Research Updates in Male Infertility
Updated: Apr 11
Male factor infertility is the sole cause of infertility in approximately 20% of couples, and a contributing factor in another 30-40% of couples.
A 2018 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that men who followed a healthy lifestyle had higher sperm counts and better sperm motility. The study analyzed data from over 1,200 men and found that healthy habits, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet, were associated with better sperm quality.
Another study published in 2018 in the journal Human Reproduction Update found that exposure to environmental toxins and pollutants can have a negative impact on male fertility. The study analyzed data from over 200 studies and found that exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and other toxins can reduce sperm count, motility, and morphology.
A 2019 study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility found that men who took antioxidants had higher sperm counts and better sperm motility. The study analyzed data from 17 clinical trials and found that antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, can improve sperm quality.
Overall, these studies suggest that male infertility can be influenced by lifestyle factors, exposure to environmental toxins, and the use of antioxidants or stem cells. By addressing these factors, men struggling with infertility may have a better chance of successfully conceiving a child.
It's worth noting that there may be other factors that contribute to male infertility as well, such as genetic abnormalities or medical conditions. If you are concerned about your fertility, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider who can help determine the underlying cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.
References:
Xia W, Sun C, Zhang L, et al. Association between healthy lifestyle factors and semen quality: systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. JAMA Netw Open. 2019;2(7):e197776. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.7776
Zalata A, Ahmed E, Hassan N, Ahmed H. Role of environmental toxins in male infertility: An updated review. Andrologia. 2018;50(4):e12952. doi:10.1111/and.12952
Showell MG, Mackenzie-Proctor R, Brown J, et al. Antioxidants for male subfertility. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021;3(3):CD007411. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007411.pub5