Male Fertility

The inability of a couple to achieve a clinical pregnancy may be due to a problem in the female, male, or both. In males, the problem is most often subfertility related to low sperm counts or abnormal sperm structure, as opposed to complete infertility. It is difficult to know exactly how many males have subfertility or infertility, as many infertility problems with couples are not discovered, and often the primary cause is in the female. Outside of obvious genetic or abnormal anatomical conditions or permanent injuries causing low sperm counts (or no sperm) in some males, other males with subfertility have the ability to boost the sperm count and health of the sperm in order to increase the chance of pregnancy with changes in lifestyle habits. Some of the factors that can negatively affect sperm and male fertility are:

• Infections (sexually transmitted)
• Diets low in vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fruits
• High saturated fat intake (particularly from meats, cheese, butter, etc.)
• Obesity
• Stress
• Sedentary lifestyle/lack of exercise
• Smoking/tobacco use
• Excessive heat to scrotum (hot tubs, tight undergarments, prolonged biking, etc.)
• Alcohol use
• Certain medications (anabolic steroids, calcium channel blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, anti-androgen drugs, etc.)
• Chemical exposures (pesticides, herbicides, etc.)
• Excessive intake of sweeteners (sugar, etc.) and sweetened beverages (sodas, etc.)

It is generally insufficiently recognized that diet can be responsible for sperm problems. Sperm need certain nutrients to be built correctly (without DNA damage) and to even be produced in the high amounts required. So, eating a diet rich in vegetables, beans, seeds, nuts, and fruit via a Nutritarian eating style is one of the first steps to take towards healthy sperm. Many couples have reported resolution of their fertility difficulties through a Nutritarian diet.

Diet

• A Nutritarian diet rich in fruits, vegetables, beans, seeds, and nuts provides certain nutrients that are needed for healthy sperm development, such as:
  • vitamin C
  • vitamin E
  • zinc
  • folate
  • alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid)
  • other antioxidants
• Reduce saturated fat intake by dramatically reducing animal product intake in general but particularly processed meats, cheese, and spreads
• Stop eating sugar and other concentrated sweeteners, as well as sweetened beverages, such as sodas
• Supplementing with a little extra zinc from a multivitamin will also help maintain normal levels

Other Considerations

• Reduce stress
• Exercise regularly
• Lose weight via dietary changes primarily (see Diet)
• Stop using tobacco and alcohol