A couple’s journey to fertility can sometimes become difficult and oftentimes the female partner is considered the only cause for fertility issues. This is often not just the case, with male fertility factors a significant factor in 40% of sub-fertile couples. It has been reported worldwide that sperm counts are dropping significantly with samples taken from the 1930’s until the current day reporting a 50% drop in sperm numbers, higher incidence of poor quality sperm and DNA alterations that make conception difficult. (1)

What factors cause poor sperm quality?

• prolonged heat exposure that damage the natural cooling mechanisms needed to maintain normal sperm quality (2) From activities such as bicycle riding and being in hot spas
• exposure to radiation causing damage to DNA of sperm lowering quality (2)
• pesticides, insecticides and chemical exposure which increase damaging free radicals in the testes which damage the DNA of the sperm (2)
• cigarettes, alcohol and drug use have similar damaging effects as chemical exposure (2)
• bicycle and motorbike riding (3) due to chemicals within seats of bikes and fabrics of man made clothing often worn by cyclists
• deficiencies in nutrients that promote healthy DNA formation and antioxidants that protect sperm from damage (3)

Ways you can improve sperm quality and improve male fertility

• get minimum 8 hours sleep per night. When you’re asleep and getting good quality rest your body is able to produce sperm uninterrupted (4)
• make healthful dietary choices. Choosing a diet high in vegetables, protein, quality wholegrain and good fats is a diet supportive of healthy sperm production (4)
• aim for a healthy weight. Lower sperm counts have been observed in overweight men, even a 5% decrease in body weight can improve sperm production (4)
• find healthy ways to relieve stress. Stress impacts upon hormones essential for sperm production, using exercise to relieve stress not only helps with body weight and relieves stress it also improves erectile function (4)
• quit smoking and avoid exposure to environmental toxins. This is the most important factor for reducing damage to sperm. Chemicals directly impact the health of sperm altering the DNA and affecting all areas of sperm health. (4)
• avoid consuming foods and drinks from plastic containers that have been heated. Chemicals from plastics can leach into our foods directly causing damage to the cells which create sperm and altering the sperm’s DNA making them abnormal. Replace plastic with glass containers and minimise the amount of plastic you come in contact with (5) 

Naturopath Chloe Okorn

Mr Vitamins Naturopath Chloe Okorn can help you identify which factors may be the cause of low sperm count or quality, and guide you on how to improve both, alongside a plan to assist conception based on specific dietary recommendations, nutritional supplementation and herbal medicine.   References

1. https://www.asrm.org/detail.aspx?id=2322
2. http://www.myvmc.com/lifestyles/effect-of-environmental-factors-on-sperm-health/
3. http://www.everydayhealth.com/mens-health/sperm-damage-a-leading-cause-of-male-infertility.aspx
4. http://www.preseed.com/TTC-Blog/Dr-E/16/TTC-Tips-for-Men-Increase-Sperm-Count-Quality-and-Motility.aspx
5. http://natural-fertility-info.com/mens-fertility