We know that it takes 2 to tango and an egg and sperm to create an embryo. Did you know that male fertility is equally as important as female fertlility in creating a good quality embryo? Conception is 50% egg and 50% sperm.
Research has shown that male fertility is declining. Sperm counts are down globally. Meta-analysis studies completed in 2017 and 2022 have found that sperm concentration and total sperm count declined significantly between 1973 and 2018. Sperm count was measured at 101 million/ml in 1973, it had fallen to 49 million/ml in 2018.
Poor sperm count, poor morphology and poor motility can lead to poor sperm quality and male infertility. There may be a medical reason for this, including but not limited to, varicocele, genital tract infection, HPV or hypogonadism but it is now widely recognised and accepted that environmental and lifestyle factors impact heavily on sperm. I am going to take a closer look at 3 lifestyle factors and how they may negatively impact male fertility.
Male fertility and the impact of 3 lifestyle factors.
1. Obesity
Obesity levels in males of reproductive age in Australia have almost tripled since the 1970’s. There are many studies, including this recent literature review from 2023 showing the impact that obesity can have on sperm. Obesity may lead to a reduction in sperm concentration, a possible reduction in motility and morphology and there is a correlation between obesity and reduced sperm DNA integrity and oxidative stress. Sperm DNA damage is linked to miscarriage.
There is research indicating that male obesity can have a negative impact on IVF outcomes, this included reduced pregnancy rates and reduced live birth rates (Pojer, 2023).
It is not all bad news, a recent study found that sperm count and semen quality improved significantly in obese males who lost weight and maintained it.
2. Heat
Normal scrotal temperature is around 34 degrees celsius in a naked body. Spermatogenesis (sperm cell production) works best at this temperature. Loose underwear and clothing increases scrotal temperature by approx 1 degree celsius. Placing a laptop on your lap can increase scrotal temperature by 2.8 degrees celsius. When sperm cells are exposed to temperatures higher than 34 degrees celsius spermatogenesis becomes impaired (Pojer, 2023).
This 2022 study noted sperm motility was reduced if men slept or worked in a warm room, wore tight fitting underwear whilst sleeping, slept with an electric blanket or sat for an average of 6 hours per day at work. Another study showed a significant reduction in sperm count and motility in men who use saunas. This study also found that the negative effects on sperm from sauna use were reversible within 6 months.
It is recommended that for 3 months before trying to conceive and when actively trying to conceive men avoid anything that increases the temperature of their scrotum, including sitting for long periods, tight underwear, tight pants, bike shorts, hot baths, saunas and placing your laptop on your lap.
3. Smoking and Vaping
It is widely accepted that smoking tobacco cigarettes has a negative impact on male fertility. This study states that smoking tobacco “leads to reduced sperm quality including semen volume, sperm density, motility, viability and normal morphology”. It adds that dysfunction of spermatogenesis, poor sperm maturation and imparied spermatozoa function have also been observed in male smokers as well as increased risk of IVF failure.
Vapes or E-cigarettes are relatively new and there is not as much research avaliable, studies that have been done are primarily on animal subjects. This overview of literature notes that the ingredients in an E-cigarette can vary, over 80 different compounds have been detected in the liquids and aresols in an E-cigarette. Heat generated by the device warms these compounds releasing harmful toxins in the vapour which are consumed.
A human study which exposed spermatozoa to nicotine free cinnamon and bubblegum flavoured vapes found a decrease in sperm motility. Male rats exposed to the vapor from E-cigarettes had increasd cell death, an alteration of morphology and malformations and low testicular weight.
More studies on humans are required to confirm the findings exhibited by animals.
It is believed that exposure to the metal particles, lead, nickel, chromium, iron, copper, silver, zinc and silica from E-cigarettes could like in environmental exposure negatively impact on sperm concentration, sperm motility and sperm function but there is no definitive research on this as yet.
Studies have shown that sperm quality does improve once smoking is ceased.
It takes approximately 90 days or 3 months for sperm to mature, the quality of sperm can be influenced by eating a healthy diet, cutting toxins from your lifestyle, managing stress and moving your body. Taking 3 months prior to planning to conceive to improve the quality of sperm will have a positive impact.
Traditional Chinese Medicine has a role to play in male fertility, Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicines can be beneficial in the treatment of male fertility. At Sydney Natural Fertility we also provide advice on lifestyle changes and supplements. Please get in contact if you would like to discuss this information further or book an initial assessment.
References:
Pojer, O (2023). Integrative Treatment of Male Infertility with Chinese Medicine. Singing Dragon
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