When a couple struggles to conceive, male fertility issues play a role in approximately 50% of cases. In fact, reproductive issues related specifically to sperm account for 20-30% of infertility cases (1). The two primary factors affecting sperm health are sperm production and sperm delivery.

Sperm Production Issues

Producing enough healthy sperm is essential for male fertility. However, sperm health is dynamic—it takes about 90 days for sperm to develop fully. This means that lifestyle choices and health conditions from three months ago impact sperm quality today.

A semen analysis, conducted according to WHO guidelines, evaluates sperm health based on five key factors:

• Semen volume – Semen transports sperm to the egg. Too much or too little can hinder fertilization.

• Motility – The ability of sperm to move efficiently affects its chances of reaching and fertilizing the egg.

• Sperm concentration – A high sperm-to-semen ratio increases the likelihood of conception.

• Total sperm count – More sperm means higher fertilization potential.

• Morphology – Sperm should have a standard size and shape for effective fertilization. A higher percentage of well-formed sperm improves fertility chances.

Mojo's Advanced Testing Kit evaluates all of the above as well as additional sperm metrics such as factors like pH, viscosity, aggregation & agglutination. IgA and IgG antibody tests are also performed when relevant

Ways to Improve Sperm Production

• Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants (fruits, vegetables, nuts).

• Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight.

• Avoid excessive alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs.

• Manage stress and get sufficient sleep.

• Keep the testicles cool.
  

Keeping testicles cool is essential for optimal sperm production because excessive heat can impair sperm quality and reduce fertility. The testicles naturally regulate their temperature, but prolonged exposure to heat from tight clothing, hot tubs, or saunas can negatively affect sperm motility and count. Scientific research suggests that cold exposure, such as ice baths, may help counteract these effects, and neuroscientist Andrew Huberman has discussed the impact of ice baths on sperm health in detail.

Sperm Delivery Issues

Sperm must reach the egg for conception to occur. If there are ejaculation or erectile dysfunction problems, natural conception becomes difficult. Several factors can affect sperm delivery:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED) – The inability to maintain an erection affects sperm transport.

• Premature ejaculation – Can impact sperm delivery and reduce conception chances.

• Retrograde ejaculation – A condition where semen enters the bladder instead of exiting through the penis, often caused by diabetes, spinal injuries, or medications.

• Blockages or missing ducts – Structural issues, such as previous surgeries, infections, or genetic conditions (e.g., cystic fibrosis), can prevent sperm from being delivered.

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – Untreated STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhea can cause blockages in the reproductive system.

How to Improve Sperm Delivery

• Address erectile dysfunction with lifestyle changes or medical treatment.

• Seek professional help if premature ejaculation is an issue.

• Get screened and treated for STIs.

• Consult a doctor if retrograde ejaculation or a blockage is suspected.

Factors Affecting Sperm Health

Sperm quality can be impacted by medical conditions and lifestyle factors. Understanding these can help improve fertility naturally.

Medical & Physiological Factors

• Undescended testicles – When a testicle does not descend properly into the scrotum.

• Structural blockages – Damage or absence of sperm ducts due to illness, surgery, or genetic conditions.

• Testicular tumors – Can interfere with sperm production.

• Genital infections – Conditions like prostatitis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea affect sperm health.

• Varicocele – Swelling of veins in the scrotum, reducing sperm quality.

• Hormonal imbalances – Issues like hypogonadism (low testosterone levels) can reduce sperm production.

Environmental & Lifestyle Factors

Sperm cells are highly sensitive to oxidative stress, which can result from:

• Exposure to chemicals & radiation – Pesticides, industrial chemicals, and radiation can impact sperm health.

• Certain medications – Testosterone replacement therapy, chemotherapy, antibiotics, and antidepressants can negatively affect fertility.

• Smoking, alcohol, and drugs – These habits reduce sperm count and motility.

• Obesity – Excess body fat alters hormone levels and increases testicular temperature.

• Heat exposure – Frequent sauna use, tight underwear, prolonged sitting, or occupational heat exposure can impact sperm production (2).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the symptoms of poor sperm health?
A: Symptoms can include low sex drive, difficulty achieving an erection, and unsuccessful attempts at conception.

Q: How can I naturally improve sperm quality?
A: Eat a nutrient-rich diet, exercise regularly, reduce stress, and avoid smoking, alcohol, and drugs.

Q: Can sperm health be tested at home?
A: Mojo offers various tests to analyse sperm health from the comfort of home. The Standard Kit is ideal for men who are curious about their fertility or are undergoing TRT. The Advanced Kit is suitable for couples who are struggling to conceive and want deeper insights. Lastly, the Ultimate Kit, which includes sperm DNA fragmentation is designed for couples with repeated conception challenges incl. miscarriages and failed IVF.

Final Thoughts

Sperm health plays a crucial role in fertility, but many factors affecting sperm quality are manageable. Men can significantly improve their reproductive health by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, addressing medical concerns, and seeking professional guidance when necessary.

References

(1) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0009912018302200
(2) https://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.ezproxy.library.qmul.ac.uk/pmc/articles/PMC5850791/pdf/dmx021.pdf