Sperm Health and Male Fertility

If a couple has not conceived after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse, an evaluation of both partners is recommended. Age plays a role, however, so it is recommended that couples aged 35 and older 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, naturopathic doctor for Conceive Health at Niagara Fertility. “If there are underlying issues with hormones, overall health, or history of steroid use, then they can begin looking for help sooner.”

Assessments may be performed to determine whether the couple is facing female or male factor infertility, or a combination of both. 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. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between damaging reactive oxidative species and antioxidants in the body. 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. Corradetti-Sargeant often sees insulin resistance and diabetes among her male infertility patients. Insulin resistance is correlated with reduced semen quality, and those with diabetes have a high prevalence of erectile dysfunction.

Testosterone

Testosterone is a hormone that promotes healthy sexual function and is crucial for spermatogenesis. Its production depends on the proper functioning of the neuroendocrine network known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis.

Overweight, poor sleep, psychological stress, oxidative stress, and deficiencies in zinc, magnesium, and vitamin D can all have impacts on the function of the HPG axis.

Key for healthy testosterone production are exercise (specifically, resistance exercise), sun exposure, stress management, and a nutrient-rich diet.

Enhancing male fertility

Diet

Low nutrient status may impair fertility. “For male factor infertility, in particular, the typical nutrient insufficiencies I see include low vitamin D and vitamin B12,” says Corradetti-Sargeant. A high-fat diet also affects the structure of spermatozoa.

Adherence to healthy dietary patterns correlates with improved sperm quality, reduced sperm DNA fragmentation, and fewer issues with sperm count, concentration, and motility.

Eating a varied and balanced diet—including fish and seafood, poultry, nuts, seeds, vegetables, fruit, and whole grains—is advised for supporting male fertility. Increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids and the minerals selenium and zinc are positively associated with sperm quality.

Along with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidant vitamins play an important role in combatting oxidative stress, which is a primary contributor to male factor infertility.

Lifestyle

Cigarette smoking, cannabis use, and alcohol consumption have a negative bearing on fertility.

• Cigarette smoking has been shown to reduce sperm count and cause abnormal morphology.
• Cannabis use has been associated with reduced sperm count, concentration, motility, and abnormal morphology.
• Alcohol consumption is associated with reduced semen volume.

Environmental or occupational exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including pesticides, phthalates, bisphenols, and flame retardants, has been correlated with fertility disorders.

“The most impactful thing a man can do to improve his fertility would be to remove as many toxins as possible, [including] smoking, marijuana use, heavy alcohol use, and BPA exposure,” suggests Corradetti-Sargeant.

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.