How’s your hunks spunk? Interpreting a semen analysis & strengthening those swimmers
We know it takes two to tango and our modern men are more up for participating in the fertility journey than ever before. Just as well because in about 40% of cases where couples have challenges conceiving it is due to the male factor. Sperm integrity is essential for sperm-egg interactions, fertilisation and early embryonic development. In addition to this, paternally expressed genes go on to determine how well the placenta forms.
Sperm have a lifecycle of about 74 days, this means that everything that occurs in the 74 days preceding ejaculation will be reflected in the quality of the semen and consequently the potential offspring. This is why we want to take three months prior to trying to conceive (TTC) to improve all aspects of health, aiming for optimal general health to ensure viable sperm for conception and healthy pregnancy outcomes.
Sperm health can be directly influenced by diet and supplementation as their form and structure are comprised of nutrients, protein, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, enzymes and hydration. Unlike the men that produce them; sperm are very small, delicate cells that are incredibly susceptible to oxidative damage caused by stress, environmental toxins, heat, alcohol consumption, increased body mass index (BMI), and poor/low nutrient status – all of which can negatively affect semen parameters. Diet, specific supplementation and managing oxidative stress have significant impact on the health and integrity of sperm.
A semen analysis measures the quantity and quality of both the liquid portion, called semen, and the microscopic moving cells called sperm. Some parameters that are assessed are volume, concentration, motility and morphology.
Often a semen analysis won’t be requested by a general practitioner until after 12 months of trying to conceive or 6 months with recurrent miscarriages (2+ miscarriages in a row). This can feel like a long and heart wrenching amount of time to wait for answers to fertility challenges. There are certainly measures we can take to improve the health of sperm without a semen analysis, however gaining a test before 12 months of TTC could enable targeted support sooner. As a naturopath, I am able to privately refer without Medicare for this test at any stage of your fertility journey.
Interpreting your semen analysis
The reference ranges for semen parameters from the World Health Organisation (WHO) are based on ranges viable for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) rather than natural conception. The parameters that are optimal for natural conception are much higher than what the WHO recommends for IVF.
So, you’ve agreed to the test and negotiated whether or not your partner assists in the test collection – here’s what it all means:
Concentration
The number of sperm in one millilitre of semen.
Optimal range: >20 million per mL
Count
The total number of sperm in a sample (one ejaculate).
Optimal range: >39 million per ejaculate
Motility
The ability for sperm to move and swim. Progressive motility is important for sperm to move through the female reproductive tract to reach an egg for conception.
Progressive motility: sperm swimming mostly straight
Non-progressive motility: sperm swimming in circles
Immotile: inability to swim
Optimal range: >50%
Morphology
The shape of the sperm. Healthy sperm consist of a head, neck and tail. Reduced morphology may look like two heads, no tail, two tails, no neck etc.
Optimal range: >30%
DNA fragmentation
DNA fragmentation is an additional test that is not included in a general semen analysis that identifies the quality of the sperms DNA integrity and the potential of initiating a healthy ongoing pregnancy. DNA fragmentation is an important assessment when investigating recurrent miscarriage.
Optimal range: <10%
Enhancing Semen Parameters (strengthening those swimmers)
There are many dietary and lifestyle factors that can enhance semen parameters and male fertility.
Begin today:
Book in with a naturopath for personalised care
Take a practitioner-only male preconception supplement
Abstain from caffeine, alcohol, smoking & recreational drug use
Assess your BMI & reduce weight at a steady rate
Load up on your vegetable intake & ensure organic produce where possible
Hydrate with 2-3 litres of filtered water daily
Establish a mindfulness/relaxation routine to reduce stress
Maintain scrotal temperature between 34 – 36 degrees
Swap to boxer briefs for greater circulation
Never have your laptop on your lap or phone in your pocket
Avoid exposure to free radicals & environmental toxins: plastic containers, plastic water bottles, pesticides, commercial cleaning & household products etc.
Minimise sitting: invest in a standing desk, swap cycling for walking, take breaks on long drives
Avoid infrared saunas, baths & spas
If you’ve been trying to conceive, thinking of starting a family in the future or have received your semen analysis results – no matter where you are on your fertility journey – additional support can greatly benefit. Reach out to book an appointment.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7291266/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5227674/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3696791/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3558139/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4691969/