Male Fertility: Your Top 10 Questions Answered

While fertility challenges are often thought of as a “female issue”, it’s now known that male factors are involved in up to 50% of cases. Yet men aren’t always encouraged or supported to get tested, ask questions, or explore their options. It’s time to change that.

In honour of Men’s Health Month, here are ten of the most frequent and important questions I get asked in clinic about male reproductive health.

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1. What are the main factors affecting male fertility?

Sperm health is influenced by many things: diet, smoking, alcohol, recreational drugs, heat exposure, sedentary behaviour, and exposure to environmental pollutants such as pesticides or plastics. Medical conditions like diabetes or hormonal imbalances may also play a role.

I believe that inflammation is at the key of many of these.

2. Can male infertility be improved or reversed?

This depends on the cause, but often yes. Dealing with infections, repairing a varicocele, or making targeted changes to diet, exercise, stress, and sleep can positively impact sperm parameters, along with appropriate supportive supplementation.

3. Does age matter for male fertility?

Age does impact sperm DNA, motility, and sometimes morphology, although not to the same degree as age impacts egg health in the female. While men don’t experience menopause, the risk of certain health conditions, for both the child and partner, can increase with paternal age.

4. How does lifestyle influence sperm health?

Smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and obesity are known to decrease motility and increase DNA fragmentation. Heat from laptops or saunas, inadequate sleep, and a lack of exercise may also have a cumulative effect. It's about getting the balance right.

5. What tests should I consider beyond semen analysis?

A routine semen analysis is a good start, but it doesn’t tell the full story. Other helpful tests include sperm DNA fragmentation testing, a full comprehensive blood panel, genetic testing if advised (e.g. karyotyping), and seminal microbiome profiles.

6. How long does it take to improve sperm health?

Sperm take around 74 days to develop, so you’d typically need 3 months to see changes reflected on testing. In some cases, it may take longer depending on health status or the interventions used.

7. Are supplements effective for boosting fertility?

Many supplements (e.g. zinc, vitamin D, CoQ10) have been shown to support sperm function. However, more isn’t always better. Too many antioxidants may interfere with necessary physiological processes. Targeted supplementation, based on testing, tends to be more effective.

Test, don't guess!

8. What is a varicocele and how does it affect fertility?

A varicocele is a pooling of blood in the veins of the scrotum, which increases heat and oxidative stress, and may feel like a 'dragging' sensation. It may impair sperm production and is a common but reversible cause of male infertility. It's actually more commonly seen in secondary infertility.

9. Can stress or mental health affect sperm quality?

Absolutely. Chronic stress may disrupt the body’s hormone balance, for example, lowering testosterone levels and negatively affecting sperm production. It may also increase inflammation and oxidative stress, subsequently damaging sperm DNA and impairing function. Prolonged stress may lead to nutrient depletion, particularly of micronutrients like zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins, all of which are crucial for sperm health.

Supporting mental wellbeing isn’t just about feeling better; it’s a key part of a holistic approach to male fertility.

10. How does the male microbiome influence fertility?

Emerging research highlights that bacteria in seminal fluid may affect sperm function and even embryo development. An imbalance may lead to inflammation, morphology, or motility issues. Microbiome testing is an exciting area of support.

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If you’d like to discuss your own situation, I offer free 20-minute discovery calls. Whether you’re planning ahead or feeling stuck, we can work out the best next steps together.

👉 Book your free discovery call here: [Booking Link]