Male Fertility Journey: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Male fertility means the ability of a male to produce healthy sperm cells. The role of a male in reproduction is to produce healthy sperm cells and deliver those sperm cells into the female reproductive tract [1].

World Health Organization (WHO) defines infertility as failing to conceive even after one year of regular, unprotected sex [2]. There can be many possible causes of male infertility, some related to sperm production and others related to sperm delivery.

You can define the male fertility journey as the journey from infertility towards fertility, which involves enhancing reproductive health. This article will explore the various stages men may go through on this journey.

What Decides Male Fertility?

Sperm is the male reproductive cell, and a male fertility cycle primarily depends on sperm health [3]. Testes in the male body are responsible for sperm production and storage until you need to release the sperm. The primary hormone that regulates sperm production in the testes is testosterone.

Another key aspect of male fertility is the ability to deliver sperm cells into the female body during intercourse. The sperm delivery depends on maintaining erection and achieving orgasm [4].

Poor sperm parameters — low sperm concentration, poor sperm motility, and morphology — are primary causes of male infertility [5]. Other causes include testosterone imbalance and the inability to maintain an erection.

When to Seek Help?

Many men don't understand when it's time to see a fertility specialist. Experts recommend that if a couple has been trying to conceive for over a year without success, they must seek professional help. If a man is over the age of 35 and failing to conceive or has known reproductive health issues, it's recommended to consult a fertility specialist.

Fertility specialists can guide you in your fertility journey by diagnosing fertility problems and treating those problems for better reproductive health. It is important to remember that early diagnosis of fertility issues can significantly increase the chances of recovery.

Diagnostic Tests for Male Fertility

Some of the common issues with sperm health, such as low sperm count or reduced sperm motility, can be diagnosed with the help of semen analysis [6]. Semen analysis gives details on how many sperm cells you have per milliliter of semen, how well your sperm cells can swim, and what the size and shape of sperm cells are.

Another common test to measure fertility is hormone testing, as it can tell you about the levels of testosterone and other sex hormones. It will give valuable insights into your male fertility status because different kinds of hormones directly affect sperm production.

Some fertility clinics also offer genetic testing, which looks into chromosomal data and tells if you have any inherited problem responsible for infertility.

Treatments for Male Fertility Issues

Different fertility issues require different treatment options. Some causes of infertility are treatable, and some causes can make a man sterile.

When the problem is with sperm concentration or sperm motility, your doctor may suggest some medications and lifestyle changes. Evidence shows that healthy lifestyle habits, eating a nutrient-rich diet and avoiding smoking and alcohol, can greatly impact sperm health [7].

When the medications and lifestyle habits don't help, you can go for assistive reproductive technology techniques, which can help you conceive. It includes In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), both of which are effective in helping infertile couples conceive.

Lifestyle Changes to Improve Fertility

You will find lifestyle changes as a part of most fertility treatments. This is because the kind of lifestyle habits you have are directly related to your fertility status. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and reducing stress are beneficial for sperm health.

Smoking and chronic alcohol intake significantly harm sperm health. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol and other recreational drug use are also important steps a male can take to improve his fertility.

Another important factor to consider for sperm health is avoiding exposure to environmental toxins. All these simple changes in daily habits can have a positive impact on reproductive health, enhancing the chances of conception.

The Emotional Aspect of the Fertility Journey

Dealing with fertility problems is not only costly but can also have a big emotional impact on men. Frustration, stress, or even guilt when trying to conceive are common feelings that an infertile male experiences.

Seeking support from a partner, family, or counselor can help men in this emotionally challenging phase. Remember, you are not the only one dealing with the infertility journey, and there are many treatment options that can help you and your partner conceive.

Conclusion

The male fertility journey is complex and challenging, but different infertility treatments are available. Lifestyle changes, reproductive medicines, and other medical treatments can help males who have difficulty conceiving.

If you are also among those men who are unable to start their family because of fertility issues, don't hesitate to consult a fertility expert about your infertility journey. In most cases, treatment is possible, and the dream of building a family is just a few steps away.

Resources Used

1. Gurung, P., Yetiskul, E., & Jialal, I. (2023d, May 1). Physiology, Male Reproductive System. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538429/ 
2. Leslie, S. W., Soon-Sutton, T. L., & Khan, M. A. (2024f, February 25). Male Infertility. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562258/ 
3. Gilbert, S. F. (2000d). Structure of the Gametes. Developmental Biology - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK10005/ 
4. Professional, C. C. M. (2024r, September 20). Ejaculation. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24973-ejaculation 
5. Omu, A. E. (2013). Sperm Parameters: Paradigmatic Index of Good Health and Longevity. Medical Principles and Practice, 22(Suppl 1), 30-42. https://doi.org/10.1159/000354208 
6. Sunder, M., & Leslie, S. W. (2022g, October 24). Semen Analysis. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564369/ 
7. Ferramosca, A., & Zara, V. (2022). Diet and Male Fertility: The Impact of Nutrients and Antioxidants on Sperm Energetic Metabolism. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(5). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23052542