Every November, people around the world take part in Movember; growing moustaches, raising awareness, and starting conversations about men’s health. While much of the focus is on mental health, testicular cancer, and prostate cancer, Movember is also a great opportunity to talk about another important topic: male fertility.
Infertility affects men and women equally, in fact around 40–50% of fertility challenges involve the male partner. Yet, conversations around fertility are often focussed on women, leaving men feeling overlooked or unsure where to turn for advice.
Why Men’s Health Matters for Fertility
A man’s general health has a direct impact on his fertility. Factors like lifestyle, underlying health conditions, and age all play a role in sperm health and reproductive outcomes. Key points include:
- Sperm quality: Issues with sperm count, motility (movement), or morphology (shape) can affect the chance of fertilisation.
- Age: Although men can produce sperm throughout life, sperm quality tends to decline with age, which may increase the risk of miscarriage or genetic conditions.
- Medical conditions: Prostate health, testicular cancer, diabetes, and hormone imbalances can all affect fertility.
- Mental health: Stress, anxiety, and depression may reduce libido, impact sexual function, and make the fertility journey even harder.
Lifestyle Tips for Better Sperm Health
While not all causes of male infertility can be prevented, certain lifestyle changes can support sperm health:
- Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity can affect testosterone levels and sperm production.
- Exercise regularly: Moderate physical activity helps regulate hormones, but avoid excessive cycling or heavy lifting which may impact testicular health.
- Eat a balanced diet: Foods rich in antioxidants (fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds) can protect sperm from damage.
- Stop smoking and reduce alcohol: Both can impair sperm count and quality this includes vaping.
- Avoid excessive heat: Prolonged heat exposure (hot tubs, saunas, or laptops on laps) can affect sperm production.
- Check medications: Some prescription drugs can impact fertility. Always consult a doctor before making changes.
When to Seek Medical Advice
It’s recommended that men seek medical advice if:
- You have been trying to conceive for 12 months (or 6 months if over 35) without success
- You have a history of undescended testes, testicular surgery, or cancer
- You experience problems with sexual function or ejaculation
- You are concerned about their sperm health and want a semen analysis
Early investigations can identify treatable causes and guide couples towards the most effective fertility treatment.
Breaking the Stigma
One of the aims of Movember is to normalise conversations about men’s health. Talking about fertility can feel daunting, but men are not alone, support and treatment are available, and male factor infertility is more common than many people realise. At the IVFN we provide a wide range of resources to support men and their mental and reproductive health.
Movember is more than growing a moustache; it’s about sparking conversations that can save lives, protect health, and build families. If you’re navigating fertility challenges, remember: both partners’ health matters, and looking after yourself is an important part of your fertility journey.
