5 possible problems with male fertility

About 1 in 7 couples experience problems with fertility, of which in about 50% of cases this is due to male fertility problems.

Infertility is one of the most challenging aspects of being an adult. Trying to get pregnant can be stressful and challenging, but it is more common than people think. 

About 1 in 7 couples experience fertility problems, of which approximately 50% of cases are due to problems with male fertility. Although some cases require medical intervention and assistance, men have a major advantage over women because sperm cells are constantly produced in the testicles.

Various micronutrients – vitamin and mineral supplements – can help increase sperm quality and count. Learning about this can help you better understand some of the issues that can affect your sperm quality, inform you about which fertility supplements may be right for you, and possibly overcome male infertility.

What is male infertility?

Male fertility refers to a man's ability to reproduce and impregnate his partner. The causes of male infertility can be diverse. Some problems may have a genetic component or be related to various diseases or conditions (e.g. cancer and its treatment), while others may be caused or exacerbated by suboptimal lifestyle choices. In these cases, lifestyle changes can significantly improve male fertility.

The first step is to understand the possible causes. The second step is to adjust the diet, improve the lifestyle and take the right male fertility supplements. Most of these changes are easier to implement than you might think.

So, what are the possible problems that can affect male fertility?

• Sperm quality: The number of sperm cells in a given semen sample. If this number is reduced, there are fewer sperm cells available to fertilize an egg.
• Sperm motility & morphology: We can all imagine what a healthy sperm cell looks like: similar to a small tadpole. To fertilize an egg, sperm must have good motility – that is, the ability to move well to reach the egg – and normal morphology – the correct size and shape. If any of these qualities are compromised, the odds of the sperm successfully navigating to the egg and fertilizing it are against them.
• Seminal fluid: The fluid in which the sperm swims. This serves an important function, as low levels of seminal fluid can reduce the chances of sperm to reach the egg after ejaculation.
• Libido: Also known as sex drive, is our innate desire to have sex. When a man's libido is reduced, it can be difficult to have sex at all, making getting pregnant very challenging.
• Erectile dysfunction: Before a man can ejaculate, he must be able to get and keep an erection. If this is not possible, trying to get pregnant without medical help can be very difficult.

How can supplements help with male fertility?

The first step to improving your fertility is to ensure you have a balanced, healthy diet and get a healthy amount of exercise (more on this later in the blog). The second step is to supplement with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that may be difficult to obtain from food in the necessary amounts.

Studies have shown that taking the right doses of those micronutrients to improve sperm quality and quantity can also help maintain a healthy male urological (reproductive) system in the long term.

When a man's physical and sexual health is improved, this benefits his psychological health and, in turn, his approach to trying for a baby. Taking control of what we ingest can, at a fundamental level, shift our mindset into a more 'baby-making' mode. When we do this, we are more likely to make the right choices about what we put into our bodies, helping our mind and body to improve our fertility.

Taking a quality supplement that contains the micronutrients scientifically proven to improve fertility is a great way to begin this process.

Vitamin C (Vit C)

One of the best known antioxidants, vitamin C, supports sperm production and quality. Oxidative stress refers to the levels of oxygen reactivity that can negatively affect your body's cells. Taking antioxidants helps reduce oxidative stress, allowing your body to produce better quality sperm. Vit C is also essential for a strong immune system. A good immune system means your body can focus on your fertility system instead of fighting disease.

Vitamin D 

We naturally produce Vitamin D when our skin is exposed to sunlight. Especially in the Northern Hemisphere (such as Ireland and the UK), vitamin D deficiency is more common due to the weather and long, dark winters. This is why vitamin D supplementation is essential. In addition to vitamin D's vital function in bone health, there is light evidence that men with optimal vitamin D levels have better sperm quality than men with low vitamin D levels.

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral micronutrient. It is not stored in sufficient amounts in the body, so it must be taken daily, through diet or supplements. It plays a crucial role regarding libido, testicular health, sperm production, semen health, seminal fluid and erectile health. Together with other vitamins and minerals, it also plays an essential role as an antioxidant and strengthens the immune system.

Selenium

Selenium is an essential mineral for normal testicular function. It contributes to normal spermatogenesis (sperm production) and normal sperm morphology and motility. It also has antioxidant properties. Studies have shown that selenium, combined with Vit E, can significantly improve male fertility.

Coenzyme Q10

You may have heard of coenzyme Q10 in connection with skin care, but it has also been shown to play a vital role in improving sperm quality – particularly in sperm concentration and sperm motility.

Siberian Ginseng

For centuries, Siberian ginseng has been used in oriental medicine for its health and aphrodisiac effects. In recent years its benefits have been scientifically investigated, and although research is still ongoing, it is thought that it may increase sperm quality. Other benefits include reduced stress, increased energy levels and an improved immune system.

Vitamin B12

Scientific studies have shown that sufficient B12 can have a positive effect on sperm quality and motility and reduce DNA damage in sperm.

Folic acid/Methylfolate

Folate levels measured in semen immediately conclude that healthy semen has healthy folate levels. The evidence shows that low folate levels correlate with low sperm quality and poor DNA stability. Interestingly, many people have difficulty converting folic acid – the synthetic form of folate – into its usable form in the body. Studies now suggest that taking folate in the form of methyl folate can significantly improve the absorption of this essential micronutrient. Therefore, it is advisable to choose folic acid supplements that contain methyl folate instead of folic acid.

What else can men do to increase fertility?

As previously mentioned, increasing fertility and switching into "baby-making mode" starts with healthy lifestyle choices, including moderate exercise, reducing body fat, lowering stress, and getting enough sleep. There are also other basic things you can do to help, such as wearing underwear that is not too tight.

Having sex two to three times a week, especially during a woman's fertile period (the 3-4 days before and during ovulation), increases the chance of pregnancy.

However, focusing your sex life entirely on baby-making can contribute enormously to stress. Therefore, having regular sex throughout the month, rather than just focusing on fertile periods, can reduce the negative impact and pressure on 'performance'.

Fertility vitamins for men – The most important conclusion

Taking a quality male fertility supplement that contains all the essential ingredients, in the right amounts, to support male fertility is one of the best ways to increase your chances of conception. As always, if you have any concerns, contacting your GP to discuss your fertility, as well as discussing it openly with your partner, can help answer questions and address concerns. Remember, male infertility is a common problem. You are not alone, and there is a lot you can do to help yourself – having the right supplement as part of a healthy lifestyle is an excellent starting point.

Love,

Midwives Dronten
Address: De Barrage 97, 8252 HR Dronten
Telephone: 06 53 65 91 91