Did you know that half of infertility cases are caused by male infertility? A functional medicine clinic from Toronto can help men navigate these issues with complementary and integrative medicine. 

“Over the past 40 years, sperm counts worldwide have halved and sperm quality has declined alarmingly with 1 in 20 men currently facing reduced fertility,” reveals a paper from Biology of Reproduction. Optimal sperm health includes different elements, such as the amount of sperm being ejaculated, motility, and sperm structure. Depending on your current lifestyle and health condition, altering lifestyle factors can influence conception outcomes. Here, the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre (TFMC) emphasizes the impact lifestyle has on sperm health. We also unveil the significance of testing and lifestyle changes, and how to get a treatment plan for male fertility health concerns. 

The link between sperm health and lifestyle

Scientists have confirmed that the quality of living can affect reproduction, especially in males. Here are some evidence-based facts to note: 

• • Study Reveals Connection Between Healthy Diet and Higher Sperm Counts Men who followed a generally healthy diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids—featuring plenty of fruits, vegetables, fish, and chicken—had higher total sperm counts compared to those who consumed diets high in red meat, fried foods, and sugar-sweetened beverages and desserts, according to a new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
  • Chemical exposures can worsen semen volume. An article from Environmental Sciences Europe confirmed that various studies have shown how “…male reproductive organs are one of the major sites” that get affected by chemical exposures, which can cause male infertility. 
  • Excessive substance use (i.e. drugs, tobacco) can distress sperm health, too. A McGill University research article reported that “…the sperm density of smokers is on average 13 percent to 17 percent lower than that of nonsmokers.”

If you were to visit the TFMC for sperm health concerns, lifestyle factors may be brought up by our functional medicine practitioner. Lab testing may also be advised – we explain why in the next section.

The importance of functional lab tests 

As per the functional medicine model, confronting the root cause of symptoms can promote alleviation and help manage chronic conditions – this also applies to male infertility. Functional testing may reveal underlying concerns that may not be spotted by conventional tests. Here are some examples of how some functional tests work at the TFMC: 

• • Metabolomics Testing (Genova): Nutritional deficiencies may be detected by this detailed urine test. If the final report shows that you’re lacking antioxidants, we may recommend oral or IV supplementation. Detoxifying nutrients, such as vitamin C and glutathione, can help neutralize free radicals that may hinder sperm health. 
  • Organic acid testing (Mosaic Labs): Metabolic and chronic conditions can cause you to urinate excessive amounts of organic acids, which this urine test is designed to detect. It can also scrutinize for mold exposures. Mycotoxins – compounds that mold naturally produces – have been shown to damage sperm DNA and disrupt reproductive goals. 

Lab results provide us with detailed information required for tailoring your treatment plan. Modified treatment options from the TFMC may include conventional and/or naturopathic medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and more. Our core tests may also reveal what needs to be changed to your daily life, which can inspire you to adopt lifestyle modifications for healthy conception. 

Making lifestyle modifications for sperm health

In a study published in Heliyon, there was a direct correlation between “inappropriate lifestyle choices” and infertile men. So, try adhering to these healthy habits to help improve sperm quality: 

1. 1. Eat nutrient-dense foods: Low sperm count can happen from eating excessive amounts of red meat and saturated fats. Also, lacking antioxidants and polyunsaturated fatty acids and not eating veggies and fruits can impede sperm count. It’s time to axe processed options and consume fresh seasonal produce instead. You can speak to our holistic nutritionist about personalizing your nutrition plan – click here to request an appointment.
   2. Quit smoking and practice stress management: Did you know that tobacco smoke contains chemicals that can obstruct sperm function? “Some metal micronutrients involved in the pathogenesis of oxidative stress and male infertility… are routinely inhaled during combustion of tobacco or cigarette paper,” confirms a Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology article. As you attempt to quit, try new stress management strategies, such as meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy, acupuncture, and yoga. 
   3. Refrain from pesticides: Environmental toxins (i.e. pesticides) can cause the body to gather excessive amounts of ROS (reactive oxygen species), which can destruct sperm DNA. Organic food options are advised to help reduce pesticide exposures.

Functional medicine therapies could potentially support sperm quality, cellular health,you’re your overall health status. Why not experience a personalized approach to fertility? Contact us to help improve conception now. 

Suggested reading: Mold And Hormones – What’s The Link? A Toronto Functional Medicine Perspective

How to access your comprehensive treatment plan

Adopting a healthy lifestyle may require help. After all, treatments and lifestyle modifications are not one-size-fits-all products! But when you opt for a personalized medicine approach, conventional and holistic treatments may be adapted for your biological needs, such as enhancing sperm motility. Plus, the TFMC welcomes collaboration between the patient and health provider! You’re invited to join us as we draft your health strategies. This provides you with additional education to help you stick to your health goals.

Our clinicians have extensive experience treating various health issues, including histamine intolerance, muscle recovery, insulin resistance, and hormonal disorders. We can also prescribe intravenous therapy for supportive purposes, which is administered in our in-house IV Lounge. We opened the first IV Lounge in Toronto in 2012, and since then, we’ve been serving patients with functional medicine therapies and IV drips! When IV therapy is combined with beneficial habits and health interventions (i.e. Western medicine), they can contribute to optimal wellness. 

How can integrative and functional medicine help your fertility journey? Getting custom health advice from us is simple – just call us to ask for your initial visit at the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media. 

 

References

Adashi, E. Y., Vine, M. F., Margolin, B. H., Morrison, H. I., & Hulka, B. S. (1994). Cigarette smoking and sperm density: A meta-analysis. Fertility and Sterility, 61(1), 35-43. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0015-0282(16)56450-4

Ahmadi, S., Bashiri, R., Ghadiri-Anari, A., & Nadjarzadeh, A. (2016). Antioxidant supplements and semen parameters: An evidence based review. International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine, 14(12), 729-736. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5203687/

Balawender, K., & Orkisz, S. (2020). The impact of selected modifiable lifestyle factors on male fertility in the modern world. Central European Journal of Urology, 73(4), 563-568. https://doi.org/10.5173/ceju.2020.1975

“Don’t make the mistake of letting a diet kill sperm” by Edwin McDonald, MD, for the University of Chicago Medicine, posted on December 10, 2018, viewed on June 30, 2024. 

Giahi, L., Mohammadmoradi, S., Javidan, A., & Sadeghi, M. R. (2016). Nutritional modifications in male infertility: A systematic review covering 2 decades. Nutrition Reviews, 74(2), 118-130. https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuv059

“Facts And Myths Of Male Fertility: Tight Underwear, Hot Tubs, Marijuana, And More” McGill University, Office for Science and Society, posted September 2, 2020, viewed on July 2, 2024. 

Komiya, A., Kato, M., Shibata, H., Imamura, Y., Sazuka, T., Sakamoto, S., Uchida, N., Takayanagi, Y., Nako, Y., Tajima, M., Hiraoka, K., Ichikawa, T., & Kawai, K. (2023). Results of lifestyle modification promotion and reproductive/general health check for male partners of couples seeking conception. Heliyon, 9(4), e15203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15203

Kumar, N., & Singh, A. K. (2022). Impact of environmental factors on human semen quality and male fertility: A narrative review. Environmental Sciences Europe, 34(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12302-021-00585-w

Levine, H., Jørgensen, N., Mendiola, J., Mindlis, I., Pinotti, R., & Swan, S. H. (2017). Temporal trends in sperm count: A systematic review and meta-regression analysis. Human Reproduction Update, 23(6), 646-659. https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmx022

Nassan FL, Jensen TK, Priskorn L, Halldorsson TI, Chavarro JE, Jørgensen N. Association of Dietary Patterns With Testicular Function in Young Danish Men. JAMA Netw Open. 2020;3(2):e1921610. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.21610

Ravitsky V, Kimmins S. The forgotten men: rising rates of male infertility urgently require new approaches for its prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Biol Reprod. 2019 Nov 21;101(5):872-874. doi: 10.1093/biolre/ioz161. PMID: 31553040; PMCID: PMC6877781.

Sansone, A., Dato, C. D., Menafra, D., Pozza, C., Pivonello, R., Isidori, A., & Gianfrilli, D. (2018). Smoke, alcohol and drug addiction and male fertility. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology : RB&E, 16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12958-018-0320-7

“Study shows link between healthy diet, higher sperm counts” news from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, viewed on July 2, 2024.