Male Fertility - Why It's More Important Than You Think

It takes a sperm and an egg to make a baby – not just an egg. So often, the role of male reproductive health is overlooked in fertility cases. But I am a huge advocate for both partners coming in and getting their health assessed. Let’s look at some of the reasons why male fertility is not to be underestimated.

A Bit About Sperm

A sperm can take between 90-120 days to mature. So in order for you to make a healthy baby today, you needed your partner to be creating healthy sperm for at least 4 months.

Sperm health can be affected by multiple factors, including:

• Smoking & recreational drugs

• Medication use

• Alcohol consumption

• Excess body fat

• Trauma and stress

• Exposure to toxic chemicals, particularly at work

• Poor nutrition

• Medical disorders

• Hormone imbalances

The Journey of the Sperm

A sperm’s life ain’t easy. He usually only has about 24 hours to reach the egg in order to fertilise it. In the meantime, he has to combat natural acids and make the long journey up the fallopian tubes without getting lost. Although 300-500 million of them start the race, less than 10 will reach the end point.

If those sperm aren’t healthy, then none may make it to the end. If they do, they may not be capable of fertilising the egg or creating a healthy embryo. Up to 80% of miscarriages may be related to chromosomal issues stemming from the male.

Do Need To ‘Store It Up’?

Frankly – no. This is a common myth about fertility. But frequent ejaculation is far healthier than holding it in for long periods of time. If sperm don’t have a regular turnover, they just get old and lose their health. You don’t want to try for a baby with old sperm!

Ways To Keep The Swimmers Healthy

Ready for some simple tips to optimise sperm health? Here are a few to get you started.

• Reduce the sugar, additives and junk in the diet!

• If you smoke or use drugs, get some help to quit

• Minimise your alcohol consumption – ideally, give it up for a few months

• Be aware of any chemical exposures you might have. If you’ve worked in a toxic work environment any time in your life, you may need to get tested for heavy metals and other toxic substances that can affect fertility

• Exercise regularly. It’s great for stress relief and boosting testosterone!

• Address any issues with chronic stress

• Focus your diet on wholefoods such as meat, eggs, fish, nuts, seeds, fruit and vegetables

• Have regular sex. Yep, you heard me!

• Seek out help if you’re having problems with conceiving. The sooner you identify and address the issue, the sooner you can start your family.

Ready to get serious about baby-making? Get yourself booked in today. I can’t wait to help you grow your family!