When it comes to fertility and reproductive health, the focus often falls primarily on the woman. However, male factors contribute to infertility in around half of couples experiencing difficulty conceiving, either on their own or alongside female factors.
Male fertility is therefore an important part of the overall fertility picture, particularly when preparing for conception or assisted reproductive treatment. Sperm health can be influenced by age, general health, lifestyle, medications, environmental exposures and a range of medical conditions.
At Melbourne Reproductive Acupuncture, we work with men who are preparing for conception, undergoing IVF or ICSI, or looking to take a more proactive approach to their reproductive health alongside appropriate medical care.
In this article, we explore some of the factors that influence sperm health, practical ways to support male fertility and how acupuncture may fit into a broader approach to reproductive health.
What Affects Male Fertility?
Male fertility is closely related to the health and function of sperm. A semen analysis is one of the primary investigations used to assess male fertility and provides information about several important parameters, including:
Sperm concentration: The number of sperm present in a given volume of semen.
Sperm motility: How well sperm move, which is important for reaching and fertilising an egg.
Sperm morphology: The size and shape of sperm.
Semen volume and other characteristics: Additional measures that help assess semen quality.
In some circumstances, further investigations, such as sperm DNA fragmentation testing, may also be considered.
SPERM PRODUCTION TAKES TIME
Sperm are continually being produced, but the development of mature sperm takes approximately two to three months. The health and environment during this period can influence the quality of the sperm being produced.
Sperm are particularly sensitive to factors such as oxidative stress, inflammation, illness, heat, environmental exposures, nutrition and lifestyle.
This timeframe is important when considering male fertility preparation. Changes to diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption and other relevant lifestyle factors are unlikely to be reflected in sperm parameters immediately.
For this reason, beginning fertility preparation at least two to three months before conception or assisted reproductive treatment can be a useful consideration.
Lifestyle and Sperm Health
There is no single diet or lifestyle program that guarantees improved fertility. However, several factors are associated with sperm health and are worth considering as part of a broader approach to reproductive health.
NUTRITION
A varied, nutrient-dense diet provides the foundations for general, hormonal and reproductive health. This can include plenty of vegetables and fruit, antioxidant-rich foods, wholegrains, legumes, nuts and seeds, fish and other sources of protein, while limiting highly processed foods and choosing organic produce and meat when possible.
Feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start? A Mediterranean-style diet is a great starting point. Rich in vegetables, fruit, olive oil, legumes, wholegrains, nuts, seeds and fish, it provides a broad range of nutrients and antioxidants associated with overall metabolic and reproductive health.
The aim is not to follow a restrictive diet, but to establish sustainable eating habits that support general health and provide the nutrients needed for healthy sperm production.
SMOKING AND ALCOHOL
Smoking has been associated with poorer semen parameters and is an important modifiable factor. This also includes vaping, shisha and smoking marijuana.
Excessive alcohol consumption can also affect reproductive health. Reducing alcohol intake is therefore a sensible consideration when preparing for conception, particularly when there are already concerns about sperm quality.
EXERCISE AND WEIGHT
Regular physical activity supports overall health and metabolic function. Maintaining a healthy weight may also be beneficial for reproductive health.
As with other areas of fertility, the aim is not perfection. Sustainable changes that support overall health are generally more useful than restrictive fertility rules.
ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS (EDC’s)
Environmental exposures may also be relevant to sperm health. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), found in some plastics, personal care products and pesticides, can interfere with hormone signalling and have been associated with changes in sperm quality.
Reducing unnecessary exposure is one practical consideration when supporting reproductive health, although it is important not to become overwhelmed by every potential environmental exposure.
Read more in our journal article, Endocrine Disruptors: What Are They and How Do They Affect Reproductive Hormones and Fertility?
MEDICATIONS, TESTOSTERONE AND ANABOLIC STEROIDS
Some medications can affect sperm production, hormone levels or sexual function, so it is worth considering medications as part of a male fertility assessment.
Testosterone replacement therapy and anabolic steroids are particularly important, as they can suppress the body's natural sperm production and significantly reduce sperm counts.
If you are taking prescription medication, testosterone or anabolic steroids and are considering conception, speak with your doctor or fertility specialist about whether these could be affecting fertility. Do not stop prescribed medication without medical advice.
SUPPLEMENTATION
We generally recommend that men preparing for conception consider a good-quality male fertility supplement containing well-absorbed, bioavailable ingredients to support nutritional status and reproductive health, for at least 3 months prior trying to conceive.
Additional supplementation may be recommended to address specific nutritional deficiencies or individual requirements. These recommendations should be guided by a qualified practitioner and informed by relevant blood test results, semen analysis and health history.
It is also important to be mindful of the quality of over-the-counter supplements. Products can vary considerably in ingredient quality, bioavailability, dosage and manufacturing standards, and some may contain unnecessary fillers or additives. Choosing a practitioner-recommended product can help ensure supplementation is appropriate for your individual needs.
Does Heat Affect Sperm?
Sperm production works best at a temperature slightly below core body temperature, which is one reason the testes are located outside the body.
Prolonged or repeated exposure to high temperatures has therefore been investigated as a potential factor affecting sperm production.
However, fertility advice can sometimes become unnecessarily restrictive. Men are often told to avoid everything from cycling to laptops without clear evidence that these changes will improve their chance of conception.
Rather than becoming concerned about every possible exposure, it is more useful to identify the factors that are relevant to the individual and focus on practical, evidence-informed changes.
Can Acupuncture Help Support Male Fertility?
Acupuncture for male fertility is an area of ongoing research.
Studies have investigated acupuncture in men with concerns about semen quality, with some research suggesting potential improvements in measures such as sperm concentration and motility. However, the evidence is mixed, and there is currently insufficient high-quality evidence to establish that acupuncture increases pregnancy or live birth rates.
For this reason, acupuncture should not replace medical assessment or fertility treatment. Instead, male fertility acupuncture can be considered as complementary care alongside appropriate medical investigation and treatment.
At Melbourne Reproductive Acupuncture, treatment is individualised according to your health history, fertility goals and any available semen analysis or fertility information.
Acupuncture and IVF or ICSI
Male fertility support can be particularly relevant when preparing for IVF or ICSI.
ICSI, or intracytoplasmic sperm injection, is a specialised form of IVF commonly used when there are significant concerns about sperm number or movement, or when previous fertility treatment has indicated that it may be appropriate.
Acupuncture may be used alongside fertility treatment as part of a broader approach to wellbeing and reproductive health.
Treatment may begin several weeks or months before an IVF cycle, depending on individual circumstances. For some men, treatment may focus on general health and stress management, while for others, the focus may be on sperm health and preparation for assisted reproductive treatment.
We work alongside your medical fertility team, recognising the importance of conventional fertility assessment and treatment.
What About Sperm DNA Fragmentation?
Sperm health involves more than the number of sperm present in a semen sample.
Sperm DNA fragmentation refers to damage to the DNA within sperm. While a standard semen analysis assesses characteristics such as sperm concentration, motility and morphology, it does not routinely assess DNA integrity.
Testing may be considered in particular clinical circumstances, although it is not a routine investigation for every man experiencing fertility concerns.
Factors such as increasing paternal age, smoking, some medical conditions and oxidative stress have been investigated in relation to sperm DNA integrity.
When Should Men Have a Fertility Assessment?
It is worth considering a male fertility assessment when:
Conception has not occurred despite regular unprotected intercourse.
There have been recurrent miscarriages or pregnancy losses.
A semen analysis has shown abnormal results.
There is a history of testicular injury or surgery.
You have had an undescended testicle or testes.
You have been diagnosed with a varicocele.
There are concerns about erections or ejaculation.
You have previously used testosterone or anabolic steroids.
You are preparing for IVF or ICSI.
You would like to address modifiable health factors before conception.
Male fertility should be assessed as part of the couple's overall fertility picture rather than as an afterthought. Early assessment can help identify potential contributing factors and guide appropriate treatment or further investigation.
Supporting Male Fertility at Melbourne Reproductive Acupuncture
At Melbourne Reproductive Acupuncture, we take a whole-person approach to male fertility support in Melbourne.
Acupuncture may be combined with practical advice around nutrition, lifestyle and general wellbeing, while medical investigations and fertility treatment remain an important part of care where indicated.
We see men at different stages of their reproductive journey, whether they are preparing for conception, have received an abnormal semen analysis, are preparing for IVF or ICSI, or simply want to take a more proactive approach to their reproductive health.
Male fertility is not simply about sperm count. Understanding the factors that may be influencing sperm health can provide useful information and, where appropriate, opportunities to make positive changes.
If you would like to explore whether acupuncture may be appropriate as part of your fertility preparation, Melbourne Reproductive Acupuncture offers a complimentary 10-minute Discovery Call.
Written by Meghan Smith
Learn more about Meghan on our About Us page.
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Related MRA resources:
Men’s Health | Acupuncture for IVF | Acupuncture for Fertility | Endocrine Disrupting Chemical’s (EDC’s)