Discover Factors that Affect Male Fertility
By Dr. Linda J. Dobberstein, DC, Board Certified in Clinical Nutrition
Over the past few generations, male fertility and sperm counts have declined in America and across the globe. Epidemiology studies show that male fertility has been decreasing since at least 1938, with a significant drop in fertility rates --52% from 1973 to 2011-- and the trend continues to worsen. While outside factors interfere with fertility, personal choices and dietary needs also play a crucial role in supporting healthy fertility in men. The health of future generations depend on your choices and nutritional optimization.
Western Diet Adversely Affects Male Fertility
A major concern pertaining to male fertility is the calorie-rich, nutrient-poor Western diet. This diet leads to low-level chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, which impacts sperm production, quantity, vitality, motility and semen quality. A decline in sperm quality has been linked to the consumption of simple carbohydrates, ultra-processed foods, trans fats, and high amounts of saturated fats.
When evaluating semen quality, the most problematic foods include processed meats, soy, potatoes, full-fat dairy products, alcohol, coffee, sugary drinks, and sweets. Processed meat refers to conventionally raised animals and products treated with steroids and exposed to xenoestrogen environmental contaminants, such as pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, chlorination, PCBs, plastics or plasticizers.
Low-Carb, Keto and Plant-Based Diets
Other dietary fads or trends, such as low-carbohydrate and keto diets, have also been associated with reduced testosterone levels and poor semen quality. Studies show that these diets increase breakdown of lipids (lipid peroxidation) and decrease antioxidant levels. A keto diet can also lead to several nutrient deficiencies if not carefully planned and supported.
Poorly implemented vegetarian or plant-based diets may also pose a risk factor for poor sperm quality due to missing nutrients. Omega-3 DHA is one nutrient commonly missing in these types of diets. Insufficient DHA can lead to unhealthy changes in sperm membrane integrity and alterations with calcium signaling mechanisms, and many other changes throughout the body.
Weight, Leptin, and Age
Other factors that negatively affect male fertility include an increased body mass index (BMI) and excess weight. Fat tissue interferes with testosterone signaling mechanisms and leads to lower testosterone and increased estrogen levels. High blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, and leptin resistance in men also impairs fertility and testosterone levels. Additionally, age-related decline affects male fertility by reducing the body’s ability to repair damage and increasing oxidative stress.
Environment and Lifestyle Factors
The decline in male fertility is influenced by more than poor diet. Several environmental endocrine disruptor compounds (EDC) and lifestyle factors have been identified as harmful to male reproduction. These include:
• anabolic steroid use
• Bisphenol A (BPA and other bisphenols)
• EMF radiation and heat stress from laptop or cell phone
• emotional stress
• environmental pollution
• excessive alcohol consumption
• exposure to pesticides/herbicides/insecticides
• flame retardants
• heat stress (hot baths, saunas, prolonged sitting)
• heavy metal exposure from cadmium, lead, and mercury
• high caffeine and soda consumption
• some medications (check with your pharmacist)
• organochlorines, organic solvents18
• parabens, PCBs, PFAS (forever chemicals), phthalates
• sedentary lifestyle or excessive exercise
• substance abuse
• use of tobacco and cannabis/marijuana
• UV filters
Exposure to EDCs during pregnancy, childhood, and adulthood can disrupt testicular development and function, resulting in low semen quality, low testosterone levels, impaired fertility, and cause changes in male gonadal reproductive cells. These exposures can also affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis (HPT axis), the neuro-endocrine communication loop between brain and testicles, resulting in impaired male fertility.
Gut Microbiome and Male Fertility
The health of the gut microbiome is another powerful factor that influences male fertility. For decades, it was thought that the urogenital tract was sterile in healthy individuals. However, research has since shown that a microbiome exists in the male genitalia skin folds and is directly impacted by the gut microbiome, affecting fertility.
Studies now demonstrates that dysbiotic changes in the gut microbiome are associated with adverse changes in sex hormones levels, reduced sperm production and increased oxidative stress.
A Common Link
These factors -- poor diet, environmental toxins, lifestyle choices, and gut microbiome dysbiosis -- share a common link: increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) free radicals and oxidative stress levels within the male reproductive system. This triggers a cascade of cellular changes, leading to epigenetic and developmental disturbances, mitochondrial dysfunction, and altered membrane fluidity. It results in sperm DNA damage, reduced semen quality, and hormone imbalances. To protect men’s health and ensure future generations, it is essential to improve dietary habits and reduce total toxic burdens.
A Better Diet
A whole-foods diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, supports healthy semen, sperm motility and quality, and testosterone levels. These diets emphasize complex carbohydrates, a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, quality protein, beans, legumes, raw seeds and nuts. Choosing organic and locally produced foods whenever possible helps reduce chemical exposures. This type of diet also provides necessary fiber, higher protein levels, healthy oils, flavonoids, and antioxidants, making it highly compatible with the 5 Rules of The Leptin Diet.
Several antioxidants and nutrients have been found to support men’s health, mitochondrial function, and epigenetic mechanisms, including:
• Acetyl-l-carnitine
• L-carnitine
• Coenzyme Q10
• Lipoic acid
• NAC
• Zinc
• Vitamins B12, C, D, and E
• Folate
• Cordyceps – a mushroom extract
These nutrients provide various benefits, including scavenging free radicals, protecting semen quality, DNA protection, supporting mitochondrial function, regulating hormone production, promoting sperm motility and quality, and supporting gut health.
Zinc: A Crucial Mineral
Zinc is a prime example of an essential nutrient for male health. Human semen contains high levels of zinc, which is stored in the prostate gland. Zinc is an essential antioxidant required for sperm development, reproduction, fertility, and testosterone production. It is also essential for detoxifying chemicals and toxins, gastrointestinal health, mitochondrial function and is required in for hundreds of enzyme pathways. Unfortunately, zinc is often lacking in the Western diet and is also lost through sweat.
The Path to Better Fertility
Male fertility and reproductive health depend on maintaining a healthy weight, stable blood sugar, and balanced blood pressure. Implementing healthy dietary choices, regular physical exercise, stress management, and reducing chemical exposures is essential. Nutritional supplementation can also provide additional support for detoxification and fertility optimization. Suggested supplements include:
• Daily Energy Multiple Vitamin
• Male Plus (newly updated formula)
• I3C+DIM
The Future of Male Fertility
A few generations ago, changes in male fertility were first noticed. Evidence suggests these declines correlate to the rapid increase in chemical exposure and the deterioration of dietary quality. How is your family addressing these changes? Future generations depend on your action now. Small, daily personal changes are necessary and make a difference!
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