Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. More and more couples are struggling to get pregnant now more than any other time in history. Big scary statement, I know. Well, an even scarier statistic for all of my male readers is that there is almost a 50% chance that the reason that you and your partner may be struggling to conceive is because of your swimmers.
Now, don’t get the wrong idea. We’re not playing the blame game here! But it’s extremely important for men to recognize the gravity of their involvement in this process, as women have historically absorbed the majority of the onus and judgment when results fall short. It’s time that we men step up to the plate and do our part in improving fertility outcomes by supporting our own reproductive health.
If this message is striking a chord with you, then I’ve got good news for you, pal. There are steps that you can implement today to start making the shift, and they’re easier than you might think. Here are some ways that you can get ahead on your reproductive health:
- Eat a diet rich in healthy fats
Having the right balance of omega 3 and omega 6 fats is an essential part of maintaining healthy sperm development and motility. - Refrain from harmful habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
Both alcohol and tobacco smoke have been shown to affect sperm health at all levels, specifically count, size, shape and motility. Excessive alcohol consumption also disrupts healthy testosterone production, a key hormonal component in sperm production. - Educate yourself about the effects of endocrine disruptors
Environmental medicine is a big topic these days, and for good reason. Our daily exposure to micro-chemicals in our food and drinking water has never been greater, and studies have linked this to decreased sperm count among male populations on a whole. Simple ways to reduce your exposure include drinking filtered water, avoiding use of plastics in cooking and food storage, and properly washing produce prior to consumption (even if it’s organic!). - Get tested
It’s always better to test than it is to guess! If you and your partner have been struggling to conceive, there is no shame in seeking answers through medically supervised lab testing. In fact, it’s the responsible thing to do! Many times, deficiencies in sperm quality can go unnoticed without the appropriate testing, and accurately identifying such deficiencies is the first step in solving them. - See your naturopathic doctor
There are so many variables that impact men’s reproductive health, and ensuring that all of the boxes are checked can be a daunting task to undertake alone. A naturopathic doctor can help make sense of the root cause of your health concerns, and address them in a holistic, sustainable and well organized manner.
Whether you’re at a crossroads in your wellness journey, or you are simply looking for general preventative care, naturopathic medicine has something to offer to men at all levels of health. If you resonate with this article, and you want to learn more about how you can work alongside a naturopathic doctor to optimize your reproductive health, give us a call at Sage Naturopathic. We’re ready when you are.
Until then… stay well, my dudes.
Dr. Emile