Aussie men could be damaging their sperm without even realising

The shockingly simple lifestyle choice that is leading to Aussie men damaging their sperm has been revealed.

We don’t talk about male infertility enough. Source: Istock

The decline in male fertility is an ongoing issue, and lifestyle habits are at the crux of why some men’s sperm counts are in decline.

The concentration of active sperm in male semen has collapsed by more than 50 per cent over the last five decades, and the modern way we live is a contributing factor.

While women’s infertility struggles are part of the cultural conversation, men don’t get the same scrutiny. But if you look at the data, they are just as likely to struggle.

Fertility specialist Dr Raelia Lew told news.com.au “men are often surprised that fertility problems can be of a male origin”.

“Our society often associates fertility to be a feminine issue and 50 per cent of infertility factors are, in fact, associated with male partners.”

We don’t talk about male infertility enough. Source: Istock

Sydney couple *Jake and *Bella are in their very early 30s and visited a fertility specialist this year after trying to conceive naturally for just over 12 months.

The couple participated in routine tests, and while Bella’s fertility was looking open for business, it was discovered that Jake’s sperm had 38 per cent damage.

Damaged sperm has reduced fertilisation potential, can contribute to a higher miscarriage rate and produces poorer quality embryos.

Their specialist advised that he make some simple lifestyle changes and return in three months to see if that could reverse the damage.

The direction wasn’t anything drastic, just the ordinary things you assume align with good health. So, cutting out fast food, embracing daily exercise and quitting smoking.

Jake took the advice seriously. He eliminated alcohol, started hitting the gym, quit smoking and vaping and gave up on his obsession with McDonald’s.

The results?

After a drastic lifestyle change, he is now within the healthy range of under 20 per cent. This has drastically increased the couple’s chances of conceiving without further medical intervention.

“He was shocked that just by giving up eight cigarettes a day, weekend drinking and eating Maccas a few times a week could drastically impact his sperm,” Bella explained.

Now their fertility specialist has dubbed their chances to conceive as “promising”.

Lifestyle changes can overhaul a man’s sperm health. Source: Istock

Sperm counts are going down. Source: Istock

The amazing results shouldn’t be surprising when you look at the science behind the impact of lifestyle changes.

“A significant proportion of (fertility) problems can be modified by making healthier life choices,” Dr Law said.

“Men should feel empowered by the fact that in the course of 70 days, a new cohort of sperm is created by the testes. This means men have the opportunity to work hard to improve fertility outcomes for their relationship.”

The lack of conversation and education surrounding male fertility is still a problem.

Tyra Banks, Chrissy Teigan, Mariah Carey and Kim Kardashian have all shared their struggles with fertility but a man with the same kind of fame has yet to share a similar story and therefore the pop culture isn’t creating conversations about male fertility.

This means that men are often ignorant of how lifestyle choices can impact their sperm and can even wrongly see their fertility as a reflection of their masculinity — there’s still a stigma around it.

Integrative Chinese Medicine Practitioner Mandi Azoulay explained: “Men often think that infertility has nothing to do with them. When educated about optimal sperm health in a caring, informative and supported way, men feel empowered to know that small adjustments to their diet and lifestyle can, in fact have hugely positive effects on fertility and may also decrease the risk of miscarriage.”

So what are some everyday habits that can impact a man’s sperm quality?

“The following things can have negative impacts on sperm health: overheating the genitalia, recent illness with a fever, excessive alcohol, obesity, stress, recreational drug use, some prescription medications, poor diet, endocrine disrupters such as plastics and environmental/occupational hazards.”

Names have been changed for privacy.

Originally published as Aussie men could be damaging their sperm without even realising