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

Male fertility can sometimes be a touchy subject. However it is by understanding how male fertility works and the challenges that can interfere with a healthy reproductive system in a man, that we can begin to find solutions to problems with infertility. When cases of infertility are analysed, it has been observed that almost half of the causes of infertility are as a result of male infertility. Currently, there is a limitation on reliable information regarding male infertility, this is a gap that needs to be filled for there to be effective and timely interventions for male infertility.  This article is a step toward that.

Common Causes of Male Infertility

Male infertility occurs when a man is not able to produce healthy sperm. This can be as a result of poor sperm production, low hormonal levels, and poor sperm health parameters which could be caused by lifestyle, disease, medical or genetic condition. A study out of Yale Medicine demonstrated that when a couple has been experiencing infertility, 50 percent of the cases are attributed to male infertility factor. This shows that the presence of sperm is not enough for reproduction, if the sperm are not healthy. What is known medically is that he more common causes of male infertility have to do with low sperm count, challenges with sperm movement, and DNA damage.

Low Sperm Count

Sperm count has to do with the number of sperm present within a particular volume of semen. Ideally, the more sperm, the better the odds of conception. A person can have very healthy sperm but in low quantities, which reduces the odds of conception naturally.

Sperm Motility

Sperm motility has to do with how sperm move, independently as well as forward. Independent movement is the basis for movement in any direction for sperm. Of more importance is forward movement as it determines whether the sperm can effectively swim from the vagina to the fallopian tube for fertilization. Considering the size of the uterus in comparison to cell as tiny as a sperm, this distance is great and survival is key. Strongly swimming sperm are more likely to fertilize an egg than those with limited or no movement. Fortunately, IVF treatments can bypass limitations in movement, if the sperm is otherwise healthy. 

DNA Fragmentation

DNA fragmentation refers to damage of the mitochondria in sperm. This can occur due to lifestyle choices, genetic issues, health or medical issues, defective maturation and oxidative stress. When sperm are damaged they cannot fertilize eggs. Should fertilization occur, the embryo may have defects which could lead to pregnancy loss caused by the embryo’s inability to develop properly.  

Lifestyle Factors That Impact Sperm Health

Additional factors that contribute to male infertility have to do with a person’s lifestyle. Stress, alcohol, smoking, and diet have an immediate impact on how well sperm are produced, how they develop, and if they can fertilize an egg. 

Stress

Stress occurs in our daily lives, it is almost unavoidable. However, high stress ought to be managed because it affects a person’s quality of life. When a person is trying to build their family, infertility can increase their stress levels as well. One of the major ways in which stress affects male fertility is in the production of luteinizing hormone and testosterone. Testosterone is the hormone that develops and maintains a man’s primary and secondary sexual characteristics, while luteinizing hormone develops and maintains sperm production. When these are impacted, a person may experience infertility caused by low sperm production and low sperm count.

Smoking

Oxidative stress is caused by reactive oxygen species in the body. Some metabolic processes produce reactive oxygen species in the bloodstream, and typically the body is able to manage what it produces naturally. However, smoking increases reactive oxygen species to a point that overwhelms our systems. When this occurs, a person will experience infertility caused by poor sperm morphology and motility, as well as low sperm count. Oxidative stress can also damage a person’s DNA, resulting in DNA fragmentation in sperm.

Alcohol

Studies show that excessive alcohol consumption affects hormone production. Some observable results of hormonal interruption in men is that their secondary sexual characteristics are also impacted. A man may experience a decrease in body hair, enlarged breasts, as well, increased adipose around the hips and belly. Most importantly as we have already seen, when hormone production is affected, the health and quality of sperm is also affected.  

Diet

Central to hormonal production is a healthy diet which provides all the necessary nutrients the body needs. Research has shown that there is a direct link between diet and healthy sperm parameters.  For men, a diet consisting of sea food, fruit, whole grains, vegetables and legumes, is ideal. As well, taking supplements to ensure that one meets their daily nutritional requirements, and make up where diet does not provide nutrition, such as B12 if one is vegetarian.

How to Improve Sperm Quality Naturally

It is possible to improve one’s sperm quality naturally using the tips below: 

Dietary Changes: Reduce junk food, canned foods, and overly processed foods.

Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs: Reduce or cut out alcohol, stop smoking, do not take drugs, and get help if you are struggling to quit. 

Exercise and Weight Loss: Regular exercise is vital to bodily functions. As well, if you are overweight or obese, weight loss can improve sperm health.

Stress Management and Sleep: Get sufficient help and manage your stress (take professional help if necessary).  

When to See a Fertility Specialist

Infertility is defined as the inability to reproduce naturally after six to 12 months of consistent unprotected sex. A fertility specialist will examine both you and your partner’s fertility to determine what the cause may be. Treatments will be determined based on the results of fertility testing. 

Available Male Fertility Treatments at Utah Fertility Center

Contact the Utah Fertility Center to speak to a fertility expert and find out the best course of treatment if you are facing fertility challenges.   

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