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Men's Fertility

Causes of Male Infertility: What You Need to Know

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula
July 22, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

Considering there is equal chance that male factor infertility may be the cause of a couple’s struggle to achieve pregnancy, it’s pretty important to know what may cause this. If you have been trying to get pregnant for more than a year, it may be time to get male fertility testing done. Sperm count tests are easy to do and are the first step in determining if there may be male factor infertility. First let’s learn what causes male infertility.

What Causes Male Infertility?

You will notice that the risk factors for infertility in men are connected. For example, hormonal balance may be caused by another health-related issue such as diabetes. Now add poor diet and lifestyle habits into the equation and you have a cascade of issues contributing to low sperm count and health, and perhaps low libido. All of our body systems are intricately connected; they all rely on the other to function in harmony, which directly impacts the health of sperm. The genetic material contained in sperm will make up half of your future child. The health of your sperm is very important to the health of your future child!

If after reading through this article you suspect you may have male factor infertility, please get fertility testing done!

Hormonal Imbalance

Poor diet and lifestyle choices are the most common reason for hormonal imbalance and low sperm count and health. Common signs of hormonal imbalance in men are low libido, abnormal hair growth, and erectile dysfunction. Other health-related problems may contribute to hormonal balance in men as well.

Hormones that are most commonly out-of-balance in men:

  • Testosterone
  • DHEA
  • Prolactin
  • Estrogen

What causes hormonal imbalance?

  • Stress – Stress can have a big impact on hormonal balance.
  • Pesticides and hormones in foods – The pesticides found on produce and the hormones added to the dairy and meat have a HUGE effect on men’s hormonal balance. Pesticides mimic estrogens in the body while the added hormones to meat and dairy are actual hormones (like estrogen) you do not want in your system.
  • Soy foods – Soy foods mimic estrogens in the body also. As a man, these xenohormones can match up with the receptor sites that testosterone is supposed to go and can create hormonal havoc.
  • Alcohol– Excessive consumption of hops has been shown to increase estrogen levels in men. On top of that, alcohol is broken down into sugars, which may in turn be stored as body fat. Body fat has been shown to produce estrogen, the more body fat you have, the more estrogen produced in the body. A recent study showed that men who drink alcohol regularly also have lower sperm motility and concentration.
  • Plastics – When plastics are heated they release xenohormones, which mimic estrogen in the body.
  • Prior history of health issues (see below)

Health Related Factors and Problems that Affect Male Reproductive Function

Other health related problems may cause hormonal imbalance, poor sperm health, or poor/abnormal immune response which may affect conception.

Thyroid issues

Hyperthyroidism in Men
-Abnormal enlargement of the mammary glands in males
-Feminization
-Loss of libido

Hypothyroidism in Men
Hypothyroidism happens in women more often than men.
-Decreased libido in men; creates impairment of testicular testosterone synthesis.
-Abnormal enlargement of the mammary glands in males.

Poor Adrenal Health
The adrenals secrete sex steroids, androgens DHEA (the precursor to estrogen), testosterone, androstenedione, and some estrogen/progesterone. These supplement sex hormones secreted by the gonads (testes and ovaries). The adrenals are very sensitive to stress, and over time, may become sluggish, contributing to lowered function and immunity.

Very low body weight
Low body weight may contribute to hormonal imbalance.

Obesity
Obesity in men lowers testosterone levels. Chronic low levels of testosterone affect how the testes function, which causes all hormones produced by them to be out of balance. This may also lead to lowered function of producing mature sperm. Over time, this may lead to male infertility. Research shows elevated levels of estrogen in obese men. The sperm of obese men are often abnormal; this increases risk for miscarriage and chromosomal defects in a developing embryo. Obese men also often have sexual dysfunction.

Diabetes
Diabetes in men has been shown to negatively impact sperm health, including damage to the DNA in sperm. It also contributes to hormonal imbalance. Studies have shown that a diabetic man who does not control his glucose levels has less of a chance of impregnating his partner and, when he does, the risk of miscarriage and deformities are much higher.

Cancer treatments
Chemotherapy and radiation may cause low sperm count and health.

Injury or trauma to reproductive organs or one of the endocrine glands
This may cause antisperm antibodies or hormonal imbalance, which affects sperm health and count.

Vas Deferens Blockage
This is also known as blockage of the epididymis. The Vas Deferens is the tube in which the fertile sperm are transported. Varicocele (varicose veins) of the testicles is the number one reason for this blockage. Sexually Transmitted Disease (STDs) such as gonorrhea or Chlamydia may also cause a blockage. Varicoceles is usually treated with surgery. It is important to be treated for any STD right away to prevent damage to the reproductive organs.

Anti-sperm Antibodies
A man’s body may create antisperm antibodies when the sperm come into contact with his immune system cells. This happens when the testicles are injured, after surgery (biopsy, vasectomy), or if the prostate gland has an infection. The testicles protect the sperm from immune cells; when they are damaged, they may no longer be able to do that.Over 70% of all men who get a vasectomy will develop antisperm antibodies.

Antibodies are triggered during the immune response that work to kill off the sperm. High numbers of antisperm antibodies can make it difficult for the sperm to reach the egg and/or fertilize the egg. Antisperm antibodies also may damage sperm that survive, which increases chances of miscarriage.

Antisperm antibodies are considered to be an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases may also contribute to hormonal imbalances as well.

Smoking
Research has shown that smoking also leads to a longer conception time than for non-smokers. Shown to damage DNA in sperm and reduces adrenal gland function.

Alcoholism
Men who regularly consume alcohol have lower sperm motility and concentration, as well as lowered chance of fertilization.

Hypertension
May cause erectile dysfunction. Other problems may be caused because hypertension often requires use of medications.

Long-term use of medications and Drug Addiction
There are a variety of medications both over-the-counter and prescription that may cause erectile dysfunction, lowered libido, hormonal imbalance, and poor sperm production, count and health. If you are concerned your medications may be impacting your fertility, talk to your doctor about your concern and to learn more.

Heavy exposure to radiation or other environmental pollution
Radiation and environmental pollution are known to damage DNA and the thyroid gland, as well as other body systems. This may cause hormonal imbalance.

Hormonal Imbalance + Other Health Related Issues = Low Sperm Count & Health

Over time, other health issues may lead to hormonal imbalance or vice versa; this may lead to low sperm count and health, as well as problems with erectile function. None of these are good if you are trying for a baby. In addition, electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs) have been shown through studies to lower sperm count due to the heating of the testicles from the EMFs. Do not keep your cell phone in your pocket and do not place your laptop computer on your lap.

A complete semen analysis performed by your doctor will determine the following:

Motility: whip of the tail, movement of the sperm

Morphology: size and shape of the sperm

Count: 20 million sperm per mL or more is a healthy sperm count. Less than that is considered a low sperm count. You can find out if you have low sperm count with an easy at-home test.

Issues with Sperm Count, Health & Delivery Issues

  • Vas Deferens blockage-varicoceles or STD damage
  • Low sperm count (oligospermia)
  • Abnormal sperm shape (teratozoospermia)
  • Abnormal or poor sperm movement (asthenozoospermia)
  • Immobile sperm (necrozoospermia)-this is when the sperm do not move at all; the sperm may be dead, partially alive or alive, but do not move.
  • Abnormal sperm production
  • Genetic disorders
  • Retrograde ejaculation
  • Erectile dysfunction (ED)
  • Vasectomy reversal- Up to 70% of men with vasectomy develop antisperm antibodies.
  • Physical or structural abnormalities such as undescended testicle.

When To See A Doctor

If you have been trying for a year or more to get pregnant it may be time to see a doctor. If you suspect or have any of the above risk factors that may be a sign of infertility, it is very important to see a doctor. While your family doctor may be able to help with initial testing, further testing from a Reproductive Endocrinologist or even possibly a Reproductive Immunologist may be necessary.

Support Healthy Male Fertility Naturally!

We are here to help you! Check out these wonderful resources below…

The Male Fertility Diet
Sperm Check Test
Male Fertility Cleanse
Male Factor Formula Kit
Increasing Low Sperm Count and Improving Male Fertility…

References

  • Dawson, C. (n.d.). Male fertility problems. Retrieved from: http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/menshealth/facts/malefertility.htm

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About the Author

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula

Practicing natural health and herbalism for over 18 years, Dalene received her training and herbal certification under the guidance of Lynn Albers at Yarmony Mt. Herbal College in Colorado in 2000. She went on to become a Certified Birth Doula at Birthingway College of Midwifery in Portland, Oregon in 2007. As a Birth Doula, Dalene has helped to bring many new lives in to this world. Dalene has written 280+ fertility articles and with her vast array of herbal and holistic healing knowledge has helped 1000's of women on their journey to Motherhood.

5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally

  • Learn the 5 different areas to focus on for optimal fertility health
  • Learn how to support hormonal health with herbs and essential oils
  • Tips on transitioning to a whole food fertility diet.
  • Self-care therapies to support your reproductive health

@NaturalFertilityInfo

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 26

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🥚 In the past, a common belief was that the only factor which determines ovarian and egg health was age. 

Based on new studies, we now know that this may not be true. 🤯

There are many factors that can have an impact on the health of the ovaries and eggs including environmental factors, hormones in the diet, and stress, just to name a few.

In addition, having healthy fertility is based on many additional aspects to consider, including:
➡️ Proper circulation
➡️ A healthy fertility cycle
➡️ Balanced hormones
➡️ Healthy eggs

Egg health is one of the cornerstones of healthy fertility. 

The health of your eggs (ova) can affect whether or not fertilization and implantation will occur as well as the viability of a pregnancy.

During the cycle of an egg’s journey towards ovulation, there is a window of opportunity, a period of time, when certain factors can affect the health of the eggs that are preparing for ovulation. ⏳

This journey takes about 90 days. 

The steps you take today will impact the health of your eggs 3 months from now. 

That is why I talk so much about taking a MINIMUM of 90 days to prepare for pregnancy or IVF/IUI. 

🙂 The good news is that there are steps you can take to help support the health of your eggs. There is too much info to put into this tiny caption but….

Type EGG if you would like me to send you my Egg Health Checklist that takes you through all of the steps to take.👇👇

naturalfertilityinfo

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Mar 26

Open
5 Steps you can take to help support your fertility naturally…. 👇

1️⃣ Cleanse and prepare the body for conception

2️⃣ Nourish the body with fertility supportive foods

3️⃣ Protect and remove any substances that are causing harm

4️⃣ Learn how to fertility chart and read your monthly cycle

5️⃣ Add lifestyle habits that help to support fertility health

🌼 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the 5 steps. 👇

#naturalfertility #fertilitytips #gettingpregnant #hormonehealth #hormonalhealth

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When a couple is preparing for fertility, it is a good idea for both to cleanse the body of toxins, chemicals, and excess hormones.

The chemicals, pesticides, and toxins in our environment are having a huge impact on male fertility. 

In the last 50 years, sperm counts have been cut in half.

Fertility Cleansing for men is a big step in the right direction. 

👇 To learn more about the Fertility Cleansing type CLEANSE in the comments below and I will send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 👇 

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Mar 25

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How To Eat Healthier For Your Fertility 🍌🍇🍉🥒🥕

Nutrition can make a big difference when you are wanting to prepare for pregnancy, support hormonal health or overcome fertility issues.

But it can sometimes be hard to start new habits.

One of my favorite ways to make lasting dietary changes is to focus on what you can add instead of only the things you shouldn’t be eating.

There are 5 specific things I have my clients add to their current diets every day.

🍌What they found after about 21 days of eating this way, they started to not only crave healthier foods, their body was giving them positive feedback through lighter cycles, better digestion, clearer skin and more energy. ⚡

While eating healthy is something you will need to do for the rest of your life, doing a challenge like this helps to give you a great jump start.

👇 If you would like to learn more about the Important 5 and start a 21 Day Fertility Diet Challenge. Type DIET in the comments below and I will send you the link 👇

naturalfertilityinfo

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Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

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🚩The good news is that each of these red flags can be fixed through lifestyle upgrades and natural therapies! 

Type ‘STEPS’ in the comments below if you want to learn which steps are most important for fertility and hormone health. Let’s turn those red flags green. 💚

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Mar 23

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🌱Learn how to balance your HORMONES naturally 👇

Here are 3 practical and affect ways to support your hormonal health.

One of the keys to see the best results is to stay consistent and learn as much about your body as you can.

1️⃣ Use liver supporting herbs

Herbs such as milk thistle have been shown to help the liver in it's natural ability to get rid of toxins and chemicals in the body.

This can make a big difference when it comes to hormone balance.

2️⃣ Do the Fertility Cleanse 1-2x per year

Support the body in it’s natural ability to get rid of excess hormones by doing a fertility cleanse.

3️⃣ Stop using skin care and cleaning products that contain hormone mimicking chemicals

Xenohormones mimic estrogen in the body and can cause imbalance.

👇 To learn more about the Fertility Cleansing type CLEANSE in the comments below and I will send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 👇

#hormonehealth #hormonalhealth #periodhealth #naturalfertility #fertilitytips #fertilitydiet

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Mar 23

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Should men do a Fertility Cleanse as well? 💪

A common misconception when it comes to fertility is that if there is an issue it is most likely going to be with the woman. 

This is simply not true. 

Statically fertility issues impact men just as often as women and lifestyle factors can make a big difference. 

The Male Fertility Cleanse Kit helps to support men to cleanse and detox excess hormones, toxins, increase circulation and promote hormone balance. 

👇 Drop MEN in the comments below & I will send you my Male Fertility Checklist with all the details on which herbs, supplements and foods to focus on in addition to cleansing 👇

#malefertilty #naturalfertility #gettingpregnant #fertilitytips

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 22

Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 22

Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 22

Open
☕Reproductive Support Tea contains herbs that support, tone, and nourish the female reproductive system while supporting hormone balance.
It’s a soothing and effective fertility tea that provides just the right mixture of beneficial fertility herbs designed to help:

1️⃣ Nourish the uterus*
2️⃣ Support fallopian tube health.*
3️⃣ Help maintain normal ovarian function.*
4️⃣ Encourage normal uterine health.*
5️⃣ Support hormonal balance.

This tea is one of two teas in our Fertility Cleanse Kit. 

👇 To learn more about the Fertility Cleansing type CLEANSE in the comments below and I will send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 👇 

What tea are you drinking today??

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 21

Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 21

Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 20

Open
🥚 In the past, a common belief was that the only factor which determines ovarian and egg health was age. 

Based on new studies, we now know that this may not be true. 🤯

There are many factors that can have an impact on the health of the ovaries and eggs including environmental factors, hormones in the diet, and stress, just to name a few.

In addition, having healthy fertility is based on many additional aspects to consider, including:
➡️ Proper circulation
➡️ A healthy fertility cycle
➡️ Balanced hormones
➡️ Healthy eggs

Egg health is one of the cornerstones of healthy fertility. 

The health of your eggs (ova) can affect whether or not fertilization and implantation will occur as well as the viability of a pregnancy.

During the cycle of an egg’s journey towards ovulation, there is a window of opportunity, a period of time, when certain factors can affect the health of the eggs that are preparing for ovulation. ⏳

This journey takes about 90 days. 

The steps you take today will impact the health of your eggs 3 months from now. 

That is why I talk so much about taking a MINIMUM of 90 days to prepare for pregnancy or IVF/IUI. 

🙂 The good news is that there are steps you can take to help support the health of your eggs. There is too much info to put into this tiny caption but….

Type EGG if you would like me to send you my Egg Health Checklist that takes you through all of the steps to take.👇👇

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 20

Open
5 Steps you can take to help support your fertility naturally…. 👇

1️⃣ Cleanse and prepare the body for conception

2️⃣ Nourish the body with fertility supportive foods

3️⃣ Protect and remove any substances that are causing harm

4️⃣ Learn how to fertility chart and read your monthly cycle

5️⃣ Add lifestyle habits that help to support fertility health

🌼 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the 5 steps. 👇

#naturalfertility #fertilitytips #gettingpregnant #hormonehealth #hormonalhealth

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 19

Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 19

Open
What does the Fertility Cleanse Kit include and how to use the kit. 

A common misconception when it comes to fertility is that if there is an issue it is most likely going to be with the woman. 

This is simply not true. 

Statically fertility issues impact men just as often as women and lifestyle factors can make a big difference. 

The Male Fertility Cleanse Kit helps to support men to cleanse and detox excess hormones, toxins, increase circulation and promote hormone balance. 

👇 Drop MEN in the comments below & I will send you my Male Fertility Checklist with all the details on which herbs, supplements and foods to focus on in addition to cleansing 👇

#malefertilty #naturalfertility #gettingpregnant #fertilitytips

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 18

Open
Is it okay to start a kit and the Fertility Cleanse at the same time?

Do you have natural fertility questions? Type them below. We are happy to help!

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 18

Open
📈 Fertility charting will help you to better understand your current hormonal state, when or if you are ovulating and other information about your cycle that will help to bring clarity to your fertility path.

Some things you will be able to see on a fertility chart….📈

🌸Thyroid function
🌸Estrogen dominance/deficiency
🌸When and if you are ovulating
🌸Progesterone state
🌸Length of follicular phase
🌸Length of luteal phase
🌸Pregnancy

👇To begin learning how to fertility chart, type CHART into the comments below and I will share a link to my getting started to fertility charting guide. 👇 

#fertility #fertilitycharting #fertilitytips #fertilitycoach #naturalfertility

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 17

Open
The Fertility Cleanse kit is one of the best ways to prepare for conception. 

It's the first step we suggest for most couples when they start trying to get pregnant. 

With over 680 five star reviews, the Fertility Cleanse Kit is by far a customer favorite. 

You can find the Fertility Cleanse Kit on our website. Link in the bio... @naturalfertilityinfo

Want to learn more? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪
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