When couples start fertility treatment, attention naturally focuses on the woman — but male factors contribute to around 40–50% of infertility cases. Improving sperm health before treatment can increase the chance of success with less invasive options and improve outcomes with assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IUI and IVF/ICSI. This guide explains what to test, practical lifestyle changes, medical treatments, and a simple pre-treatment checklist you can use at Enjab Medical Centre.

1. Why male fertility matters

• Male factors are a common cause of infertility and often treatable.

• Sperm quality affects natural conception chances and outcomes with ART (fertilization, embryo quality).

• Addressing male health early can reduce the number of IVF cycles needed and lower emotional and financial burden for couples.

2. Key diagnostic tests (what your doctor will order)

Semen analysis (first-line test)

• Measures volume, sperm concentration (count), total motile sperm, progressive motility, and morphology.

• Usually repeated at least once (48–72 hours abstinence recommended) to confirm results.

Advanced sperm testing (when indicated)

• DNA fragmentation tests (if recurrent IVF failure or miscarriage).

• Hormonal profile: FSH, LH, testosterone, prolactin (if low count or signs of hormonal imbalance).

• Genetic tests (karyotype, Y-chromosome microdeletions) for very low counts.

• Urine/stool or swabs for infection if symptoms suggest.

Physical exam and imaging

• Testicular exam for size, varicocele (visible/enlarged veins).

• Scrotal ultrasound to evaluate varicocele or masses.

3. Common causes of poor sperm quality

• Lifestyle: smoking, excess alcohol, recreational drugs.

• Heat exposure: hot baths, tight underwear, frequent laptop-on-lap.

• Obesity and metabolic problems (diabetes, high cholesterol).

• Infections (e.g., untreated STIs), inflammation.

• Varicocele (enlarged scrotal veins) — a treatable cause.

• Medical conditions, hormonal imbalances, genetic causes.

• Certain medications and environmental toxins.

4. Evidence-based lifestyle changes to improve sperm health

These interventions are low-risk, practical, and should be started at least 3 months before attempting conception or starting fertility treatment (spermatogenesis cycle ≈ 74 days).

Nutrition & weight

• Aim for a balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.

• Maintain a healthy BMI — both underweight and obesity can impair fertility.

Avoid tobacco, limit alcohol, and stop recreational drugs

• Smoking and heavy alcohol use are consistently linked to lower sperm counts and poorer motility.

Reduce heat exposure

• Avoid daily hot tub or sauna sessions and long, hot baths.

• Wear loose cotton underwear and avoid placing laptops directly on the lap for long periods.

Exercise & sleep

• Regular moderate exercise supports overall health (avoid excessive endurance training without adequate recovery).

• Prioritise 7–8 hours of sleep per night — sleep disruption affects hormone balance.

Stress management

• Chronic stress can harm hormonal balance. Consider mindfulness, counselling, or stress-reduction techniques.

Avoid environmental toxins & harmful medications

• Reduce exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and industrial chemicals where possible.

• Review prescription medications with your doctor — some (e.g., certain testosterone therapies, chemotherapy agents) can impair sperm production.

5. Supplements — what may help (and caveats)

Supplements can support sperm parameters for some men, but they are not a guaranteed fix. Discuss with your clinician before starting any supplement, especially if you take other medications.

Commonly used supplements

• Zinc: important for sperm production and testosterone balance.

• Folic acid + zinc: often combined and some evidence suggests improved sperm concentration.

• Vitamin D: deficiency has been linked with lower testosterone and poorer semen parameters.

• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): may improve motility in some studies.

• L-carnitine: sometimes used to improve motility.

• Antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium): reduce oxidative stress which can damage sperm DNA.

Important caveats

• High-dose supplements can be harmful; stick to recommended doses.

• Supplements are helpful when deficiency or oxidative stress is suspected — they don’t replace medical evaluation and treatment.

6. Medical and surgical treatments

When lifestyle change and supplements are not enough, clinical treatments can help:

Treat infections

• Bacterial infections or prostatitis may require antibiotics or targeted treatment.

Varicocele repair

• Surgical correction may improve sperm count and quality in men with clinically significant varicocele.

Hormonal therapy

• For men with true hormonal imbalances, endocrinologists or fertility specialists may offer tailored hormonal treatments.

Assisted techniques & sperm retrieval

• If sperm quality remains low, intrauterine insemination (IUI) or IVF/ICSI can be offered depending on results.

• For azoospermia (no sperm in ejaculate), surgical retrieval techniques (TESE, TESA, PESA) with ICSI may be options.

7. When to see a fertility specialist

Consider specialist evaluation if any of the following apply:

• After 12 months of trying to conceive (or 6 months if the female partner is >35).

• Abnormal semen analysis results (low count, poor motility, high DNA fragmentation).

• Recurrent pregnancy loss or repeated IVF failure in the couple.

• Known medical conditions that could affect fertility (e.g., prior cancer treatment, history of undescended testes).

At Enjab Medical Centre our team performs a full male fertility workup, explains results clearly, and builds a stepwise plan — from lifestyle measures to advanced ART when needed.

FAQ

Q: How long until lifestyle changes improve sperm? A: Spermatogenesis takes about 2–3 months, so improvements are usually evaluated after at least 3 months.

Q: Can supplements guarantee better sperm quality? A: No — supplements can help if deficiencies or oxidative stress are present, but they’re not a guaranteed cure.

Q: Will testosterone therapy help low sperm counts? A: No — exogenous testosterone usually suppresses sperm production. Any hormonal therapy must be supervised by a specialist.

Q: Should both partners be tested? A: Yes — infertility is a couple’s issue. While treating male factors can help, a coordinated evaluation of both partners is best.

If you’re planning fertility treatment, don’t wait — improving male health now can make a real difference. Book a semen analysis or male fertility consultation with Enjab Medical Centre. Our fertility specialists andrologist/embryology team will review your results and build a personalized plan.