Improving Male Fertility

‘Changes to lifestyle and diet, plus a good supplement regime, can make a huge difference to male fertility’

Male fertility is all about sperm – how many and how able each sperm is to survive the perilous journey to the egg. Sperm need to be robust, the journey of a sperm is similar to a computer game: the moment the sperm starts its journey it is attacked by damaging molecules that may render it immobile and ultimately kill it. Obviously the more sperm there are, the more likely one will reach the egg, but more importantly only the well fuelled, fast swimming, healthier sperm will survive the perils ahead!

Male infertility can occur because of disorders or abnormalities, such as problems ejaculating or obstructions, but in as many as 40-90% of cases the cause of the infertility cannot be identified.

There is sufficient scientific evidence to support the idea that sperm counts are declining. There has been an estimated 50% decline in sperm production over the last 50 years, as well as a reported fall in sperm quality. This sudden decline in sperm production indicates a combination of environmental and lifestyle factors.

As many as 1 in 5 young men between the ages of 18 and 25 produce abnormally low sperm counts, and of those with normal sperm counts, just 5-15% of sperm produced are classed as normal under the World Health Organisation rules.

The rapid declines in both sperm counts and quality are occurring too quickly to be a result of genetics, changing lifestyles or environmental factors are probably the cause. In fact it is likely that many environmental factors and lifestyle changes over the last 50 years are detrimental to sperm production.  According to research, changes to diet, nutrition, and lifestyle can increase fertility in up to 81% of couples.

Lifestyle, diet and supplement plan to improve male fertility

 

  • Eat a balanced, nutrient rich diet
  • Take a good, highly purified, omega- 3 supplement, rich in DHA
  • Take a good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement to correct any deficiencies and ensure nutrients are available in good concentrations.
  • Exercise 2-3 times weekly
  • Stop smoking
  • Drink very little alcohol
  • Protect yourself from environmental chemicals
  • Eat unprocessed foods
  • Ensure you are free from infection (i.e. Chlamydia)

References:

Bedwal R, Bahuguna A (1994) Zinc, copper, and selenium in reproduction. Experientia. 50(7):626-40

Colagar AH, Marzpny ET, Chaichi MJ (2009) Zinc levels in seminal plasma are associated with sperm quality in fertile and infertile men. Nutrition Reviews 29(2):82-88

Colagar AH, Marzpny ET (2009) Ascorbic acid in human seminal plasma: determination and its relationship to sperm quality. Journal of Clinical Biochem Nut 45(2):144-9

Dawson EB, Harris WA, Rankin WE (1987) Effect of ascorbic acid on male fertility. Annuals New York Academy of Science 498;312-323

Gil-Villa AM, Cardona-Maya W., Agarwal A., Sharma R., Cadavid A (2009) Role of male factor in early recurrent embryo loss: do antioxidants have any effect? Fertility Steril 92(2);565-71

Goa KL, Brodgen RN. (1987) L-carnitine – a preliminary review of its pharmacokinetics and its therapeutic use in cardiac disease and carnitine deficiencies in relationship to its role in fatty acid metabolism. Drugs 34:1-24

Lewin A, Lavon H (1997) The effect of coenzyme Q-10 on sperm motility and function. Molecular Aspects of Medicine 18: S213-219

Littarru G, Tiano L (2010) Clinical aspects of coenzyme Q-10: an update Nutrition 26(3): 250-4

Mancini A, Marinis L, Littarru GP, Balercia G (2005) An update on Coenzyme Q-10 implications in male infertility: biochemical and therapeutic aspects. Biofactors 25(1-4):165-74

Prasad AS (1983) Zinc deficiency in human subjects. Progress in Clinical Bio Research. 129:1-33

Sandler B, Faragher B (1984) Treatment of olgiospermia with vitamin B12 Infertility 7:133:138

Schachter A, Goldman JA, Zukerman Z. (1973)Treatment of oligiospermia with the amino acid arginine. Journal Urology 110: 311-313

Scibona M, Meschini P, Capparelli S (1994) Minerva Urology Nefrology 46 ;251-253

Sinclair S (2000) Male Infertility: Nutritional and Environmental Considerations Alternative Medicine Review 5(1)28-38

Vitali G, Parente R, Melotti C. (1995) Carnitine supplementation in human idiopathic asthenospermia: clinical results . Drugs Exp Clinical Res 21; 157-159

Young SS, Eskenazi B, Marchetti FM, Block G, Wyrobek Aj (2008) The association of folate, zinc and antioxidant intake with sperm aneuploidy in healthy non-smoking men. Human Repro 23(5):1014-22

This entry was posted on Monday, June 7th, 2010 at 9:20 PM and is filed under Fertility. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

One response to “Improving Male Fertility”

  1. I think this a really clear, easy to navigate, and well documented website – thank you

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