Eli Huang is a natural health practitioner, and fertility coach. Ever since becoming a mum she has always been fascinated by the conception process. She has been a clinician and Chinese Medicine Practitioner for over 15 years with a focus and passion now in the area of fertility and women’s hormonal health.
Fertility challenges are often framed as a women’s issue. Society has conditioned us to think that when a couple struggles to conceive, the problem likely lies with the woman’s body. However, male fertility is equally crucial. In fact, male factors contribute to about 30% of infertility cases, and in combination with female factors, they can account for up to 50%. Yet, male health is frequently neglected or overlooked until it’s too late.
Understanding why men are the "other half" in fertility and why their health should be prioritised from the beginning can drastically change the approach to conception challenges. This article will discuss why male fertility is critical, explore the biological and lifestyle factors that affect it, and explain why poor male health parameters have long-lasting implications for couples trying to conceive, as well as affecting the male’s long-term health outcomes.
The biology of male fertility
Fertility is not just about eggs and ovulation—sperm plays an equally vital role. Sperm health is determined by several factors, including quantity (sperm count), movement (motility), shape (morphology), and genetic integrity.
Even if a woman’s reproductive health is perfect, conception is unlikely if the sperm does not meet the health criteria. In fact, sperm abnormalities, such as poor motility or abnormal shape, can result in difficulty conceiving or even miscarriages. Therefore, both partners need to be evaluated during the fertility journey, as focusing solely on the woman’s health may miss critical male factors.
Neglecting male fertility: A widespread problem
There are several reasons why male fertility tends to be neglected. Historically, fertility treatments and research have been centered on women. Part of this is due to the complexity of the female reproductive system, and part of it stems from societal norms that frame fertility issues as primarily a "woman's problem."
Additionally, many men are not as proactive about their reproductive health as women are. The cultural stigma around male infertility often leads men to avoid testing, delaying diagnosis and treatment. By the time a man is tested, months or years of fertility challenges may have already passed, creating an unnecessary time lag in finding solutions.
Common causes of male fertility issues
Male fertility is impacted by a wide range of factors, many of which are preventable or manageable. Below are some of the most common causes of male infertility:
1. Lifestyle factors
Smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet, and sedentary behaviour can all negatively affect sperm production and quality. Excessive weight or obesity can also lower testosterone levels and impair sperm production, while high-stress levels can interfere with sperm quality.
2. Environmental exposures
Men are often more exposed to environmental toxins than women, especially those working in certain industries. Chemicals, heavy metals, and radiation can damage sperm DNA, reducing both sperm count and quality. Additionally, exposure to heat (from sources like saunas or even laptops on the lap) can harm sperm production.
3. Underlying health conditions
Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or untreated infections can impair sperm production and function. In some cases, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) left untreated can lead to scarring or blockages.
4. Age and hormonal changes
While men do not experience a clear-cut "biological clock" like women do, age still plays a role in fertility. As men get older, sperm production slows, and genetic mutations in sperm become more common, which can increase the risk of birth defects or miscarriage.
Why male health should be addressed early?
Addressing male health early in the fertility journey is not only essential for conception but also for long-term family planning. The misconception that men can "always" have children at any age without consequence overlooks critical factors like sperm health and the increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities as men age.
When couples seek fertility help, both partners should undergo evaluations from the start, as this can reveal male-related issues that could be contributing to the delay in conception. Male fertility testing typically includes a semen analysis, which evaluates sperm count, motility, and morphology, as well as hormonal evaluations to check for imbalances like low testosterone.
Identifying potential male fertility issues early allows couples to seek treatment more quickly and avoid wasting time on ineffective interventions. Treatments might include lifestyle changes, medications to increase sperm production, or procedures such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) once all the diet and lifestyle factors have been addressed.
The importance of a holistic approach
Male fertility should not be seen as separate from overall health. In many cases, the factors affecting sperm production are tied to broader health issues such as obesity, poor diet, or chronic stress. Encouraging men to adopt healthier lifestyles can not only improve fertility outcomes but also lead to better long-term health outcomes.
This holistic approach should also include mental and emotional well-being. Infertility can be emotionally draining for both partners, and men often feel left out of the emotional conversation. Encouraging open discussions about fertility and making sure men feel supported during the process can improve emotional health and relationship satisfaction during this often stressful time.
Conclusion: Moving forward together
Male fertility is a crucial component of conception, and ignoring this half of the equation can delay or prevent a couple’s journey to parenthood. Men should be encouraged to take an active role in their reproductive health from the start. By making male health a priority—whether through routine fertility assessments, healthier lifestyle choices, or early intervention when problems are identified—couples can increase their chances of conceiving and building the family they dream of. Neglecting male health until it's too late can have long-term consequences, but with awareness and action, couples can move forward together toward better fertility outcomes. The journey to parenthood is a shared one, and both halves of the fertility equation matter equally.
If you would like more information about how I can help you or your partner with male or female-related infertility issues, I’d love to have a chat to see if I can offer some advice.
Book a complimentary Fertility Focus call with me today to explore how I could help and start your journey towards happy and healthy parenthood!
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Eli Huang, Natural Fertility Practitioner and Health Coach
Eli Huang is a natural health practitioner, and fertility coach. Ever since becoming a mum she has always been fascinated by the conception process. She has been a clinician and Chinese Medicine Practitioner for over 15 years with a focus and passion now in the area of fertility and women’s hormonal health. Eli uses a combination of ancient chinese medicine combined with modern western medical advances to help her clients balance body mind and spirit to optimise their health and hormones. She understands the struggles many women go through with their hormones from infertility, endometriosis to menopause. She endeavours to help clients understand the root problem and helps clients return to a balanced state.
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