Male infertility
Male infertility is far more common than people realise. Around 50% of all fertility challenges include a male factor, yet most couples are never told this at the beginning of their journey. Hearing this can feel surprising, confusing or even confronting — but none of this is your fault. Sperm health is influenced by stress, sleep, nourishment and the environment, and these are all areas that can be supported.
Men make new sperm every day, but those sperm take about 72–90 days to mature. This means the body your partner has today reflects the past three months of life. That can feel reassuring, because it shows how much can change in a short time.
Sperm are sensitive to oxidative stress and inflammation. These can affect the DNA inside the sperm or reduce their ability to reach the egg. The hopeful part is that sperm health is responsive. Many couples see meaningful improvements within a single sperm cycle when the right supports are in place.
You are not starting from scratch. You are starting with a body that can change — and that change can influence every stage of conception.
Supporting male fertility is an important part of the Now Baby approach, because both partners contribute to the environment that conception depends on.
Male infertility testing
Semen analysis
A semen analysis is often the first test when couples are trying to conceive. Many are told their results are “fine”, “normal”, or “adequate”, but these words can be misleading.
WHO reference ranges represent the lowest 5% of fertile men. These values show minimums, not optimal fertility. Sperm health has declined across the population, and this is reflected in the 2021 WHO semen manual. A result marked as “normal” may simply fall inside this lower range.
It is important to ask for a copy of the numbers. Every semen analysis is a snapshot of one sample. Counts can rise or fall from one test to the next. Knowing the baseline helps you understand where support is needed.
WHO 2021 semen reference values
These are the current lower reference limits from the WHO 6th Edition (2021):
Semen volume: ≥ 1.4 mL
Sperm concentration: ≥ 16 million/mL
Total sperm number: ≥ 39 million
Total motility: ≥ 42%
Progressive motility: ≥ 30%
Morphology (strict): ≥ 4%
Vitality: ≥ 54% live sperm
pH: ≥ 7.2
Liquefaction: < 60 minutes
These values do not represent “ideal” sperm health — only the minimum expected in fertile men.
DNA fragmentation
A standard semen analysis cannot assess the quality of the genetic material inside the sperm. This is where sperm DNA fragmentation becomes relevant. DNA fragmentation refers to breaks or damage within the sperm’s DNA strands, and higher levels are associated with reduced fertilisation, lower blastocyst development, and a higher risk of miscarriage.
Research suggests that up to 25% of men whose semen analysis appears ‘normal’ may still have elevated sperm DNA fragmentation, meaning issues with genetic integrity can sit beneath normal-looking counts, motility and morphology.
DNA fragmentation is highly influenced by factors that are modifiable, including oxidative stress, inflammation, heat exposure, alcohol, smoking, disrupted sleep, overtraining, and environmental toxins. Because sperm take approximately 72–90 days to mature, improvements in the metabolic and antioxidant environment can meaningfully shift fragmentation levels across a single development cycle.
You do not need testing to begin supporting sperm health — but understanding the hidden layer of DNA quality can be reassuring, especially after unexplained difficulties or failed IVF or ICSI cycles.
Ultrasound and urological assessment
If very low or no sperm are detected (azoospermia), a Urologist may be consulted to determine whether there is a physical obstruction. Ultrasound is generally the first step. If a blockage is found, minor surgical intervention may be recommended, followed by repeat analysis.
If no obstruction is identified, more detailed hormonal and medical investigations may be suggested.
In both scenarios, nutrition and lifestyle support can still play a meaningful role in supporting sperm development and overall wellbeing.
The sperm lifecycle
The sperm lifecycle is approximately 72 days, and every stage of development is influenced by hormonal balance — particularly testosterone.
Research shows that average testosterone levels have fallen significantly over the past two decades. These shifts are strongly linked to lifestyle, metabolic health, sleep and environmental exposures rather than ageing alone.
Common contributors include:
• blood sugar instability
• excessively high or low body fat
• chronic stress affecting pituitary signaling
• endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)
• disrupted or insufficient sleep
• too little or too much exercise
• chronic inflammation
All of these factors are modifiable, which is why sperm health often improves with targeted nutrition and lifestyle support.
Supporting male fertility
The Now Baby approach strengthens the key foundations that influence sperm development and hormonal balance:
• stabilising blood sugar for hormonal signaling
• supporting testosterone through balanced activity and nourishment
• reducing oxidative stress
• improving sleep and circadian rhythm
• reducing toxic load and EDC exposure
• supporting an anti-inflammatory environment
• building calm, clarity and connection for both partners
Supporting male fertility does not replace medical care — it enhances the physiological environment that conception depends on.
Your next step
If you’re trying to conceive — naturally or alongside medical treatment — and would like clarity on the most important steps for both partners, a Fertility Consultation offers personalised guidance and a tailored plan.