Studies have shown that lifestyle changes, natural remedies and dietary adjustments can help men improve their sperm quality – and Toronto functional medicine providers can share tips on how to do this!

Infertility is a rising health challenge among couples. According to the International Journal of General Medicine, the World Health Organization reveals that, “… approximately 50–80 million people worldwide suffer from infertility, and male factors are responsible for approximately 20–30% of all infertility cases.”

Alleviating this concern does not include a one-size-fits-all method. In fact, for 40% of affected males, the reasons behind infertility may be ambiguous. But for other men, this issue may be due to: 

• Hormone imbalances
• Environmental and lifestyle issues
• Genetics
• Physical concerns, such as blocked ejaculatory pathways or enlarged sperm vessels (varicocele)
• Sexually transmitted diseases 
• Sexual health issues (i.e. erectile dysfunction)

So, what can we do for fertility health optimization? There are tactics that could assist with semen quality. Keep reading to uncover these tips and how you might benefit from a personalized approach to upgrading conception. 

Functional medicine insights on preventing male infertility 

Toxin exposures sprinkled throughout our daily lives, such as plastics, pollutants, and junk food, can influence reproduction. Thus, we may want to transition into a healthy lifestyle for the sake of long-term health for ourselves and our future children. For example, a Journal of Clinical Medicine report explains that “A high-fat diet and obesity, resulting from an unhealthy lifestyle, affects the structure of spermatozoa, but also the development of offspring and their health in later stages of life.” With that, try these tips for helping to avert male infertility:

4. Boost your nutrients: Consider taking supplements or eating foods rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients that promote male fertility, such as cruciferous vegetables and pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ). PQQ is known for supporting energy metabolism and your nerves. As per research, PQQ may contribute to fostering sperm motility due to antioxidant functions.

5. Reduce exposures to chemicals, heavy metals, and pollutants: A report from the Environmental Sciences Europe journal states that “…air pollution, use of pesticides and harmful chemicals, exposure to excessive heat, and can lead…” can contribute to male infertility. Many of these concerns are modifiable; with that, refrain from toxins around the home, such as BPA from plastics or pesticides in the garden.

Where to seek help

If you can’t conceive after consistent, unprotected sex for 12 months, functional medicine practitioners can be consulted for addressing individual symptoms. These health providers can advise you on lifestyle modifications and provide a personalized medicine approach to your health journey.   

Functional medicine laboratory testing may be offered to uncover nutritional deficiencies or to establish hormone levels. Once results are analyzed, a distinctive health care plan can be customized. At our clinic, treatments may include different modalities to target fertility issues, such as acupuncture or customized nutritional formulas. If you’re deficient in certain nutrients, IV vitamin therapy can be crafted according to functional medicine principles; the therapy is inserted into your bloodstream to replenish vitamin levels to help uplift your health.

How can we improve your fertility chances? Find out at the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre and become a new patient today. 

About our clinical practice and functional medicine programs

If you’ve had a disheartening clinical experience in the past, let’s put your mind at ease with our integrated conventional and natural therapies. 

At our multidisciplinary practice, the integrative and functional medicine approach embraces individuality and patient collaboration. By offering lab tests that measure your personal biology (i.e. blood count, hormone imbalances, etc.) treatments are crafted according to your personal health goals, medical history, lifestyle factors, etc. If you have trepidations outside of fertility, let us know – our therapies may be applied to various aspects of health concerns, including chronic disease, mental health issues, cellular health, autoimmune diseases, body aches, acid reflux, digestive issues, and more. 

Our compassionate health providers have extensive experience in clinical nutrition and functional medicine programs. Integrative medicine is practised too, which is a method that combines modalities for optimal function. Some of the modalities we use are allopathic/Western medicine, naturopathic medicine, herbal medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, and acupuncture. intravenous vitamin drip therapy is also offered in our IV Lounge, where we compound nutritional solutions in line with functional medicine wisdom. 

Are you struggling with infertility? Do you need help working towards optimal health? Functional medicine from Toronto can rejuvenate your outlook on wellness. Click here to request your consultation today. 

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. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website.

References:

Ahmadi S, Bashiri R, Ghadiri-Anari A, Nadjarzadeh A. Antioxidant supplements and semen parameters: An evidence based review. Int J Reprod Biomed. 2016 Dec;14(12):729-736. PMID: 28066832; PMCID: PMC5203687.

Akmal M, Qadri JQ, Al-Waili NS, Thangal S, Haq A, Saloom KY. Improvement in human semen quality after oral supplementation of vitamin C. J Med Food. 2006 Fall;9(3):440-2. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2006.9.440. PMID: 17004914.

Babakhanzadeh E, Nazari M, Ghasemifar S, Khodadadian A. Some of the Factors Involved in Male Infertility: A Prospective Review. Int J Gen Med. 2020 Feb 5;13:29-41. doi: 10.2147/IJGM.S241099. PMID: 32104049; PMCID: PMC7008178.

Colagar AH, Marzony ET. Ascorbic Acid in human seminal plasma: determination and its relationship to sperm quality. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2009 Sep;45(2):144-9. doi: 10.3164/jcbn.08-251. Epub 2009 Aug 28. PMID: 19794921; PMCID: PMC2735625.

Efrat M, Stein A, Pinkas H, Unger R, Birk R. Sugar Consumption Is Negatively Associated with Semen Quality. Reprod Sci. 2022 Oct;29(10):3000-3006. doi: 10.1007/s43032-022-00973-4. Epub 2022 May 23. PMID: 35606632.

Krausz C, Riera-Escamilla A. Genetics of male infertility. Nat Rev Urol. 2018 Jun;15(6):369-384. doi: 10.1038/s41585-018-0003-3. PMID: 29622783.

Kumar, N., Singh, A.K. Impact of environmental factors on human semen quality and male fertility: a narrative review. Environ Sci Eur 34, 6 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12302-021-00585-w

Linköping University. “Diet has rapid effects on sperm quality.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 27 December 2019. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/12/191227104938.htm>.

“Male infertility” from the Mayo Clinic, posted on December 22, 2022, viewed on January 31, 2023.

Ricci E, Al Beitawi S, Cipriani S, Candiani M, Chiaffarino F, Viganò P, Noli S, Parazzini F. Semen quality and alcohol intake: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Biomed Online. 2017 Jan;34(1):38-47. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2016.09.012. Epub 2016 Oct 18. PMID: 28029592.

Sharma R, Harlev A, Agarwal A, Esteves SC. Cigarette Smoking and Semen Quality: A New Meta-analysis Examining the Effect of the 2010 World Health Organization Laboratory Methods for the Examination of Human Semen. Eur Urol. 2016 Oct;70(4):635-645. doi: 10.1016/j.eururo.2016.04.010. Epub 2016 Apr 21. PMID: 27113031.

Skoracka K, Eder P, Łykowska-Szuber L, Dobrowolska A, Krela-Kaźmierczak I. Diet and Nutritional Factors in Male (In)fertility-Underestimated Factors. J Clin Med. 2020 May 9;9(5):1400. doi: 10.3390/jcm9051400. PMID: 32397485; PMCID: PMC7291266.