Male fertility plays a far bigger role in conception than many people realise — yet myths around age, lifestyle and “proven fertility” continue to leave couples misinformed
Despite what you might have been told, women aren’t the only ones who need to be aware of lifestyle factors when it comes to trying to conceive.
According to experts, a man’s health can have much more of an impact than you might think – and misinformation could be affecting your chances to have children.
“A third of fertility issues are related to male factors.” That’s Dr Victoria Sephton, the CMO at Care Fertility – she specialises in diagnosing and managing infertility.
We asked her what the most common myths are when it comes to men’s fertility that could be affecting your results.
Top four myths around male fertility:
- Age doesn’t effect it
“A common misconception is that male fertility does not decline with age,” says Sephton. This is surprising to a lot of people, as we often hear of a ‘body clock’ notion in relation to women’s fertility, but not men’s – and this is only perpetuated by celebrity fatherhood late in life (such as Al Pacino who conceived a child at age 83!).
“Men’s fertility does change with age, but much more slowly than in women,” explains Sephton. “While men continue to produce sperm throughout life, sperm quality, motility, and DNA integrity gradually decrease, which can make conception more challenging as men get older,” she says.
“At Care Fertility we conduct male fertility tests early on in a patient’s journey. It gives a clear picture of sperm health and helps us suggest any tests or lifestyle changes that could make a difference.”
- It’s easy to have kids if you’ve already had them
“Another myth is that having children previously guarantees future fertility,” says Sephton. This isn’t true. “Fertility can change over time due to lifestyle factors, medical conditions, or age-related changes,” she says, meaning it’s not a guarantee.
“Male infertility can be the result of a number of factors, though sometimes it can prove difficult to identify a clear cause,” explains Sephton. According to the Doctor, poor-quality sperm, such as low count, poor movement, or abnormal shapes can all affect fertilisation.
“Problems with the testicles, like infections, injury, surgery, cancer, or congenital conditions, can also affect sperm production,” she says.
- Lifestyle doesn’t impact men’s sperm
Another common myth is that lifestyle doesn’t have an impact for men. It’s widely known that women’s chances of getting pregnant are significantly higher if she’s in good health, but there’s been very little awareness on how men’s lifestyle can impact this too. That’s now beginning to change.
“Some believe lifestyle choices do not affect fertility, but evidence shows that smoking, excessive alcohol, recreational drugs, poor diet, and obesity can all impair sperm quality. Making improvements in these areas can have a meaningful impact,” says Sephton.
“Regular sex every two to three days when trying to conceive helps, and managing stress or addressing medical issues like infections or low testosterone can further improve outcomes.”
- It’s not just a woman’s problem
“Infertility is often assumed to be a woman’s issue when in reality, male factors contribute to around half of all fertility problems,” says Sephton.
“At Care Fertility we feel it’s essential to assess both partners.” According to the doctor, an estimated 7% of all men are impacted by sub-fertility and a third of all fertility issues are related to male factors.
There are many helpful tips around making lifestyle adjustments that can boost fertility – as well as seeing doctors if necessary. “Seeking advice is nothing to be embarrassed about,” says Sephton.
“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.”
When should you get tested?
“If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for a year without success, it is a good idea to get tested,” Sephton recommends.
“You might also consider testing sooner if you have risk factors such as past testicular problems, infections, injuries, surgery, or treatments that could affect sperm.”
“Early testing can give clarity, highlight any issues, and help us guide the right approach. Even men who feel healthy or have had children before can benefit from a check-up,” she reiterates.
“Our advice is to address any concerns sooner rather than later. Fertility issues are more common than many men realise, and speaking with a clinician can provide clarity and ease anxiety.”
