Transforming Male Fertility

It’s a fact: when it comes to having a baby, it seems that all the attention goes to the person who carries the pregnancy in most aspects, from symptoms to emotional changes, but also when it comes down to actually conceiving the baby. Let's explore the limitations and risks of this paradigm.

Let´s go...

First up, let's shatter the misconception that age doesn't matter for men. While some dads out there defy the odds and father children well into their later years, the truth is, age can take a toll on male fertility.

Most men will see a decrease in sperm motility and genetic integrity as they hit their late forties. And here's a surprising fact: sperm counts have actually been dropping dramatically across the board in recent decades. Environmental factors like exposure to radiation and plastics, along with lifestyle choices, are increasingly linked to male infertility.

Did you know that male factors contribute to up to 50% of infertility cases? That's a big number, underlining the importance of a team effort when it comes to optimizing fertility.

Here's where things get interesting—conventional treatment often overlooks the male partner. But for the best results, fertility prep should absolutely involve both of you! Ideally, aim for a minimum of four months where you both focus on achieving peak health.

This gives your bodies time to optimize sperm and egg development, reduce inflammation, and create a foundation for a healthy pregnancy. While some couples may choose a different timeline, this four-month period is the bare minimum window that allows for the final stages of egg maturation and a significant portion of the sperm cycle development to coincide, both of which are crucial for optimal fertilization.

How so?

Let's get into the science of sperm production. This fascinating process, called spermatogenesis, takes about 72-90 days. Meanwhile, a healthy egg takes nearly a year to fully mature from early recruitment, but it is most likely that any damage to the oocyte DNA occurs during the early stages (called antral). This highlights the importance of a window of intervention for both partners, particularly focusing on the final four months of egg development while improving the ongoing waves of cycling sperm production.

The less damage to the sperm and the healthier the egg, the better the outcome.

But wait, there's more to male fertility than just sperm count, motility, and shape (morphology). Hormone imbalances, DNA damage, infections, and even lifestyle factors like exposure to toxins and heat can all play a role in your reproductive health.

The good news? Research, although still evolving, is increasingly focusing on natural ways to boost male fertility. Let's explore some key lifestyle choices that can make a big difference.

A growing body of research has looked at what affects male fertility, and for obvious reasons, a small but increasing portion of this research explores what we can do naturally.

Diet and Nutrition: First on the agenda: diet and nutrition, not only to nurture your body all the way down to a cellular level, but maintaining a healthy weight is crucial, as excess weight can negatively impact sperm quality and hormone levels. Think of your diet as a roadmap to fertility – focus on a balanced approach rich in nutrients that support sperm production.

Don’t underestimate this, even if it sounds cliché. For example, excess weight affects sperm DNA and quality due to multiple factors, including hormone changes. Being overweight can lead to a decrease in the production of androstenedione and testosterone, the primary male hormones. It can also increase oestrogen, a primary female hormone that men produce in smaller quantities. These and other types of hormone changes can affect sperm production.

Sleep & Relaxation: I like calling both “The Unsung Heroes of Fertility”. Wanna know why?

Sleep and relaxation are often overlooked heroes when it comes to fertility. They're essential for maintaining optimal testosterone levels, which play a vital role in sperm production. On the flip side, stress disrupts hormone balance and can damage sperm.

I am serious, we should not neglect sleep and relaxation as building blocks of testosterone. While some tend to think about testosterone as the main driver for strength and force, it is actually founded on mindfulness, grounding, relaxation, and a steady state of mind supported by good quality sleep.

On the other hand, stress causes increased cortisol levels, which disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, reducing LH (Luteinizing Hormone) secretion and resulting in a significant drop in testosterone.

Stress is also associated with higher reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause damage to sperm. While a bit of ROS is naturally produced and needed for spermatogenesis, too much can damage the sperm plasma membrane, reducing the integrity of sperm DNA.

Other Lifestyle Habits: Touching on some not-so-good habits – smoking and alcohol can significantly decrease sperm health, so consider kicking those to the curb.

When looking at lifestyle factors on reproductive health, smoking has been associated with a decrease in sperm count, alterations in motility, and an overall increase in the number of abnormal sperm.

At the end of the day, if any of you guys have heard your female partner talking about hormonal disruptors and thought it was too much, I invite you to rethink it. Take the cue and be part of the action: change your nutrition, reduce hormonal disruptors, cultivate stress resilience, and prioritize sleep. This is the beauty of doing it together, supporting each other, and looking up to the legacy you are building for your children.

While it may sound easy, it can be very overwhelming. Another reason to do it as a duo—supporting and motivating each other, and of course, celebrating your wins together. At the end of the day, you are creating life, and you both want a happy, healthy baby and to give them the best possible start in life. Have you heard me saying that “parenting starts way before conception” and gotten confused about it? Well, now you get it, right?

Feeling a little lost about where to begin? Don't worry, the important thing is to start. The basics of nutrition could include thinking about the Mediterranean diet. When thinking about toxins, eat organic as much as possible and consider upgrading some of your kitchenware.

And you know what? I know that the fertility journey involves plenty of lab tests and doctor appointments where you might often feel lost. So, I've got your back! I created a special "Guide to Optimal Fertility Lab Values" for both men and women. This guide is packed with essential information to get you started on the right path and help you prepare for your next appointment with the right questions. Being informed is powerful, and you are the voice that backs up your partner and sets up the foundation to protect and care for your child.

Download it today, right HERE!

Got questions about fertility or the guide? Leave a comment below, and we'll be happy to help. Stay tuned for our next post, where we'll delve into the world of "unexplained infertility."

Remember, creating a healthy family is a team effort, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

Creating a family is a journey that requires both partners to be at their best, and male fertility plays a crucial role in this process. By understanding the factors that impact sperm health and making informed lifestyle choices, you can significantly boost your chances of conceiving a healthy baby. Remember, it's not just about sperm count—hormone balance, diet, sleep, and stress resiliency all contribute to optimal fertility.

So, take an active role in your fertility journey. Support each other, make healthy choices together, and embrace the changes that will set the foundation for a healthy family. And remember, “parenting starts way before conception.”