Male fertility is declining, and preconception care for men is becoming more and more important!
Male factors aren’t a small piece of the fertility puzzle. Male factors solely account for around 20–30% of infertility cases and contribute to approximately 50% of infertility among couples.
And sperm health is changing. A large global analysis of 223 studies found that sperm concentration declined by 51.6% between 1973 and 2018, while total sperm count declined by 62.3%. Even more concerning, the rate of decline accelerated after 2000.
So, if you're thinking about trying to conceive in the next 6–12 months, now is the time to start thinking about male fertility.
The 3-month window
One of the biggest reasons to start preparing before trying is that sperm production and maturation takes around 2–3 months.
That means the choices made in the months leading up to conception can matter. Nutrition, exercise, sleep, alcohol intake, smoking, body composition, stress and environmental exposures can all affect male reproductive health & fertility
So, what can men do?
If you're planning to start trying in the next 6–12 months, don't wait until you're struggling to conceive to think about fertility.
Start with the foundations:
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Eat a nutrient-dense diet rich in whole foods, protein, healthy fats and antioxidants.
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Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.
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Prioritise sleep and manage stress.
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Limit alcohol and avoid smoking and recreational drugs.
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Consider environmental exposures, including excessive heat and potential exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
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Start on a supplement designed for male preconception support such as Seedra. Seedra combines key nutrients and antioxidants to support male fertility in an easy daily formula.
If you're planning a pregnancy in the next 6–12 months, now is a great time to start optimising the foundations that support healthy sperm production.
