While this clinic specializes in Female fertility, Male fertility accounts for 35% of all cases of difficulty conceiving and carrying to term. If a woman is seeking fertility support, even with a known diagnosis (such as endometriosis, PCOS…) it is still important for the male partner to get evaluated if there is no successful pregnancy within 6-12 months of trying.
The good news? Male fertility analysis is SO much more simple than female fertility analysis! The first, most important step is seminalysis.
Analysis of the semen is best done at a reproductive endocrinology clinic. The cost quoted from KindBody (a local SF clinic) is $300. At home testing kits are now becoming available as well, but fertility experts assert that review of a sample within 1 hour of collection is important for true values, and this isn’t possible with these kits. Technology may advance, however, and at the moment, this appears to be a promising potential option: https://www.givelegacy.com/
If there are imbalances in the semen analysis, initial next step might be to work with a skilled urologist who specializes in male fertility. I highly recommend The Turek Clinic, located in SF and in Beverly Hills: http://theturekclinic.com
Male fertility, just like female fertility, is considered a vital sign. The best way to support semen development is with general wellness support. Many markers of semen quality can be improved with the recommendations below. Primary initial steps for optimal male fertility:
Mediterranean diet
High in colorful vegetables and fruits
Animal proteins (dairy and meat) should all be organic with high quality feed (grass fed for red meat)
Very low refined carbohydrates- carbohydrates are best from whole grains, starchy vegetables, and fresh fruit
Avoid (if possible) any ultraprocesed foods, and reduce processed and packaged foods
No smoking or vaping
No Cannabis
No opiates
No or reduced alcohol (data suggests 2 or more drinks daily is especially harmful)
Moderate exercise only. Extreme exercise and training causes a stress response on the body that suppresses sperm production.
There are additional supplements that typically benefit male and female fertility. These include:
CoQ10 - this improves mitochondrial function, which is necessary for the energy production required to make normal sperm. Note: ubiquinone CoQ10 is likely just as effective as the pricier ubiquinol based on research
L-carnitine improves mitochondrial function as well, with a different mechanism than CoQ10
A quality multivitamin, such as O.N.E. Multi by pure encapsulations provides the nutrition needed for wellbeing and quality sperm production
NAC and glutathione are excellent products that support energy metabolism and detoxification. There is quality evidence that they can be helpful for male fertility
Maca can support male hormone production and sperm quality
Ashwagandha manages stress hormones, which can impact sperm parameters
L-arginine increases blood flow, which can support sexual function
Some combination products can help reduce total amount of supplements taken. Motility Boost by Fairhaven Health is one example that has L-Arginine, L-Carnitine, CoQ10 and additional helpful botanicals
Additional supplements may also be helpful, depending on what other health conditions may be present. Cardiovascular disease, thyroid disease, and blood sugar imbalances are also common causes of male factor fertility challenges.
In addition, there are some specific notes for men wanting to improve fertility:
Avoid exposing your testicles to temperature extremes- in particular, sauna and hot tubs. Sperm develop best at the temperature your body designed (noting that testicles are kept outside the pelvic cavity because they function best at about 5 degrees (farenheit) below body temperature
Question about how often to have intercourse?
Answer is every 1-2 days
Any more will reduce sperm volume at ejaculation
Any less reduces the chance of sperm being in the right place at the right time for your partner’s ovulation
Medications that reduce fertility:
Antiandrogens (often used for hair loss), steroids (including testosterone replacement), alpha blockers/beta blockers/calcium channel blockers (these are typically used for blood pressure), antipsychotics, cimetidine (an antacid medication), sulfasalazine (used for autoimmune diseases), sulfa antibiotics (such as Bactrim), antidepressants
Please discuss with your doctor if any substitutions can be made. This document is not recommending you stop any prescribed medication without your provider supporting you with this!
Please also note that toxic exposures are also important to avoid. Any industrial or home chemical that you can smell can be a fertility disruptor. Be cautious with home renovations and lawn care products.
Sperm takes 75 days to develop. Any of the above changes are best done for 3 months at a minimum to improve sperm quality.
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