The Biggest Oversight: Male Infertility

Not Just A Woman’s Problem

When talking about infertility, I’d wager a guess that most, of us, assume we’re talking about a woman. Infertility is largely seen as a woman’s problem; however, this could not be further from the truth. Male infertility accounts for 30% of couples struggling with infertility¹. Further, a combination of male and female combined and unexplained infertility is diagnosed in 35% of couples facing infertility¹. Yet, when it comes to seeking treatments to support and boost fertility, it’s mostly women who are putting themselves through all the appointments, diet changes, taking vitamins/supplements, acupuncture, etc. In fact, a large majority of the women we see have male partners who are a not involved in the process.

Even more alarming, is that many of these men have identified sub-optimal sperm health, yet it’s the female partner who is seeking help, many times when nothing was even identified with her. What gives?!? If you’re thinking about having a baby, you’ve been trying for a long time, or you’re starting to consider assisted reproductive technologies, the male side of the equation cannot be overlooked! Even when a semen analysis comes back as “normal”, that doesn’t mean that it is optimal. We know that sperm counts have drastically declined over the last several decades, so what is considered normal today, can still be quite below what is actually optimal. As the saying goes…”It takes two to tango”! So, men, you’re not off the hook! The health of your sperm is a major contributor to your chances of conception, so read on to find out more about what can be done to improve sperm health.

Why Does Male Infertility Happen?

There are many reasons why male infertility could be occurring. Typically they are broken down into the following categories:

• Sperm dysfunction (production, blockage, damage, antibodies)
• Sexual dysfunction
• Hormonal conditions
• Age-related infertility
• Other

Unfortunately for reasons unknown to us, sperm parameters have been on a steady decline for the last few decades². This has contributed to an increased rate of male infertility². A possible explanation includes increased exposure to xenoestrogens and other environmental toxins. For many of the categories listed above, science often needs to be involved for conception to occur.

That said, there are many modifiable, everyday factors that can hinder male fertility. Similar to us ladies, the same factors impact men’s fertility: age, diet, exercise, weight, lifestyle, and stress all play contributing roles. Luckily, there are some easy, every day changes men can make to help improve their fertility!

Simple Changes to Improve Male Infertility

Everyday Changes

• Stop smoking! Smoking can cause DNA fragmentation of sperm, decrease sperm parameters, and cause sexual dysfunction⁹.
• Same goes for recreational drugs – if you’re trying to conceive, it’s best to hold off.
• Limit alcohol intake. Excessive alcohol increases conversion of testosterone to estrogen. Lowered testosterone means lowered sperm production, lowered sex drive, increased infertility, and a host of many unwanted side effects^8,9 !
• Do your best to avoid xenoestrogens and other environmental toxins. A major xenoestrogen known as BPA is found in many soft plastics. BPA is a known endocrine-disrupting chemical and is linked to diminished fertility in both men and women³. Opt for reusable glass water bottles and food containers. Never microwave your food in plastic Tupperware, avoid non-stick pans, and try your best to avoid receipt paper! To learn more about xenoestrogens and how to avoid them, click here.
• Avoid activities that increase scrotal temperature. Scrotal temperature needs to be slightly cooler than body temperature for proper sperm production to occur. This means avoid regular use of car seat warmers, hot tubs, hot baths, and cycling.
• Avoid the use of lubricants when having sex. Lubricants make it extremely difficult for sperm to reach their final destination and fertilize the egg. The same goes for saliva too!
• If you’re taking medication, ensure it does not impair fertility. Medications known to impact male fertility include SSRIs, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (AKA finasteride, saw palmetto), anabolic steroids, alpha blockers (tamsulosin, doxazosin), antifungal medications, PDE5 inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis), and opiates. If you are taking one of these medications and are hoping to conceive, speak to your primary health care provider to learn more.

Diet, Exercise, Stress

• Try your best to eat whole foods, and follow an anti-inflammatory diet. Research has shown that a healthy diet is associated with better sperm quality in men⁴. For reference, check out our Optimal Fertility Diet here and here.
• Exercise is VERY important in maintaining good general health and boosting male fertility. The amount and types of exercise you engage in is no matter when it comes to fertility. Moderate physical activity appears to benefit sperm health the most⁵. Activities like weightlifting and outdoor sports⁷ are especially great for increasing sperm concentration. It’s important to note that high-level endurance sports may damage sperm DNA, concentration, and counts⁶. For more information on exercise and fertility click here.
• Engage in some stress-free, relaxing activities! Stress can lower sperm density and motility and can increase abnormal sperm morphology⁷, all of which are detrimental to fertility. Strategies to combat stress include yoga and meditation. If you would like to learn more about stress-relieving and relaxation strategies, click here.
• Weight plays a major role in infertility for both men and women. In men, increased abdominal fat causes increased conversion of testosterone to estrogen. As previously mentioned, lowered testosterone means lowered sperm production, lowered sex drive, and increased infertility. Aim for a body mass index of 19-25 for optimal fertility.

A Final Word on Male Infertility

Last but not least, remember that sperm takes approximately 3 months to be produced. That means that what you do today, next week and even next month will impact your sperm health and ability to conceive 3 months from now. It takes both egg and sperm to have a baby, so don’t overlook the male half of things when trying to conceive! If you would like to learn more about male infertility and what more you can do, I am here and happy to help!