About 40% of fertility challenges involve a male factor. Understanding the basics matters for both partners, and a semen analysis is one of the simplest, least invasive fertility tests available. Yet male fertility is often overlooked until much later in the process.
What Affects Sperm Health
Three parameters determine sperm quality:
- Count: The number of sperm in a sample. Lower counts reduce the chances that any sperm reaches the egg.
- Motility: The ability of sperm to move forward effectively. Poor motility means sperm may not reach the egg even if present in sufficient numbers.
- Morphology: The shape of sperm. Abnormally shaped sperm may not fertilize an egg as effectively.
All three matter. A semen analysis measures all of them.
Lifestyle Factors That Affect Sperm
- Heat: Sperm production is sensitive to temperature. Avoid prolonged hot tubs, saunas, laptop computers on the lap, and tight underwear. These effects are generally temporary and reversible.
- Smoking: Reduces sperm count, motility, and DNA quality. Stopping smoking is one of the most impactful changes a person can make.
- Alcohol: Heavy drinking lowers testosterone and sperm quality. Moderate or no alcohol is better for sperm health.
- Diet and exercise: A balanced diet and moderate exercise support healthy testosterone levels and sperm production. Obesity is associated with reduced sperm quality.
- Stress: Chronic stress can lower testosterone levels and reduce libido.
- Medications: Some medications, including anabolic steroids and certain antibiotics, affect sperm production. Talk to a doctor about any medications being taken.
When to Get Tested
If conception has not happened after 6-12 months of trying (6 months if the female partner is over 35), a semen analysis is a simple, non-invasive first step. It can be done at a fertility clinic or through a GP referral. Results usually take a few days.
There is no reason to delay testing on the assumption that the issue is "probably her." Testing both partners early gives you a complete picture faster.
What Helps
- Quit smoking.
- Reduce or eliminate alcohol.
- Maintain a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular moderate exercise.
- Keep the scrotal area cool (avoid prolonged heat exposure).
- Manage stress.
- Some evidence supports zinc and folate supplements for sperm health, but talk to a doctor before starting.
Remember: sperm takes about 74 days to mature, so changes take 2-3 months to show up in results.
Understanding Fertility as a Team
Bloom helps you track cycles, understand patterns, and approach TTC with information rather than guesswork.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for sperm to regenerate?
A full sperm production cycle takes about 74 days. This means lifestyle changes like quitting smoking or improving diet take 2-3 months to show up in sperm quality results.
Does age affect male fertility?
Yes, gradually. Sperm quality, testosterone levels, and DNA fragmentation rates worsen slowly after 40. Men can still father children later in life, but the process may take longer and risks of certain conditions in offspring increase slightly with paternal age.
Can supplements improve sperm quality?
Some evidence supports zinc, folate, and antioxidants (vitamin C, E, selenium) for sperm health. However, these supplements should complement, not replace, a healthy lifestyle and any prescribed treatment. Talk to a doctor before starting any supplement regimen.