Is Your Sperm Healthy?

Male fertility is a crucial component of reproductive health, yet it’s often overlooked until challenges arise. Over the past 40 or so years, sperm counts worldwide have halved and sperm quality has declined alarmingly with 1 in 20 men currently facing reduced fertility.* In the UK alone, around 7% of men are affected by infertility, and male factors are involved in roughly 50% of infertility cases in couples.**

This guide delves into the factors affecting sperm health and offers some actionable steps that could help enhance fertility and achieve pregnancy.

Introduction to Male Fertility

Understanding the male reproductive system and the factors that affect sperm health is crucial for maintaining healthy sperm and achieving pregnancy. The male reproductive system makes sperm in the testicles and these sperm cells are then carried through the seminal vesicles and mixed with seminal fluid to form semen. Healthy sperm are vital for fertilising an egg and achieving a successful pregnancy.

One common cause of male infertility is a low sperm count, also known as oligospermia and can arise from a range of factors, including medical conditions, lifestyle choices, and environmental influences. Diet, exercise, substance use, and exposure to environmental toxins can significantly affect sperm health.

What is sperm health?

Optimal sperm health is vital for natural conception and the success of assisted reproductive technologies like IVF. Sperm health encompasses several parameters that collectively determine male fertility including: 

Sperm Count

This is the number of sperm present in a semen sample. A healthy sperm count is generally considered to be 15 million or more per millilitre of semen. Less than that and you are considered to have a low sperm count.

Sperm motility (movement)

Motile sperm have the ability to move efficiently, which is crucial for reaching and fertilising the egg. In a healthy sperm sample at least 30% of sperm should be motile, and at least 15% should have progressive motility.

Morphology (shape)

This refers to the size and shape of sperm, which can impact their ability to penetrate the egg. In a healthy sperm sample at least 20% of sperm should have a normal shape. 

Volume

The amount of semen produced during ejaculation.

DNA Integrity

The genetic quality of sperm, which is essential for healthy embryo development. DNA integrity in sperm is crucial as it directly impacts the viability of the fertilised egg and the developing embryo, necessitating effective genetic repair mechanisms to ensure successful fertilisation and healthy development.

What factors influence sperm health? 

1. Lifestyle Choices

Diet

Studies have shown that a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins (especially C and E), and omega-3 fatty acids supports sperm production. Conversely, diets high in processed foods, trans fats and excessive sugar can impair sperm quality.

Fertility Nutritionist and IVFN Advisor Mel Brown advises starting a fertility diet in the months before and during the time you are hoping to conceive. Additionally, a balanced diet can help prevent factors that damage sperm, such as oxidative stress and inflammation.

Exercise &...