Fertility concerns can make you feel out of control – but there are some things you can do to help improve your chances of conceiving. We asked the experts what actually works
Fertility problems in men are way more common than you might think. According to Care Fertility – the UK’s leading independent provider of fertility treatment – an estimated 7% of all men are impacted by sub-fertility.
“A third of fertility issues are related to male factors,” says Dr Victoria Sephton, the Chief Medical Officer at Care Fertility. She oversees Care Fertility Group clinics in the UK, Spain and USA, and focuses on supporting and guiding clinical training and development, as well as the management of recurrent failure and low prognosis patients.
“Our advice is to address any concerns sooner rather than later,” says Sephton. “Fertility issues are more common than many men realise, and speaking with a clinician can provide clarity and ease anxiety.”
So, what causes low fertility in men?
Having fertility issues can be extremely frustrating and worrying – and there are a multitude of reasons why it can happen. Age, illness, injury and lifestyle can all be contributing factors.
“Common issues include poor-quality sperm, such as low count, poor movement, or abnormal shapes, which can hinder fertilisation,” explains Dr Sephton. “Problems with the testicles, like infections, injury, surgery, cancer, or congenital conditions, can also affect sperm production.”
“Other factors include ejaculation disorders, low testosterone, previous sterilisation, and certain medications or drugs, including anabolic steroids, chemotherapy, some anti-inflammatories, herbal remedies, and recreational drugs,” she says. “Sometimes it can prove difficult to identify a clear cause,” adds Sephton, who says that around one in four cases are unexplained.
Is there anything I can do to boost my fertility?
“Yes, there are several ways men can boost fertility,” reassures the doctor. “Sperm health can be affected by a range of factors, from medical conditions to lifestyle choices, and many of these can be managed.”
- Eat a balanced diet
“Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats supports sperm health,” suggests Sephton, who believes improving our health can have an impact.
- Have sex regularly
That’s right – it’s medically advised that you have regular sex to improve your chances of conceiving – what a great excuse! “Regular sex every two to three days when trying to conceive helps,” suggests Sephton. It sounds simple, but it will create more opportunities for success.
- Managing stress and health
One of the hardest things to change can be our relationship with stress, but it could be impacting your chances to conceive. “Managing stress or addressing medical issues like infections or low testosterone can further improve outcomes,” says Sephton. Perhaps there’s some lifestyle or schedule changes you can make to take some pressure off? It’s easier said than done, but it could be life-changing.
- Curb bad habits
“Some believe lifestyle choices do not affect fertility, but evidence shows that smoking, excessive alcohol and recreational drugs, poor diet, and obesity can all impair sperm quality,” explains Sephton. “Reducing alcohol, quitting smoking, avoiding recreational drugs, and limiting exposure to toxins can also make a difference,” she says. “Making improvements in these areas can have a meaningful impact.”
- Get tested
Alongside trying these lifestyle changes, Sephton recommends getting tested early doors to get some clarity on what’s going on. “Seeking advice is nothing to be embarrassed about, it allows you to understand what’s happening in your body, access appropriate guidance or treatment if needed, and feel supported and informed about your reproductive health.”
What should you do if you think you have fertility issues?
“If you suspect fertility issues, the best step is to seek professional advice rather than hoping it will resolve itself,” suggests Dr Sephton. “Male fertility problems are common, and early assessment can provide peace of mind.”
“Feeling anxious is completely normal, but testing is an important and responsible step,” she says. “Male fertility assessments are handled discreetly and provide clarity, which can ease uncertainty and help patients move forward with confidence. It’s not a judgement on health or identity, just essential information to understand the full picture.”
“Depending on the results, further investigations or lifestyle adjustments may be recommended by your clinician. Fertility isn’t just one person’s responsibility, so we recommend early testing for couples to give you the information and support to make informed decisions and progress your fertility journey with confidence.”
