Improving male fertility
Male factors contribute to up to 50% of infertility cases
Around 1 in 7 heterosexual couples in the UK experience infertility. So why is so much of the fertility conversation still directed at women? The male side of the fertility picture can sometimes begin and end with a semen analysis.
Male fertility is relevant in almost half of couples experiencing fertility problems. So if you're trying to conceive as a couple, it makes sense to look at both of you. And importantly, sperm health isn't necessarily fixed. There are factors that can sometimes be identified and changes that may help hugely improve sperm health.
Explore other fertility support pages
Fertility problems can feel incredibly personal, and for some men, concerns about sperm health can affect confidence or feel difficult to talk about.
A semen analysis is an important starting point, but it doesn't tell us everything about male reproductive health. It's not about finding someone to blame, it's about making sure both sides of the fertility picture are being properly considered, and remembering you're in it as a couple or a team.
So many of our clients have radically improved their sperm health and gone on to have a baby with their partners. We strongly advocate for male fertility and hope this page can help you on your journey.
She's had how many tests? You've had one…
This is something we see surprisingly often. A woman may have blood tests, hormone testing, scans and investigations into her reproductive health. Her partner has a semen analysis and, if nothing particularly concerning appears, the investigation of his fertility can sometimes stop there.
A semen analysis is an incredibly useful starting point. But it doesn't tell us everything about male reproductive health. If you've had an abnormal result, or you've been trying to conceive for some time without a clear explanation, it may be worth understanding what has actually been investigated on both sides.
Firstly, what does a semen analysis actually tell us?
A semen analysis is usually the first test used to investigate male fertility. It looks at several different characteristics of your semen and sperm, including sperm count and concentration, sperm motility and sperm morphology.
Sperm concentration:
How many sperm are present in a given amount of semen.
Sperm volume:
Amount of fluid in the given sample.
Motility (Total and Progressive):
How well the sperm are moving (total motility), including whether they are moving forwards effectively (progressive motility).
Morphology: The size and shape of the sperm.
A semen analysis provides useful information, but it isn't a simple fertility pass or fail. Semen measurements can vary, which is why an abnormal result will often be followed by another semen analysis. The NHS advises that this is usually carried out around three months after the first test. You can watch our video explaining all about sperm analysis results to understand more.
What if my semen analysis is abnormal?
First, don't panic. An abnormal result doesn't automatically mean that you can't conceive. If your first semen analysis shows a possible problem, you will usually be offered another test. The NHS says this is commonly around three months later, although some particularly abnormal findings may need earlier follow up.
If abnormalities persist, further investigation may be appropriate. Depending on your results, symptoms and individual medical history, this could include blood tests, a physical examination, ultrasound or other specialist investigations.
The important question becomes 'why might the result look like this, and is there anything else that needs investigating?'. It is important to understand that investigating further is part of the important process of exploring both yours and her fertility. It does not mean you are to blame or there is anything fundamentally wrong.
Male fertility is such an important part of the work we do with couples. We get so many wonderful results through our acupuncture treatments too. Find out how we helped one client go from zero sperm to a healthy baby here.
What can affect male fertility?
Sometimes there is an identifiable reason for poor sperm production or quality. Sometimes several factors may be relevant. And sometimes no clear cause is found, which can be incredibly frustrating. There can be a number of factors that affect sperm quality, and sometimes they're not all considered within fertility tests and investigations.
Health & medical history
Previous infections, testicular injury or surgery, undescended testicles, ejaculation problems, hormonal conditions and some medicines or medical treatments can affect male fertility.
Smoking and alcohol
Smoking can affect semen quality, while drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can also affect sperm. If either is relevant to you, making changes is worthwhile for your wider health as well as your fertility.
Weight & general health
Your reproductive health is connected to your wider health. Weight, physical activity, nutrition and some underlying health conditions can all be relevant to male fertility. Looking after your general health is therefore an important part of looking after your sperm health too.
Current European male infertility guidance specifically associates obesity, low physical activity, smoking and high alcohol intake with poorer sperm quality.
Heat & environment
The testes are designed to be cooler than the rest of the body, and increased scrotal temperature can affect semen quality. Certain occupational exposures may also be relevant, including some pesticides, solvents and heavy metals.
Hormones
Hormones are important for sperm production and sexual function. In some circumstances, hormone testing may form part of further male fertility investigation.
7 things you can do to support sperm health
There is no magic food, supplement or lifestyle change that can guarantee better sperm or a pregnancy. We understand the need to find something. You may spend a lot of time on Google and you may have spent a lot of money on various supplements or lubricants with reviews that make them look like they produce pregnancies. But fertility is influences by a number of factors and linked to your overall health, so making changes across multiple areas the best you can is best. Try starting with these 7 tips below to improve your sperm health.
1. Try acupuncture
We understand this is an area where many are reluctant to try. However we get fantastic results in clinic and this is the first thing we suggest. If you're local to us in Wokingham, Berkshire, we'd be delighted to see you. Come and give it a go and hopefully in one session we can settle your concerns about any needles or discomfort and help you feel at ease. Regular acupuncture treatment can improve sperm count, morphology and motility. It can also support good energy levels and strong libido.
2. Improve your diet
Improved nutrition, including a high intake of chicken, fish, fruit and vegetables, preferably organic, can improve sperm health and morphology. Conversely, high fat and salt ready meals could be depleting your sperm count and concentration. Rather than looking for one ‘fertility food’, think about the overall quality of what you eat. A Mediterranean style pattern of eating is a useful place to start.
3. Keep the area cool
The testes are designed to be slightly cooler than the rest of the body, and prolonged heat exposure may affect sperm production and quality. If you're trying to conceive, it's sensible to avoid regularly overheating the area, for example through frequent hot tubs or saunas. If you regularly use a laptop, don't rest it directly on your lap for long periods.
4. Take fertility suitable supplements
Generally paying more correlates to higher quality but it's worth being a little cautious. Do your research and ensure they're a well known and reviewed product. Taking a good quality preconception supplement for at least three months could improve both semen quality and general health. Antioxidants Vit C and; E plus Zinc and Selenium can be especially effective in improving sperm quality. However your individual diet, health, medications and test results matter, so it's worth getting advice before spending heavily on supplements or taking high doses of individual nutrients.
5. Stop smoking and recreational drugs
If you smoke, stopping is one of the most worthwhile changes you can make for your overall health and may also support sperm health. Recreational drugs and anabolic steroids can also affect male reproductive health, so tell your doctor if these may be relevant to you.
6. Reduce alcohol consumption
If you drink alcohol, consider cutting back while you're trying to conceive, particularly if you regularly drink heavily. UK guidance recommends no more than 14 units a week, spread across three days or more, however we encourage our clients to try for less than 5 units a week due to the effects we believe it can still be having on your sperm.
7. Consider ways to reduce stress
Trying for a baby can be stressful in itself, and looking after your mental wellbeing matters too. If you're living with a lot of pressure, think about realistic ways to create some breathing space, whether that's walking, exercise, better sleep, talking to someone or simply making more time to switch off.
The effects of acupuncture on sperm
Research into acupuncture for male fertility is still developing, and the given evidence isn't strong enough for acupuncture to be better supported by other industry professionals. But what we can share is our experience in clinic. We have worked with many men as part of a couple's wider fertility journey, combining acupuncture with practical support around nutrition, lifestyle, stress and understanding their fertility results. We've seen some significant improvements in semen analysis results, including one particularly memorable journey from no sperm being found in an initial sample to the couple later welcoming their baby.
Acupuncture can increase blood flow to the area and reduce stress, and we've seen sperm parameters improve hugely. Sperm has so much promise for change, and wherever you are on your fertility journey it's never too late to try some changes.
Nutrition for male fertility
It's very easy to find long lists of supplements online promising to improve sperm count, motility, testosterone or fertility. Supplements can also be very individual. One of the best things you can do is consider what you eat.
A Mediterranean style diet is one of the dietary patterns most commonly associated with good overall and reproductive health. Rather than trying to eat perfectly, focus on plenty of vegetables and fruit, wholegrains, fish, nuts, seeds, pulses and healthy fats, while reducing heavily processed foods where you can.
How we support male fertility at here at the Verity Paz Clinic
Male fertility deserves to be taken seriously. Having questions about your sperm doesn't make you less masculine. An abnormal semen analysis doesn't define your chances of becoming a father. And fertility investigation shouldn't automatically focus on one half of a couple.
You may have arrived at this page because you simply wanted some information. If that's all you need right now, we hope these Male Fertility resources help you understand where to start.
If you reach a point where you'd like more individual support, we can look at your fertility journey together. We suggest starting with an intro call so we can discuss what might be the best way forward for you.
Fertility Investigation Session
Fertility coaching gives us the opportunity to look at the bigger picture for both partners. We can go through what has already been investigated, help you understand the information or test results you've been given, look at areas of health and lifestyle that may be relevant, and help you identify questions you may want to take back to your GP, consultant or fertility clinic. Our role is to help you feel more informed and supported, and to give you practical tips to improve your fertility.
Acupuncture and male fertility support
We get amazing results with our male clients and regular acupuncture, through our linked clinic 'The Natural Fertility Clinic'. We're so proud of our clinicians and what they can do for sperm. We understand if you haven't tried this treatment before it can seem a little daunting, so we've created a page for male acupuncture specifically. If you have any other questions please get in touch with us.
Male fertility FAQs
Male fertility problems are more common than many people realise. Male factors are involved in around half of couples experiencing fertility difficulties, either as the main factor or alongside female fertility issues. Yet fertility investigation can still feel disproportionately focused on the woman.
This is why we strongly believe fertility should be looked at as a couple wherever possible. If you've been trying to conceive without success, understanding the male fertility picture is just as important as investigating female fertility. A semen analysis is usually the starting point, but depending on the results and your circumstances, there may be reasons to look further.
