Men Matter Too: Sperm Health Is Half the Fertility Equation

When couples plan IVF, the focus often falls on the woman’s age and egg health.
But in reality, male factor Sperm Health and IVF infertility accounts for nearly 40–50% of all fertility issues.

At Gulmohar IVF, Panchkula, we emphasize that optimizing sperm health is equally crucial for IVF success.
Let’s understand how sperm quality impacts outcomes and what men can do to improve it.

How Sperm Health Affects IVF Success

Healthy sperm contribute to:

Strong fertilization potential during ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection)
Higher embryo quality
Better blastocyst formation (Day 5 embryos)
Improved chances of implantation and a healthy pregnancy

Poor sperm quality may lead to:

Fertilization failure
Poor embryo development
Increased risk of miscarriage

💡 Related Read: Understand overall success factors in Success Factors in IVF: Lifestyle, Age & Medical Factors

Key Parameters of Healthy Sperm

Count: Number of sperm per milliliter of semen
Motility: Ability of sperm to swim actively
Morphology: Shape and structure of sperm
DNA Integrity: Quality of genetic material inside sperm

Even if sperm count is normal, poor motility or DNA fragmentation can affect embryo quality.
That’s why sperm evaluation is a must before IVF.

Common Causes of Poor Sperm Health

Smoking, alcohol, and drug use
Obesity or sedentary lifestyle
Chronic stress and poor sleep
Exposure to heat (like saunas, tight clothing)
Nutritional deficiencies (zinc, selenium, folate)
Diabetes or hormonal imbalances
Past infections or surgeries (like varicocele)

How Men Can Improve Sperm Health before IVF

1. Lifestyle Modifications

Quit smoking and limit alcohol
Exercise regularly (30–45 minutes/day)
Maintain a healthy weight
Manage stress with yoga, meditation, or hobbies

2. Nutritional Boost

Include foods rich in:

Zinc (pumpkin seeds, chickpeas)
Selenium (Brazil nuts, fish)
Antioxidants (berries, spinach, tomatoes)
Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, flaxseeds)

Supplements like coenzyme Q10, folic acid, and vitamin C may be advised by your fertility doctor.

💡 Related Read: Build a fertility-friendly diet with Foods That Can Help Improve Fertility Naturally

3. Protect from Heat and Toxins

Avoid tight underwear and hot baths
Reduce mobile phones or laptops directly on the lap
Minimize exposure to pesticides, radiation, and industrial chemicals

4. Medical Treatments if Needed

Sometimes, medical interventions are needed for issues like:

Hormonal therapy for low testosterone
Surgery for varicocele correction
Advanced sperm retrieval techniques in cases of zero sperm count (TESE/PESA)

💡 Related Read: Learn when intervention is necessary in Common Causes of Infertility & When to Seek a Specialist

Special Note: What Happens During IVF for Men?

During IVF, men are usually asked to:

Provide a semen sample on egg retrieval day
In some cases, freeze sperm in advance if retrieval timing is difficult
Undergo ICSI if sperm parameters are borderline or low

At Gulmohar IVF, we perform semen analysis, DNA fragmentation tests, and guide men through lifestyle changes well before starting IVF cycles.

Final Thoughts: IVF Is a Team Effort—Both Partners Play a Role

When it comes to fertility, sperm health is as important as egg health.
Small positive changes can significantly boost IVF outcomes.
At Gulmohar IVF, Panchkula, we support both partners on this journey—because building a family is a partnership in every sense.

📍 Clinic Address: 289, Sector 7, Near Geeta Chowk, Panchkula, HR (India)
📞 Call Us: +91 9780 355 355
📅 Book Consultation with Gulmohar IVF Experts

FAQ: Sperm Health & IVF

1. How long does it take to improve sperm health?
Usually 2–3 months as sperm production cycles last around 74 days.

2. Does male age affect IVF success?
Yes, especially after age 40, sperm motility and DNA integrity can decline.

3. Is ICSI recommended for poor sperm parameters?
Yes. ICSI directly injects a single healthy sperm into the egg, bypassing motility or morphology issues.

4. Can stress impact sperm health?
Absolutely. Chronic stress affects hormone levels and sperm quality. Relaxation techniques are highly recommended.