Understanding Male Fertility: Causes of Infertility & How to Improve Sperm Health

The infertility conversation usually focuses on women. But here’s the truth- about one-third of infertility cases are due to issues with the male partner. Surprised? You’re not alone. For a long time, male fertility has been the quiet partner in reproductive health, but it deserves just as much attention.

So, what exactly is male infertility? Simply put, it’s any health issue in a man that reduces the chances of getting his partner pregnant. And while some causes are medical, many have to do with sperm health. Let’s dive deep into what affects male fertility and how to naturally improve your sperm quality.

Common Causes of Male Infertility

Male fertility starts with healthy sperm. The problem is, several things can throw a wrench into that system. Here are some of the most common issues:

Low Sperm Count

When a man has fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen, that’s considered a low sperm count. The fewer the sperm, the slimmer the chances of one making it to the egg.

Poor Sperm Motility

It’s not enough to just have sperm—they need to move well too. If less than 40% of sperm are moving, it becomes much harder for fertilization to happen.

DNA Fragmentation

Sperm carry your genetic material, so if their DNA is fragmented or damaged, it can reduce the chances of conception or lead to miscarriage. Clinics often use a DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) test to see how much damage is present.

Age

Yes, women aren’t the only ones with a biological clock. Male fertility tends to decline gradually with age, especially after 50. Sperm quality and quantity start to take a hit, which makes conception trickier.

Azoospermia

This condition means there’s no sperm at all in the ejaculate. It can be caused by blockages or by very low sperm production. Thankfully, surgical sperm retrieval techniques like PESA or TESA offer hope by extracting sperm directly from the testicles or surrounding structures.

Varicoceles

Think of these as varicose veins in the scrotum. They mess with blood flow and raise the temperature of the testicles, both of which interfere with sperm production.

Abnormally Shaped Sperm

Sperm need a certain shape to swim effectively. Ideally, they have oval heads and long tails. If the shape is off, their swimming ability drops, and with it, the chances of reaching the egg.

Lifestyle Habits That Can Wreck Sperm Health

Your lifestyle can greatly affect the health of your sperm.

Poor Diet

Your sperm are what you eat. Diets high in processed foods, sugar, and trans fats can hurt sperm quality. On the flip side, eating foods rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, zinc, folate, and omega-3s can do wonders.

Smoking

Lighting up a cigarette does more than hurt your lungs. Smoking lowers sperm count and motility, causes abnormal sperm shapes, and can even lead to erectile dysfunction. And not only that, smoke from vapes and secondhand smoke is dangerous too, especially for your partner’s fertility and pregnancy outcomes.

Alcohol

A drink now and then might be fine, but heavy drinking? That’s a problem. It messes with your hormones, lowers testosterone, and damages sperm in multiple ways, including count, shape, movement, and volume.

Stress

We all deal with stress, but chronic stress can mess with your body’s hormone production. That includes testosterone, which is crucial for sperm development. Stress also leads to oxidative damage, which affects sperm DNA.

Recreational Drugs

Drugs like cannabis, cocaine, anabolic steroids, and opioids aren’t just bad for your health. They’re also a known threat to fertility. Cannabis, in particular, has been linked to lower sperm count, poor motility, and abnormal sperm shapes.

Too Much Heat

The testicles are outside the body for a reason. They need to be a bit cooler to function properly. Regular exposure to high temperatures, like hot tubs or saunas, can interfere with sperm production.

How to Naturally Improve Sperm Health

The good news is, even though some causes of male infertility are beyond your control, you can still take proactive steps to boost sperm quality.

Focus on Nutrition

Load up on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium can protect sperm from damage. Nutrients like zinc, folate, and omega-3 fatty acids are also key players in sperm production.

Get Moving

Exercise helps regulate hormones, maintain a healthy weight, and improve overall health, including fertility. Just don’t overdo it. Excessive exercise, especially with steroid use, can backfire.

Cut Back on Alcohol

Alcohol is one of the biggest fertility wreckers. Quitting or cutting back can make a noticeable difference in sperm health.

Avoid Drugs

Recreational drugs might offer temporary highs, but they can cause long-term damage to your reproductive system.

Avoid STIs

Infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause inflammation or blockages in the reproductive tract. Using protection and limiting partners helps reduce your risk.

Keep Cool

Avoid tight underwear, long laptop sessions on your lap, and frequent hot baths. Small changes in daily habits can help your testicles stay at the ideal temperature.

Manage Your Stress

Whether it’s yoga, meditation, therapy, or just going for a walk, find something that helps you unwind. Reducing stress benefits not only your mind but also your reproductive health.

When to See a Fertility Specialist

Sometimes, lifestyle changes aren’t enough. If you’ve been trying for a baby for a year without success, it might be time to speak to a professional. Here are some other signs you shouldn’t ignore:

• Trouble getting or maintaining an erection
• Inability to ejaculate
• Pain, discomfort, or swelling in the testicles
• Noticeable changes in semen (volume, texture, or color)
• A known history of STIs or testicular trauma

How Ivy Fertility Can Help

At Nevada Center For Reproductive Medicine male reproductive health is taken seriously. They offer a wide range of services tailored to individual needs:

• Genetic testing to uncover inherited issues
• Semen analysis to examine sperm count, motility, and shape
• Testicular biopsy to evaluate sperm production
• IUI and IVF treatments for couples needing advanced help
• Donor sperm services if needed
• Fertility preservation for men looking to freeze sperm for future use
• Surrogacy support for couples exploring that route

The Bottom Line

Male fertility issues are more common than many realize, but the good news is that there are plenty of ways to make things better. From eating right and staying active to seeking expert help when needed, the power to take control of your fertility is within reach. Start with small steps today, and if you need extra support, places like Ivy Fertility are ready to walk that journey with you.

FAQs

Why get a fertility test if I feel healthy?

Because male factor infertility causes about half of all fertility problems, and most men don’t have any symptoms until they try to conceive.

What does a semen analysis check for?

A semen analysis looks at sperm count, movement (motility), shape (morphology), and other key factors like volume and pH levels.

How should I prepare for a semen analysis?

To prepare for a semen analysis, avoid ejaculation for 2 to 5 days beforehand, skip alcohol and caffeine, and avoid hot tubs and saunas.

Does the test hurt?

No, the test doesn’t hurt. It is non-invasive. All you provide is a sample through ejaculating in a cup.

What if the test shows something is wrong?

You won’t be left in the dark. A specialist will walk you through your options, which might include lifestyle changes, medications, or treatments like IVF.