When conception involves sperm, male reproductive health deserves proper attention from the beginning.
It is common for fertility conversations to concentrate heavily on the person who will carry the pregnancy, while investigation of the male partner begins later or is reduced to a single semen analysis. A semen analysis is an important starting point, but it is not the whole story.
At Fertile Ground, male fertility care may involve reviewing semen analysis results alongside reproductive and medical history, nutrition, lifestyle, medications, supplements and any fertility treatment already underway.
A standard semen analysis provides information about several characteristics of the semen and sperm. Depending on the laboratory and clinical circumstances, the report may include:
These measures describe different aspects of the sample, which is why a result cannot always be meaningfully reduced to simply “good” or “bad” sperm.
Semen parameters can also vary between samples. Your GP, fertility specialist or andrologist can determine whether repeat testing or further investigation is appropriate based on your results and circumstances.
Sperm concentration and total sperm number describe how many sperm are present, either within a volume of semen or across the ejaculate.
Motility describes sperm movement. Progressive motility refers to sperm moving forward rather than simply moving without effective progression.
Morphology refers to the proportion of sperm meeting particular criteria for shape and structure when examined in the laboratory.
These parameters are considered together rather than in isolation. A result outside a laboratory reference range does not, by itself, explain why a couple has or has not conceived, and semen analysis should be interpreted in the context of the broader fertility assessment.
Male fertility investigation may be appropriate when conception has not occurred within the timeframe your doctor considers appropriate, when there is a history that could affect reproductive health, or as part of assessment before fertility treatment.
Earlier medical assessment may also be appropriate where there is a history of testicular injury or surgery, undescended testes, genitourinary conditions, sexual or ejaculatory difficulties, previous cancer treatment, particular medications or other known health concerns.
If a semen analysis identifies significantly altered parameters, further assessment may be recommended by your GP or fertility specialist.
Sperm production is a continuous process rather than something that changes overnight.
The development of sperm from early germ cells through to mature sperm takes approximately 74 days, followed by further maturation within the male reproductive tract. This is one reason male preconception care is often considered over a period of several months rather than days or weeks.
That does not mean everyone needs to postpone trying to conceive for three months. It provides biological context for why changes made today may not be reflected immediately in a semen analysis.
A male fertility consultation may include discussion of factors such as smoking, alcohol, diet, exercise, sleep, occupational exposures, medications, recreational drugs and heat exposure where these are relevant to the individual.
General health is also considered. Some medical conditions, infections, hormonal disorders and reproductive conditions can affect fertility or semen parameters and require appropriate medical investigation.
Rather than assuming every lifestyle factor is responsible for an altered semen analysis, we look at your individual history and identify which areas are actually relevant to address.
There is considerable interest in antioxidants and nutritional supplements for male fertility, and there are many products marketed specifically for sperm health.
This does not mean every person trying to conceive needs a large antioxidant prescription.
Our naturopaths consider usual diet, relevant pathology, health history, medications, existing supplements and semen analysis results before recommending nutritional changes or supplementation. We also review products already being taken to identify unnecessary duplication or doses that may not be appropriate.
Male fertility remains relevant when IVF or ICSI is being used.
Depending on the circumstances, semen analysis and other male fertility investigations may form part of treatment planning with your fertility specialist. If abnormalities have been identified, your medical team may also recommend further investigation or referral.
For people preparing for assisted reproductive treatment, our naturopaths can review nutrition, lifestyle and supplements alongside the fertility treatment plan and medications being used.
Read more about IVF Naturopathic Support
Preconception care can include both prospective parents rather than placing responsibility for preparation entirely on the person who will carry the pregnancy.
For a male partner, this may provide time to review general and reproductive health, semen analysis where indicated, nutrition, lifestyle and current supplements before conception.
Read more about Preconception Care
Fertile Ground has worked in fertility and reproductive health since 2001. Our fertility naturopaths provide male fertility care at different stages of the reproductive journey, from preparing for conception and investigating sperm health through to IVF and other fertility treatment.
If you already have a semen analysis, blood tests or relevant specialist reports, bring them to your consultation. If you have not had fertility testing, you do not need to arrange it before your first appointment. We can discuss what information you already have and whether medical investigation may be appropriate.
Male fertility naturopathy is available in Melbourne and via telehealth Australia-wide.
At Fertile Ground we love caring for you throughout your fertility journey. We have an incredible team of experts ready to help if you’re just starting to plan to conceive, trying naturally or utilising assisted reproductive technology like IUI, IVF, donors and surrogacy to help create a baby.
There are many ways each of our therapies can help to improve male fertility and sperm health. We are here to support you through those early stages, to help you enhance your health and prevent future health issues for both parents and baby.
