Male Fertility Essentials: Ways to Improve Sperm Quality

The possibility of a couple conceiving depends not only on female fertility but also equally on male fertility. A report by the Urology Care Foundation shows that problems with male fertility are responsible for 50% of cases where couples struggle to conceive [1].

Male fertility is the ability of a male to produce healthy sperm cells and deliver them into the female body during intercourse [2]. Different health conditions and lifestyle habits can influence a male reproductive system and his ability to achieve conception.

In this article, we will explore the male reproductive organs and their role in the formation and delivery of sperm cells. The article also covers the conditions that can impact male fertility health and ways to improve male fertility.

The Male Reproductive Organs

The male reproductive system comprises many different organs. Each organ has an important role in making and carrying sperm. The main organs that contribute to male fertility include:

1. Testicles

The testicles are two small, oval shaped organs that are located in the scrotum. They are the primary male reproductive organs because they make male gametes, called sperm [3]. In addition to sperm formation, testicles also produce the testosterone hormone.

Testosterone is a male sex hormone that helps in the development of male characteristics such as muscle strength, a deeper voice, and reproductive organs [4].

2. Scrotum

The scrotum is a loose bag of skin that holds the testicles and hangs behind the penis. Its primary function is to keep the testicles at the right temperature to maintain their optimal functioning.

Sperm for male requires a temperature slightly lower than the rest of the body. The scrotum helps to control the temperature by moving closer to the body when it is cold and away when it is warm [5].

3. Epididymis

The epididymis is a long, coiled tube that sits on top of each testicle. After sperm is made in the testicles, it moves into the epididymis. Sperm cells can stay in the epididymis for a few weeks until they are mature enough to be ready for ejaculation.

4. Seminal Vesicles

The seminal vesicles are two small glands near the bladder. They produce a fluid that mixes with sperm to form semen. This fluid provides energy to the sperm and facilitates sperm movement inside the female reproductive tract after ejaculation.

5. The Prostate Gland

The prostate gland is a small, walnut-sized organ located below the bladder. It produces a fluid that mixes with sperm to form semen. This fluid helps sperm move and survive inside the female body. The prostate also plays a role in controlling urine flow by surrounding the urethra.

How to Make Sperm?

The process of sperm formation is called spermatogenesis [3]. It happens in the testicles and takes about 64 to 74 days to make mature sperm cells that are ready for fertilization. Spermatogenesis can be divided into the following steps:

• Start of Production: The formation of sperm for male begins in the testicles where immature sperm cells start to divide. These cells are called stem cells that eventually grow into mature sperm. This first step lays the foundation for all future sperm cells.
• Growth and Maturation: As the cells divide, they go through several stages where they change both internally and externally. Over time, they grow tails and become sperm. This tail helps the sperm to swim. Each change makes the sperm better at swimming towards an egg for fertilization.
• Storage: Once sperm is made, it moves to the epididymis. Here, the sperm continues to mature and may stay in the epididymis for a few weeks until it is ready to be used.
• Release: During ejaculation, fluids from other parts of the reproductive system combine with sperm to form semen. This mixture is then expelled from the body through penis. The semen supports the sperm energy and movement inside the female reproductive system.

This process starts in the testes at the time of puberty and continues throughout the life of fertile men. This answers a common question, can men be fertile at an older age? Since sperm production continues even at older age, if there is no major fertility issue, a man remains fertile and can conceive at an older age.

Role of Hormones in Male Fertility

Hormones are chemical messengers in the body that control various functions like growth, metabolism, and reproduction. In male fertility, testosterone is the primary male sex hormone responsible for key functions [4].

In fertile men, testosterone helps in the development of mature sperm cells from immature stem cells in the testes. This hormone is also essential for the maturity of male reproductive organs at the time of puberty.

Other important hormones for male fertility are follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). FSH supports the sperm formation process in the testes. On the other hand, LH helps spermatogenesis by signaling the testicles to produce testosterone.

Conditions That Impact Male Fertility

Several conditions can affect male fertility and reduce the chances of conception. Here are some common factors that can impact male fertility:

1. Varicocele

The swelling of veins inside the scrotum is termed a varicocele. It is somewhat similar to varicose veins that can happen in the legs. A varicocele can raise the temperature around the testicles, which may affect the production of sperm. In some cases, people with varicocele experience lower sperm counts and poor sperm motility [6].

2. Infections

Infections in the male reproductive system can cause problems with sperm production and delivery. For example, an infection in the epididymis or testicles can negatively impact sperm production. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia or gonorrhea can also cause fertility problems if left untreated.

3. Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal balance is essential for many body functions that are associated with male fertility health. For example, a deficiency of testosterone negatively impacts sperm production and can lead to lower sex drive. Similarly, low FSH levels can also interfere with normal sperm production.

4. Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle factors that negatively influence male fertility are smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet, and lack of exercise. Tobacco smoke has many harmful chemicals that can damage sperm quality and reduce their number. Studies show that drinking too much alcohol can reduce testosterone levels and harm sperm quality [7].

A diet that lacks important nutrients can also affect sperm production. Studies show that nutrients like zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin E significantly contribute to healthy sperm formation [8].

Physical inactivity, like lack of exercise, is also negatively associated with male fertility as it can lead to weight gain and hormonal imbalance. Excess weight or obesity can result in reduced testosterone production and poor sperm quality.

5. Environmental Toxins

Exposure to chemicals and toxins in the environment can also affect male fertility. For example, pesticides, heavy metals, and certain industrial chemicals can harm the reproductive organs. Men who work with these substances are usually at a higher risk of developing fertility issues.

How to Boost Male Fertility Health?

There are many ways a male can boost his fertility health. Even simple dietary adjustments can significantly improve fertility parameters like sperm quality and testosterone production. Here are some simple ways to boost male fertility:

1. Eat a Healthy Diet

A fertility diet for men includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants, which help protect sperm from damage. You also get a range of essential vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables that support sperm production and overall male fertility health.

Nuts and seeds provide healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids, which studies show help improve sperm quality [8]. You can also get healthy fats from fatty fish like salmon and mackerel.

2. Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and balance of hormones in the body. However, it is important to practice moderation when planning exercise to support fertility health.

Extreme exercise or overtraining can lead to stress and may lower testosterone levels. Excellent examples of moderate exercise include brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.

3. Manage Stress

Stress can affect sperm production by influencing hormonal balance. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises and meditation can help manage stress. Yoga is also effective in keeping the body physically active and relieving stress. Also, make sure to get enough sleep each night, as sleep deprivation or poor sleep can worsen stress.

4. Avoid Overheating

It is essential to maintain a cool temperature for the testicles to support healthy sperm production. Tight underwear or pants can raise the temperature around the testicles.

Similarly, taking hot baths or saunas for a longer duration can increase the temperature inside the scrotum. If you have a job that requires long periods of sitting, try to stand or walk around every hour.

5. Regular Medical Checkups

Regular medical checkups can help detect potential fertility issues early. Early diagnosis allows for effective management, improving the chances of recovery. Your doctor can check your condition and give you the best tips to improve fertility. If you're concerned about your sperm quality or fertility health, consider getting a sperm test near me to evaluate your reproductive status and identify any potential issues.

Do Fertility Supplements Work for Men?

In some cases, your doctor may suggest taking fertility supplements to enhance your fertility. These supplements contain essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to improving fertility and health.

An excellent example of male fertility supplements is Men's Fertility Support by Conceive Plus. A daily dose of two pills provides essential vitamins such as A, E, and C and minerals like zinc, selenium, and iron.

The nutrients in this fertility supplement are scientifically proven to support male fertility health [8]. This supplement is recommended by over a hundred healthcare professionals at FrontrowMD, highlighting its quality and effectiveness.

The Bottom Line

Male fertility refers to the body’s ability to produce healthy sperm cells and successfully deliver those sperm cells during intercourse. The male reproductive organs, such as the testicles, scrotum, and epididymis, work together to produce and store sperm.

Many factors, including hormone levels, diet, exercise, and environmental toxins, can impact this process. Simple lifestyle changes, like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and keeping the testicles cool, can help improve sperm health.

If you are struggling to conceive even after adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle, we recommend you consult a fertility specialist for a proper evaluation of your fertility health.

Resources Used

1. Male Infertility - Urology Care Foundation. (n.d.). https://www.urologyhealth.org/healthy-living/urologyhealth-extra/magazine-archives/winter-2019/male-infertility 
2. Gurung, P., Yetiskul, E., & Jialal, I. (2023). Physiology, male reproductive system. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK538429/ 
3. Suede, S. H., Malik, A., & Sapra, A. (2023). Histology, spermatogenesis. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553142/ 
4. Nassar, G. N., & Leslie, S. W. (2023). Physiology, testosterone. StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526128/ 
5. Pham, S., & Schultz, J. S. (2021). Testicular thermoregulation with respect to spermatogenesis and contraception. Journal of Thermal Biology, 99, 102954. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.102954 
6. Agarwal, A., Sharma, R., Harlev, A., & Esteves, S. C. (2016). Effect of varicocele on semen characteristics according to the new 2010 World Health Organization criteria: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Asian Journal of Andrology, 18(2), 163. https://doi.org/10.4103/1008-682X.172638 
7. Koh, K., Kim, S. S., Kim, S., Jung, G., Yoon, J., Suh, W. Y., Kim, H. G., & Kim, N. (2022). Relationship between Alcohol Consumption and Testosterone Deficiency according to Facial Flushes among Middle-Aged and Older Korean Men. Korean Journal of Family Medicine, 43(6), 381. https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.21.0173 
8. Salas-Huetos, A., Rosique-Esteban, N., Becerra-Tomás, N., Vizmanos, B., Bulló, M., & Salas-Salvadó, J. (2018). The Effect of Nutrients and Dietary Supplements on Sperm Quality Parameters: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Advances in Nutrition, 9(6), 833. https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmy057