Sperm Health and Male Fertility

Natural support for conception and beyond 

Infertility takes a significant toll on a couple’s well-being and puts undue onus on women while neglecting the importance of male fertility—up to 50 percent of infertility cases result from male factor infertility.

Including men’s health in the fertility conversation encourages an equal balance in a couple’s fertility plan and fosters a deeper connection between the partners. 

Diagnosing infertility 

Sperm health is paramount for conception, pregnancy, and the baby’s health. Taking a proactive approach to improving sperm health before trying to conceive is key.

If a couple has not conceived after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse, an evaluation of both partners is recommended. However, couples aged 35 and older should seek help after just six months of trying to conceive.

“Couples can also look for help after three episodes of pregnancy loss,” says Dr. Rachel Corradetti-Sargeant, a naturopathic doctor. “If there are underlying issues with hormones, overall health, or history of steroid use, then they can begin looking for help sooner.”

A male fertility screening involves medical history, physical examination, hormone testing, and semen analysis.

Male infertility

Oxidative stress accounts for 50 percent of male infertility cases and occurs when there are insufficient antioxidants in the body to get rid of unstable molecules. In the sperm, this may lead to damaged DNA, oxidation of proteins, decreased motility, impaired function, and altered morphology.

Male infertility may also arise from systemic disease, infections, trauma, injury, toxins, antibodies against the sperm, and anatomical or genetic abnormalities.

Testosterone

Testosterone promotes healthy sexual function and is crucial for sperm cell development. can be Overweight; poor sleep; psychological stress; oxidative stress; and zinc, magnesium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D deficiencies impact testosterone production.

Enhancing male fertility

Diet 

Eating a varied and balanced diet—including fish and seafood, poultry, nuts, seeds, vegetables, fruit, and whole grains—supports male fertility. Increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidant vitamins, and minerals like selenium and zinc are positively associated with sperm quality and combatting oxidative stress.

Lifestyle 

Cigarette smoking, cannabis use, and alcohol consumption may reduce sperm count, concentration, motility, and volume and cause abnormal morphology.  

Environmental or occupational exposure to pesticides, phthalates, bisphenols, and flame retardants has been correlated with fertility disorders.

Research is underway to investigate the potential association between male infertility and lifestyle factors including testicular heat stress, intense cycling, lack of sleep, and exposure to electromagnetic radiation from cellphones. 

Global stats on male fertility 

• Over the past 40 years, the quality of human semen has decreased worldwide by 50 to 60 percent.
• There has been a greater decrease in male fertility in industrialized countries.
• Modifiable lifestyle factors, such as sedentary behavior and a diet based on processed foods, are likely contributors to the downward trend in male fertility.

Natural male fertility boosters