MY TOP TEN TIPS FOR REJUVENATING YOUR LIBIDO

1 HAVE MORE SEX

It may seem obvious but one of the main reasons people struggle to conceive is because they’re not having enough sex. Conception is a numbers game and you need to be doing it every other day. Talk together about how to make that work.

2 GO TO BED EARLY

If you are exhausted, you’re not going to be up for much. Go to bed at 10.30pm at the latest and observe good ‘sleep hygiene’ – no books, TV and computers. The bedroom is for sex and sleep only.

3 A PINT IS OK

Contrary to popular belief, the odd drink is not a fertility sin. A glass of wine or a pint of beer a day is within recommended limits. Avoid the sperm-destroying pattern of total abstinence and occasional binges. And make sure you stay hydrated by drinking two litres of water a day.

4EAT BETTER

Googling the subject of male fertility may throw up endless recommendations for supplements, pills and potions, but I simply suggest a healthy balanced diet – and don’t skip meals, especially breakfast. Avoid too many refined carbs such as bread, pasta, rice, pastries, pies and chocolate bars.

5 LOSE WEIGHT

Men who are overweight have lower sperm counts and poorer quality sperm than those who are a healthy weight, according to studies. And obese fathers may also pass on unhealthy genes to their offspring. So if you need to, lose weight.

6WEAR BOXERS

Wear boxer shorts rather than briefs – and sleep nude. Doing so means 25 per cent lower levels of damaged DNA in sperm compared with those who wear tight pants at night and during the day, according to a trial. Cooler underpants preserves reproductive cells.

7 STOP SMOKING

Analysis of smokers’ semen reveals trace elements from tobacco that lowered sperm count and movement, and damaged their DNA.

8 DITCH THE PILLS

Studies have shown that regularly taking ibuprofen has a direct impact on sperm quality. Other medications can also have a detrimental effect. Speak to your GP about this.

9 BAG YOUR PHONE

Some studies suggest sperm levels of men who kept their phones in their pocket during the day were seriously affected – the electromagnetic heat that phones generate was to blame. Stick your mobile in your bag.

10 BIN THE BIKE

Half an hour of jogging three times a week can boost sperm count, according to one study. More intense and longer sessions did not have the same positive effect. Cycling can lower sperm quality, due to the position on the saddle in relation to the semen-producing prostate.

The Art Of Baby-Making and Everything You Need You Have, both by Gerad Kite, are published by Short Books, and are available now from leading bookshops.