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Fertility information, and fertility research, has been directed almost exclusively to female fertility issues. Amazingly, little is known about male fertility. Yet 40% of the time a couples infertility problem is caused by the male partner.

• Male infertility can be caused by any number of factors including physical obstructions, disease and environmental factors.

• A man's fertility and sperm health can also be affected by their general health, and by extension, by their diet.

• It has long been known that diet can directly affect a person's health, and by extension their ability to produce children. In an unhealthy body, sperm production is likely to be impaired, as is the sex drive.

A well rounded, balance diet is your best bet. To find out what type of diet would be best suited for your health needs, consult with your doctor or a dietician.

• Talk to your doctor about high doses of Vitamin C. Low Vitamin C levels is the cause of infertility in about 16% of all men.

• Vitamin E has also been shown to improve sperm quality.

Online, there are a variety of resources that provide a plethora of healthy recipe and meal ideas. They also offer valid and detailed nutritional information.

• Cyberdiet
• The Vegetarian Resource Group
• The American Cancer Society's Meals for You

All these items can adversely affect sperm production and mobility. To increase your fertility, you want your body to be as preservative and drug free as possible, so stay away from:

• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Recreational Drugs
• Steroids
• Consult with your doctor if you are taking antibiotics or any other prescription medicine as many of them can have a negative effect on your fertility.

If you are overweight, have high cholesterol, or a medical condition that can be exacerbated by your weight, consider embarking on a healthy and sensible weight loss regime. Losing weight will increase your stamina, your general health, and will tend to make you a happier person.

• In the realm of mind over matter, the happier and more content you are, the more likely you are to notice an increase in your sex drive.
• This in turn will increase the production of the hormones associated with fertility.
• You are also likely to live longer if you are within the recommended weight for your height, and if you eat a healthy diet.

Although there is not scientific evidence to back this up, you may want to increase your intake of red meats and dairy products. This is because one of the main components of sperm tissue is L-carnitine, a carboxylic acid, which functions much like an amino acid. Humans synthesize L-carnitine naturally, although it can also be acquired directly through dietary intake. The highest food sources of L-carnitine are red meats and dairy products.

• In theory, the more L-carnitine you consume, the healthier your sperm will become.

Many companies claim to have found the 'magic' formula that will boost a man's fertility. Do any of them work? The jury is still out...

• Before you embark on an over-the-counter remedy for your infertility problems, contact a doctor and have a complete physical. Male infertility often is a direct consequence of a correctable physical problem.
• Also, be sure to discuss with your doctor what over-the-counter supplement you are planning to take. Your doctor may be able to warn you of possible side effects. Your doctor may also know if the product's claims have any grounding in fact, or if it is likely to reduce your fertility, rather than increase it.

If you are healthy and have lots of energy and stamina, you will be able to perform substantially better than would your male counterpart who is not as fit. Remember, no matter how vigorous you sperm is, it is not going to 'get the job done' if it is not delivered, on time, to the factory.

• Eat as if you were an athlete – lots of carbohydrates for energy and protein for stamina.
• Stay away from sugar, caffeine, alcohol, tobacco and all other narcotic substances that can throw your body out of 'whack'.
• Although not a component of your diet, I would recommend that you get as much sleep as possible.