Understanding Male Fertility: Causes of Infertility & How to Improve Sperm Health

The subject of fertility has historically been linked to women’s reproductive systems, with women being held primarily responsible for reproducing the offspring in a family. This is also because a man’s ability to reproduce was never questioned. It was assumed that as long as a person is healthy, they can sire offspring. It was not until recent decades that the cases of infertility in men began to be observed and the need to understand male fertility arose. 

While it may seem rather obvious that male fertility is the other half of the equation in human reproduction, the fact is that male infertility is still an uncomfortable topic of discussion. It is somewhat of a taboo topic, shrouded in shame, anxiety, guilt and uncomfortable conversations. As well, a majority of medical resources are dedicated to female reproduction. This has led to the creation of an information void that needs to be filled with the right medical information, backed by science to help better understand male fertility. Let us address at the challenges of male fertility and look at ways to improve sperm health.

Common Causes of Male Infertility

Without sperm, reproduction is simply impossible, but the sperm need to be healthy in order to complete the reproduction circuit. A study out of Yale Medicine has shown that when a couple has been trying to build their family for more than six months, in 50 percent of the cases, male infertility has been the underlying factor. There are several reasons why people who produce sperm naturally are unable to build their families. Medically, the common factors are motility issues, DNA fragmentation, and low sperm count.

Sperm Motility

Sperm motility is the ability of sperm to move. The movement of sperm is crucial to fertilization as sperm need to travel from the vagina, through the uterus, to the fallopian tube, where the egg would be located ready for fertilization. When a person has poor sperm motility, it could prevent them from having children naturally.  In such cases, it is possible to use assistive reproductive technologies (ART) for fertilization, as long as all other makers of sperm health and quality check out. 

DNA Fragmentation

DNA fragmentation is crucial to sperm health and presents challenges in reproduction, whether naturally or through fertility treatments. It is caused by several factors which include defective maturation and oxidative stress, including medical history, and lifestyle choices. To illustrate the impact of DNA fragmentation in sperm, consider that, normal human DNA consists of 46 chromosomes. At fertilization 23 of the chromosomes are contributed by the sperm, and the other half by the egf. When a sperm’s DNA is fragmented i.e. broken up into pieces, it can prevent the chromosomes from pairing to form a healthy embryo.  

Low Sperm Count

Sperm count is another crucial factor in male fertility, usually evaluated in tandem with sperm motility. It is an educated estimate of the number of sperm within an average semen sample. Having a higher sperm count is preferred when it comes to fertilization because not all sperm cells make it to the fallopian tube for fertilization. In a sense, a higher sperm count increases the odds of at least one sperm cell making it to the ‘finish line’ as it were, compared to a low sperm count which lowers the odds of reaching the egg. While low sperm count may not necessarily mean that a person is infertile, it does lower the possibility of natural conception. 

Lifestyle Factors That Impact Sperm Health

Another major contributory factor to male fertility is a person’s lifestyle. Some lifestyle factors such as smoking, stress, alcohol, and diet have a direct impact on a person’s sperm. Let us explore these factors briefly:

Smoking

Smoking has a negative impact on a person’s health whether they are trying to build their families or not. Smoking increases reactive oxygen species which are what cause oxidative stress in the body. Increased oxidative stress affects sperm health parameters such as sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology. Oxidative stress also has a negative effect on a person’s DNA, causing it to become damaged.

Alcohol

While the intake of alcohol moderately may not necessarily have a negative impact on a person's health, excessive consumption of alcohol is harmful. Studies have shown that excessive alcohol consumption has a negative impact on the natural hormone production in men. This in turn has a negative impact on their semen production, and the quality of sperm they produce. In some cases, it affects a person’s secondary sexual characteristics, where a decrease in facial and bodily hair, an increase in adipose tissue around the belly and hips, as well as enlarged breasts are observed.  

Stress

Stress affects most humans in some shape or form, and with the proper management, it is possible to ensure that it does not diminish the quality of life a person has. Psychological stress has a significant impact on men who are trying to build their families. It has been shown to impact the production of luteinizing hormone and testosterone. This in turn leads to low sperm production, which affects sperm count. 

Diet

A person’s diet is key to their physical and reproductive health. For men, the research shows that there is a direct link between diet and sperm parameters. These lead to more positive outcomes when it comes to building their families. The Mediterranean diet has been hailed as the ideal diet, particularly when one is trying to build their family. This is because it consists of whole grains, vegetables, legumes, sea food, and fruit, which facilitate the production and preservation of healthy cells in the body, including sperm.

How to Improve Sperm Quality Naturally

Now that we have tackled the causes of infertility as well as the impact of one’s lifestyle on fertility, let us turn our attention to the bright side of sperm health and talk about how you can improve sperm quality naturally. Yes, the good news is that you can improve sperm health. The second good news is that it is not an expensive affair. 

Dietary Changes

The easiest and most efficient way is to begin with dietary changes. Begin by reducing the intake of overly processed food, canned foods and junk food. Instead, increase the intake of leafy vegetables, fruit, and whole grains. Take dietary supplements where you must e.g. if you are a vegetarian, you may need supplements containing B12 to supplement for the lack of red meat.

Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs

Additionally, reduce or eliminate the intake of alcohol. Stop smoking, or get professional help where you are struggling to quit. Do not use drugs, recreational or otherwise that have not been prescribed by a medical professional. 

Exercise and Weight Loss

It is also recommended that one get into a regular exercise routine. One must consult with a professional healthcare provider beforehand. As well, if one is obese, including weight loss as a goal within the exercise regimen will be of benefit. 

Stress Management and Sleep

Last, but not least, find ways to manage your stress levels. If you are finding it challenging to do it alone, get professional help. Stress management professionals assist with the knowledge, tools and exercises that will help you to address stress when it arises.  It is important to get sufficient sleep each night. Restful sleep has benefits to both the physical health as well as the psychological wellbeing of a person.

When to See a Fertility Specialist

It is recommended that you consult with a professional fertility specialist if you have been trying to build your family for more than six to twelve months without success. The fertility specialist will run diagnostic tests on both you and your partner in order to determine where the challenge lies. As well, they are best placed to advise you on your options once they have concrete results. 

Available Male Fertility Treatments at San Diego Fertility Clinic

There are several treatments that focus on male fertility at our San Diego Fertility Clinic. Each individual is unique and comes with a unique set of needs. At Ivy Fertility we pride ourselves in delivering our expertise with compassion. Contact us and we can guide you through your options based on your unique situation. 

FAQs:

Why should I get a male fertility test?

Nearly 50 percent of infertility cases are as a result of Male factor infertility. Male fertility testing is a diagnostic tool that provides professional medical practitioners with the information they need in identifying underlying issues and evaluating treatment options.

What does a semen analysis measure?

A semen analysis is a test that is used to determine a person’s sperm count, the sperm motility and sperm structure (or morphology), which provide a clearer picture of the overall health of a person’s sperm. 

How do I prepare for a semen analysis?

Before you go for a semen analysis, avoid ejaculation for two to five days before the test. As well, limit how much alcohol, coffee or caffeinated drinks you consume. As well avoid hot tubs or saunas, to limit high heat exposure to your testicles. 

Is male fertility testing painful?

Thankfully, male fertility testing is not painful. It is non-invasive and simply requires one to provide a fresh sample of semen by masturbating and ejaculating into a sterilized container. The actual analysis will be done in a laboratory. 

What happens if my test results show infertility?

If your tests show infertility, your doctor will make recommendations after reviewing the results. These may include lifestyle changes, medications, or assisted reproductive treatments. However, this will be based on your specific circumstance.