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When it comes to health, no topic should be off-limits. Luckily, the taboos surrounding wellness and health–especially male reproductive health–are slowly but surely disappearing. What was once whispered about behind closed doors is now an open discussion and the wellness industry is successfully catching up.
In this guide, we will explore the subject of male infertility, including its causes, the stigma that surrounds it, and the natural ways to optimize male sexual health. In addition, we will talk about the positive shift in male wellness, and how its scope stretches beyond the world of sports and athletic performance.
Infertility is diagnosed once a couple is unsuccessful in conceiving after one year of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. It’s a rather common issue, and it affects approximately 180 million couples around the world. The male factor accounts for around 20% of all infertility cases and contributes to 30-40% of infertility cases with both male and female causes.Since infertility issues often exist on both sides, it’s essential to examine both partners when seeking answers.[1]
The World Health Organization defines primary infertility as cases where a woman has never conceived. Secondary infertility, on the other hand, happens to couples that were able to conceive naturally at least once in the past.
An inability to conceive leads to deeply rooted psychological, social, and sexual dysfunctions in a couple’s life.[2]
For decades, the conversation about male infertility took place behind closed doors. Today, we know that 1 in 6 couples experiences trouble before conceiving their first child, and 1 in 6 couples continues to encounter obstacles with the following pregnancy.[1]
The urgency and complexity of the matter have motivated men to be more open about infertility problems, and it seems the public is willing to support their efforts.
For centuries, infertility was only attributed to women, and the other side of the equation was overlooked. The reality that the male factor can be the key issue, or a substantial part of the problem, is no longer ignored. Exploring both players in infertility cases doesn’t mean pointing fingers, but rather fully attacking the issue so an adequate solution can be found.
An increased number of infertility cases and declining sperm counts in the last few decades have sparked scientific interest in this subject. The wellness and fitness industry was involved, placing more emphasis on male physical and reproductive health. The alarming numbers shifted the focus from muscle gains and athletic performance to male infertility, anxiety, and its effect on quality of life.[3]
Nowadays, the market seems to be flooded with libido-enhancing products, testosterone support supplements, and other virility-driven solutions. While men demonstrate more confidence and openness when discussing the matter, the public agenda seems more focused on “manliness” than actual fertility issues.
Therefore, it’s crucial to not fall victim to fad diets and “magic” cures. The key lies in optimizing wellness with the support of natural methods in addition to entrusting fertility issues to an experienced specialist.
Thanks to scientific advances, infertility treatments have evolved, and many couples can find their way to parenthood, whether it be through assisted conception, surgical procedures, or other medical treatments. That being said, environmental factors such as nutrition, physical activity, and supplement regimen play an undeniable role in a man’s well-being–reproductive health included.
A 2022 study on the impact of diet on male fertility[4] recognized the Western diet as a risk factor, whereas the Mediterranean diet appears to be far more beneficial. The Mediterranean diet is rich in:
The Mediterranean diet limits the consumption of:
The intake of omega-3 fatty acids positively affects mitochondrial energetic metabolism, limiting oxidative damage which is one of the key issues in infertility. High-quality carbohydrates (whole grains) and protein (fish) can aid in the regulation of testosterone levels, boosting sperm quality, and reducing oxidative stress.[4]
A diet high in omega-6 fatty acids (Western diet based on heavily processed foods) and low in omega-3s (Mediterranean diet rich in plant-based, raw foods) has been found to compromise sperm quality, including motility and energetic metabolism.[4]
While balanced nutrition represents the foundation of wellness, it is often impossible to obtain the necessary amount of nutrients solely from dietary sources. This is where quality dietary supplements play an essential role.
Increasing omega-3 levels with supplementation can improve sperm quality parameters in men struggling with infertility.[5] Namely, omega-3 supplements have been found to increase DHA concentration in seminal plasma and significantly improve sperm motility.[6]
Creatine is one of the leading products in the male wellness market, but it is rarely mentioned in terms of reproductive health. A 2022 study recognized creatine as “a promising component of paternal preconception diet.”[7] The study suggests that male fertility can be built through an optimized diet that includes a creatine supplement. Creatine has been found to boost sperm quality, especially in men with low sperm concentration.[7]
In addition to its main functions in calcium regulation and bone mineralization, vitamin D is one of the most significant nutrients in male reproductive health. Optimal vitamin D levels in parents are associated with an increase in pregnancy rates. In addition, vitamin D has been found to promote sperm motility and quality.[8]
Optimizing reproductive health also entails[9]:
Growing awareness around male infertility is undoubtedly a giant step forward. The conversation about male infertility which motivates men to prioritize their health and seek support when needed is a powerful strategy to combat toxic masculinity. It is, however, imperative to differentiate between temporary wellness trends and scientifically-backed methods of improving reproductive health, and well-being in general.
Many companies capitalize on insecurities by advertising shortcuts and promising quick fixes. Optimizing diet, prioritizing a healthy sleep schedule, and consulting with medical professionals is the only bulletproof strategy to overcome infertility struggles. Explore more all-natural wellness products for optimal health from within.
