Male infertility is increasing and a major contributing factor is the poor quality of a mans seminal fluid or semen. Special cells in the semen called spermatazoa (sperm for short) enable pregnancy by penetrating and fertilising the womans egg. If there is a concern about a man’s fertility, a special test called a semen analysis (often called a sperm count) is usually ordered by his doctor. The man masturbates and collects the ejaculate into a cup. The semen should then be examined within a few hours, to get the most accurate results. Sperm health is determined by several factors, including the quantity, the movement and the structure of the sperm.

  •       Quantity or sperm count: 40 to 300 million is the normal range for the number of sperm per milliliter of semen. Counts below 15 million are considered low while counts of 20 million or more may be satisfactory if other factors are normal.

Too little sperm in an ejaculate might make it more difficult to impregnate the egg.

According to researchers at the British Medical Research Council, sperm count of men all around the world have decreased by 50% in the past 50 years.

  •   Movement or motility.To reach to and fertilize an egg, sperm must move, wriggle and swim through a woman's vagina, womb and tubes. This is called as motility. You are more fertile when at least 40 percent of your sperm are moving.
  •    Structure or shape. Normal sperm have oval heads and long tails, which work together to move them ahead. Though less important, the more normally shaped sperm you produce, the more likely you are to be fertile.

HORMONAL DISTURBANCE

The balance between the levels of male (testosterone) and female (estrogen) hormones is a critical factor in male infertility. Sadly we now live in an environment polluted with unhealthy chemicals,   particularly substances that behave like the female hormone estrogen.

Researchers believe that many fertility disorders are caused by exposure of men to estrogenic chemicals. Other studies done on pregnant women who took estrogen drugs  revealed a low sperm count in their male offsprings. These chemicals may even contribute the increasing levels of homosexuality in young men as well as early sexual development and teenage pregnancy in our girls.  

Women are now exposed to these external estrogens from a wide array of sources: drugs, food, water, air, even some skin and hair care products. They unwittingly pass them on to their developing sons and daughters.

Many other chemicals, also contribute to the problem including some pesticides, plasticizers, food colorings, solvents, metals, dioxins, and alcohol. Some environmental toxins such as PCBs and DDT persist and accumulate in human and animal tissues for a very long time.

OBESITY

Increases in body fat, are known to elevate estrogen production in both men and women. Additionally, as men age their fat cells manufacture more and more female hormones by converting their testosterone into the female hormone estrogen. The fatter the man the greater this hormonal reversal. These hormonal shifts carry far reaching physical, psychological and social consequences.

RADIATION and HEAT

Men get uncomfortable without their laptops or smartphones. This may create an infertility problem. Researchers from Argentina examined sperm from healthy men who sat with their laptops on their laps for hours. They found that radiation given off by the Wi-Fi connection resulted in low sperm motility.The constant wearing of tight fitting or hot underwear may also reduce sperm count.

GOOD NUTRITION

The popular adage "you are what you eat." might even apply to the strength and quantity of your sperm. Studies presented to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine highlight the connection between nutrition and semen quality.

The findings are that a healthy diet is beneficial for semen quality. Diets rich in red meat and processed carbohydrates impair the motility of sperm while diets high in trans fats lower the sperm count. The ‘healthy sperm” diet puts a heavy emphasis on fresh fruit and vegetables with a low consumption of processed, chemical laced foods. Eat foods that provide optimal levels of healthy protein and try to ‘eat organic’ as much as possible and.

Specific foods that assist in horomonal regulation include soy, green tea, sea foods and the crustiferous vegetables. I employ a very effective supplement program called Cellular Nutrition. Supplements like gensing, omega 3 fatty acids, medicinal mushrooms, tang kuei, zinc and evening primrose oil also help to naturally optmise fertility. Daily exercise, afequate sleep, stress management and regular sun exposure also assist.

DETOXIFY

It s important to prevent toxic chemicals from accumulating in the body. A high fibre and a high water consumption diet will help. Colon cleansing, sauna baths, sweating and other detox techniques done regularly is also very useful.

Specific vitamins and herbs like the antioxidants, aloe vera, milk thistle and probiotics can be applied. More aggressive detox strategies including intravenous chelation therapy, may also be employed.

CORRECTING HORMONE IMBALANCE

Ask your doctor to do your hormone profile which will show your various hormone levels. Unfortunalely it does not reveal other synthetic chemicals in your body.

After testing yourof hormone status, the needed hormones can be replaced using bio-identical hormones - the exact substance that the body makes, not an unatural chemical. Testosterone, estrogen. progesterone, thyroid hormone, DHEA and cortisol are all available in bio-identical forms.

Your doctor would decide on the appropriate dosage and method of administration. Your hormone levels and sperm count must be monitored to achieve optimal  results.

You may email Dr. Vendryes at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or listen to An Ounce of Prevention on POWER106FM on Fridays at 8:15 pm. Details of his books and articles are available on his website www.tonyvendryes.com