium and iodine.

What happens to the body during the 1st trimester of pregnancy

The 1st trimester is considered from the moment of conception to 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Direct fertilization of the egg occurs in the abdominal cavity. After fertilization, the egg is located in the abdominal cavity and is actively fragmented into smaller cells and becomes similar to a raspberry or mulberry, such an embryo is called a morula. It is then captured by the villi of the fallopian tubes and moves into the uterine cavity. On the 7th day, the embryo attaches to the wall of the uterus. The fertilized egg begins to form, consisting of amniotic fluid and the yolk sac, from which the embryo will form. At 7-8 weeks, a fertilized sac and placenta are formed from the fertilized egg. From 8 to 12 weeks the placenta is finally formed (later on it only develops), it becomes visible on ultrasound. At week 12, the embryo looks like a full-fledged child measuring about 9 cm, its limbs, head and main internal organs are formed.

Mother's changes. Ideally, a woman does not feel pregnancy at all. The only sign is an enlargement of the mammary glands, due to the development of glandular tissue under the influence of hormones. The belly practically does not increase.

During pregnancy, many women experience so-called “toxicosis” - nausea and/or vomiting. This is due to an increase in the level of estrogen (in particular progesterone) and hCG (chronic gonadotropin). Moreover, these symptoms can complicate the life of a pregnant woman not only in the morning, but at any time of the day. Sometimes nausea or vomiting may persist throughout pregnancy.

There is such a serious complication as excessive (uncontrollable) vomiting in pregnant women, which leads to dehydration of the mother, disruption of the body's electrolyte balance, disruption of the liver and kidneys and encephalopathy, requiring hospitalization and treatment in a hospital.

It is best to eat according to your appetite. Food should not cause negative reactions, eat in small portions, pay attention to what food provokes nausea and try not to eat it for a while, listen to your body, usually the woman herself feels what she would like to eat. Don't forget that food should not only be desirable and tasty, but also healthy. It would be ideal to eat according to the “Harvard Healthy Eating Plate” method, when ½ of the plate’s volume is occupied by vegetables, ¼ by proteins (including plant-based), ¼ by complex carbohydrates (grains, potatoes, cereals, etc.).

Your body will also begin to change. And the first thing you will feel will be engorgement and increased sensitivity of the mammary glands, the nipples will swell a little and increase in size. It is important to wear comfortable, comfortable underwear and clothing to minimize discomfort. Sometimes there is pain in the nipples; your gynecologist may recommend ointments for this case.

We all remember that a pregnant woman becomes more vulnerable, whiny and even sometimes capricious. This is also associated with an increase in estrogen levels and requires patience and understanding on the part of family and partners. A calm environment at home and, if possible, at work is important. You can use relaxation methods such as walking, listening to your favorite music, aromatherapy if there are no reactions to odors. Think about what could bring back balance and calm to you?

The main pregnancy hormone, progesterone, causes fluid retention in the body. At the same time, the growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder and a frequent urge to urinate appears. This is normal, it is important to plan your day so that you always have the opportunity to visit the toilet.

Progesterone also reduces the tone of blood vessels, which can lead to dizziness. You can minimize these unpleasant sensations by changing your body position smoothly; do not stand up or sit down abruptly. Another reason for frequent dizziness may be a decrease in the level of magnesium in the blood; your doctor will help you figure this out.

Pregnant women often have an increased need for sleep, which is explained by the same effect of hormones, as well as the need for additional rest for the body, because there is a lot of work to carry, give birth and then feed the baby.

Under the influence of progesterone, the smooth muscles of the entire body relax (uterus, intestines, blood vessels, bile ducts and pancreatic ducts, etc.), the work of internal organs slows down, which in turn leads to constipation and heartburn. In addition to medication correction (prescribed by a doctor), split meals in small portions, foods rich in fiber (our favorite vegetables), sufficient fluid intake, feasible physical activity (physical therapy, walking, swimming, yoga, Pilates, etc.) help.

Unfortunately, sometimes pregnancy is overshadowed by pathology; let's talk about the most common problems in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Why does a man need vitamins when planning a pregnancy?

It is advisable for all men, and especially those who plan to become a father, to know some facts about spermatogenesis, this will allow them to approach future fatherhood more responsibly. The development of sperm (male reproductive cells) is a complex physiological process that occurs under the control of hormones and depends on many factors, both internal and external.

What prevents a positive result?

One of the factors that reduces the likelihood of success in an IVF program is implantation pathology, when an apparently wonderful embryo for some reason does not attach to the uterine cavity. Most often, the cause of this problem is pathology of the uterine mucosa, its chronic inflammation (endometritis). It occurs after infections, which the patient often does not even suspect, because they occur without any symptoms (for example, chlamydia, ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis, etc.); after surgical interventions in the uterine cavity (curettage, hysteroscopy with endometrial biopsy); as a result of wearing an intrauterine device; complications during pregnancy and childbirth (oligohydramnios, manual examination of the uterine cavity after childbirth, etc.). All these factors lead to pronounced changes in the mucosal tissue, which prevent the normal attachment of the fertilized egg or interfere with the correct formation of the placenta, and thus prevent pregnancy from developing normally. In addition to disrupting the structure of the cells of the uterine mucosa, the mucosal receptors become insensitive to hormones and respond inadequately to their effects. Thus, the mucous membrane grows incorrectly during therapy in the IVF program, the so-called “implantation window” shifts - that is, changes in the mucosa that must occur at a certain point in time in order for the embryo to attach to the uterus.

The role of some vitamins

Most of all, the future couple needs the following vitamins:

folic acid;
vitamin E;
vitamin C;
zinc;
selenium;
L-carnitine.

Folic acid (B9) is necessary for the production of normal motile sperm capable of fertilizing an egg. Vitamin B9 is responsible for the condition of all newly formed cells in the body, so with its deficiency one can only dream of healthy spermatogenesis. For healthy men, the daily intake is 400 mcg. However, for certain diseases (oncology, epilepsy, infectious diseases) this amount is not enough. Schemes and dosages are selected by the doctor in each individual case. It is important to know that the body does not produce folic acid, so its reserves can only be replenished by taking medications and eating foods rich in vitamin B9. These are mainly leaves of plants: black currant, plantain, rose hips, mint, dandelion. Also rich in folic acid are cucumbers, beans, bananas, beets, cereals, and raspberries.

Vitamin E plays the role of an antioxidant and prevents damage to germ cells. Thanks to it, the sensitivity of sperm to negative environmental factors is reduced. Tocopherol acetate (“tocopherol” from Greek - “bear offspring”) increases immunity, strengthens blood vessels, prevents blood clots, improves the functions of some endocrine glands, including the pituitary gland, and promotes sperm motility, which is the most important factor for conception. Inactive sperm are often the reason that a couple cannot have a child. Foods rich in vitamin E: eggs, vegetable oils (olive, corn, peanut, soybean), milk, apples, pears, legumes, liver, rose hips and raspberries. For successful conception, you need to consume 400IU of alpha-tocopherol.

Vitamin C plays a key role in the synthesis of male sex hormones and regulates the sensitivity of receptors to them. Ascorbic acid increases the body's resistance to pathogenic pathogens, neutralizes toxins and free radicals, participates in the production of L-carnitine, collagen, vitamin E, and has anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects. When taking certain medications (quinine, glucocorticosteroids, aspirin), vitamin C reserves in the body are depleted. If you are taking any medications in preparation for pregnancy, you should definitely notify your doctor. Ascorbic acid is found in almost all fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. There is especially a lot of it in parsley, black currants, and rose hips. It should be noted that vitamin C largely loses its medicinal properties during heat treatment. Daily requirement – 60 mg. But vitamin intake for men when planning pregnancy is up to 1500 mg daily.

Zinc, like selenium, supports the sexual activity of men, maintains an erection, eliminates sexual disorders, normalizes libido, and is involved in metabolism. It is in sperm that the highest concentration of zinc in the body is noted, not counting skeletal muscles. With a lack of zinc, spermatogenesis is impaired. Taking medications containing zinc and selenium improves sperm motility, increases their number, increases testosterone levels, and normalizes prostate function. The microelement is contained in liver, beef, fish products, and carrots. Daily requirement – 15 mg. Selenium is found in bran, tomatoes, garlic, herring, and beef liver. Carbonated drinks and sweets interfere with the absorption of selenium. The daily requirement is 65 mcg.

L-carnitine or vitamin B11 is a leader in the treatment of infertility in men. Thanks to it, the concentration of sperm in the seminal fluid increases, motility increases, and the quality of the ejaculate and its quantity improves. Vitamin B11 promotes the breakdown of fats. The element is contained in beef, but it is impossible to replenish the supply of L-carnitine with the help of food alone; you need to take medications.

After pregnancy, you should take complexes containing calcium and iron. These elements are essential for the growth and development of the baby, as well as for maintaining the health of the mother.

Vitamin-rich foods

What does metabolic therapy include?

Metabolic therapy usually begins with a course of antibacterial drugs to eliminate the infection and maintain inflammation. According to a number of studies, most women with implantation pathology experience changes in the uterine mucosa of the type of chronic endometritis (inflammation of the uterine mucosa), which were accompanied by seeding of coccal microflora (fecal enterococcus, epidermal staphylococcus), chlamydia, mycoplasma, and ureaplasma from the uterine cavity.

Therefore, it is very important on the eve of the proposed IVF program to conduct a comprehensive examination, including culture for microflora from the cervix, culture for mycoplasma and ureaplasma, and based on its results, undergo a course of antibacterial therapy.

As a rule, antibiotics are prescribed for a short course during menstruation. In parallel with them, antifungal drugs and eubiotics are necessarily used - for example, lactobacilli to restore normal intestinal and vaginal flora.

The next stage of treatment to prepare the endometrium is the selection of hormonal therapy. The choice of drugs depends on the thickness of the uterine mucosa (according to ultrasound results), blood flow in the uterine mucosa (according to the results of Doppler examination of the pelvic vessels), the histological structure of the uterine mucosa (according to the results of endometrial biopsy):

with normal thickness of the endometrium after ovulation (more than 8 mm) and normal blood flow in the endometrial vessels when performing Doppler measurements on days 20–22 of the menstrual cycle, progesterone preparations (for example, Utrozhestan® or Duphaston®) are prescribed from the 16th to the 22nd day of the menstrual cycle in preparation for pregnancy 25th day of the menstrual cycle;
if the thickness of the endometrium is less than 6–8 mm after ovulation, doctors resort to so-called hormone replacement therapy (prescribe estrogens from day 1 of the cycle + progesterone preparations from days 16 to 25 of the cycle). There are special complex products for such therapy, for example, Femoston 2/10®, which already contains estrogens and gestagens in the required dosages and is easy to use;
when a decrease in endometrial thickness is combined with a decrease in blood flow in the endometrial vessels against the background of hormone replacement therapy, additional treatment is used - for example, a course of acupuncture, hirudotherapy, physiotherapy aimed at improving blood flow in the uterus, as well as a complex of other metabolic therapy drugs.

How long should I take it?

It is best to take vitamins for pregnancy planning in a continuous course. The duration of treatment is determined individually. For healthy men and women, 3-4 months is enough. During this time, the body will have time to replenish the deficiency of missing substances, get stronger, and tune in to a new type of work. If previous pregnancies were accompanied by complications, future parents experience excessive psycho-emotional stress, there are chronic diseases of internal organs, there is contact with harmful factors at work and at home, taking vitamin complexes should be started six months before the planned conception.

You have questions?

You can contact the leading specialists of the AltraVita clinic

Contraindications for use

Men need to take vitamins to plan pregnancy in the following cases:

A deficiency of any element identified during the examination.
Poor sperm count.
Recovery after a long illness.
Early ejaculation.
Erectile weakness, other erectile dysfunction.

The range of contraindications to the use of vitamin complexes is very narrow. The main one is hypersensitivity to the active substance or auxiliary components of the drug. In addition, it is undesirable to take vitamins if you have gastritis, peptic ulcers or enteritis. You should not take vitamins if you have oncological malignant processes, tuberculosis (active stage), renal or liver failure. These diseases impair the absorption of nutrients, and the prescribed treatment will not bring the desired effect.

Which ones to drink?

What vitamins should a woman or man take to get pregnant? It all depends on the state of her health. For example, anemia requires a higher content of iron and B vitamins in food. But taking folic acid is mandatory for all pregnant women. It prevents improper formation of the neural tube of the embryo, and often its deficiency becomes the cause of early miscarriages and fetal pathologies if the woman did not expect conception, did not prepare for pregnancy and did not take any medications.

Let's figure out what it is?

Today, the problem of achieving pregnancy remains very acute in the world, and the need to resort to IVF to solve it, unfortunately, does not decrease. But today, the effectiveness of IVF treatment has increased significantly thanks to modern technologies, the latest nutrient media, and the quality of the embryological component. Of course, the success rate of IVF is not 100% and does not even always reach 50%, despite all the efforts of specialists. Let's talk about this with obstetrician-gynecologist, reproductive specialist at GMS IVF Yulia Kikina.

How to improve sperm quality

First of all, you need to review your diet. The expectant father needs to refrain from consuming fatty, difficult-to-digest foods. Eliminate preservatives, flavor enhancers and other additives - they all negatively affect the quality of sperm. Introduce more fruits, vegetables, berries, seafood, lean meat, and greens into your diet. Men who are overweight should bring their weight back to normal, since fat tissue produces the female sex hormone, estrogen.

In addition to nutrition, you need to pay attention to the following points:

Stop smoking and drinking alcohol.
Visit environmentally friendly areas more.
Try to have less contact with chemicals.
Take care of your mental health, avoid stress, learn to relax.
Before you plan to conceive, do not visit baths or saunas - any overheating impairs the functioning of the reproductive organs.
Remember that testicular temperature is normally lower than body temperature. Therefore, no overheating, tight underwear, synthetics, tight jeans, or too warm underwear.
When working with a laptop, do not put it on your knees, and do not keep your mobile phone in your trouser pocket.

A man's working conditions also affect his ability to conceive. At risk are: metallurgists, painters, car mechanics, and builders. You need to be more careful when working with pesticides in agriculture, with paints and varnishes in the furniture industry, and when working with smoking stoves.