Oh baby! How to support sperm health

Fertility health is far from just a women’s issue, which makes supporting sperm health an important part of the conception journey.

A 2017 study published in Australian Family Physician found that male fertility issues are a factor in around 30 per cent of cases of infertility.

According to scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, sperm counts among men in the western world, including Australia, have more than halved in the past 40 years and are falling by an average of 1.4 per cent a year.

Problems making healthy sperm are the most common causes of male fertility issues, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.

And some men may not be able to make any sperm at all — a problem that can be caused by a host of different conditions as well as age.

Lifestyle and environmental issues such as exposure to toxins, smoking, excessive alcohol and lack of exercise can also play a part in male fertility issues.

Ways to support male fertility

A few simple diet and lifestyle changes can help improve overall male health, including fertility.

It is recommended that men quit smoking and steroid use, maintain a healthy weight, eat a healthy diet, limit alcohol use and exercise regularly while trying to conceive.

A powerful antioxidant known as ubiquinol may also help support male fertility by assisting with sperm health, production and motility.

What is ubiquinol and how can it help sperm?

Put simply, ubiquinol is the active or “converted” and most readily absorbed form of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a powerful fat-soluble antioxidant that helps convert food into energy.

Even when we’re sedentary, everything that’s going on in our cells requires an incredible amount of energy exchange.

The ubiquinol form of CoQ10 plays a critical role in creating most of this cellular energy.

Ubiquinol is present in high levels in sperm, which supports its ability to deliver on its important function.

Studies have shown ubiquinol can help protect sperm cells from oxidative damage and may also play a role in sperm energy production.

Ubiquinol also supports heart health and healthy cholesterol.

How to boost ubiquinol levels

Our natural levels of ubiquinol start to decline from about the age of 30.

Ubiquinol supplements are available from leading Australian brands.

Speak to your doctor first to find out more about ubiquinol for supporting sperm health, motility and morphology – and remember that exercise, a healthy diet, low stress and regular sleep are also important aspects of male fertility.

This post is brought to you by Kaneka. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. Supplements may only be of assistance if dietary intake is inadequate.

SHARE THIS

RELATED ARTICLES