‘Looks’ of sperm matter in fertility

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Updated: October 10, 2011 6:44PM

Q. What can you recommend for improving sperm size and shape? Only 5 to 6 percent of my husband’s sperm look normal, though his count and motility are fine. He’s been taking antioxidants, drinks one glass of wine a day and doesn’t smoke.

So it’s excellent that your husband has good swimmers (motility) and plenty of ’em. Having many funky ones isn’t uncommon and doesn’t mean you won’t get pregnant. It just may take a while, a year or longer.

For some men, getting more normal sperm is as simple as switching from briefs to boxers. Being overheated below the belt can cause abnormalities, though so can anything from genes and smoking to drugs (Rx or the other kind). Tell your hubby to keep computers off his lap and not inhale anything, including secondhand smoke. Consider DHA supplements: Doses of 1,500 mg a day for 10 weeks are promising.

If tests show little change, your doc may look for an underlying problem (like a removable varicose vein in your husband’s scrotum). Or you could consider artificial insemination.

Meanwhile, you both should start taking a multivitamin (him) and prenatal vitamins (you) now! Plus 300-600 mg of DHA omega-3s each. Doing this three months before and during pregnancy cuts your risk of a child with autism by a huge 40 percent.

Q. I’ve heard you say a daily probiotic keeps your system running smoothly and recommend spore form probiotics, but I can’t find one. Can you suggest some brands?

A. We know of three tough-as-Chuck brands: Digestive Advantage and Sustenex, which have armor-like shells, and Culturelle, which actually gets turned on by stomach acids!

The good bacteria in probiotics do more than keep your digestive tract peaceful. They also fight inflammation, urinary tract infections and ulcers; counteract antibiotics, and even deter weight gain. Ka-ching.

Q. I saw an article that said the Gardasil vaccine is contaminated and causing “devastating” side effects in adolescent girls who get the shots. Is this true ?

A. Gardasil protects against human papilloma virus, the cause of most cervical cancer. Yes, it’s sexually transmitted. But not just sexually. HPV is passed from skin to skin, not through fluids, so you don’t need to have intercourse to get it. Odds are that three-quarters of people have been infected.

Out of at least 35 million doses of Gardasil, only .05 percent have produced what docs call “adverse events.” By far, the biggest complaint is that the shots hurt more than most vaccinations, so the main side effects have been pain and sore arms.

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