With Father’s Day on the horizon, we celebrate men’s role as fathers, caregivers and protectors. However, it also provides an opportunity to draw attention to a long-overlooked conversation: male fertility. We spotlight the challenges men face with their reproductive health.
why future fathers need to take fertility seriously
While reproductive health campaigns tend to focus solely on women, covering contraception, pregnancy care, menstruation and postpartum recovery, this imbalance has created a blind spot when it comes to male fertility, says Dr Bradley Wagemaker, medical director at Lamelle Pharma.
“Men have been excluded from these conversations for far too long,” Dr Wagemaker says. “Good sperm health matters just as much in the fertility equation. By leaving men out of the picture, we risk delaying diagnosis and creating unnecessary emotional and physical strain for both partners,” he says.
Globally, around 10% of couples struggle to conceive. Male infertility is a contributing factor in up to 50% of those cases. While the topic is often shied away from by men or even overlooked across society, poor sperm health is surprisingly common.
Read more about male fertility here.
what’s slowing down your swimmers?
Poor sperm health can be caused by low sperm count and poor motility or abnormal morphology, all of which are affected by lifestyle, medical history, environmental exposures and age.
Age is a factor that many men overlook. Research shows that sperm quality begins to decline from the mid-30s, affecting both motility and DNA integrity. Unhealthy habits earlier in life, including smoking, drinking, sleep deprivation, drug use and poor diet, can also impact sperm health years down the line.
how to speed up your swimmers
The good news is that sperm is highly responsive to change. According to the Loma Linda Fertility Institute, men who adopt healthier lifestyles – including regular exercise, good nutrition, stress management and reduced alcohol and tobacco use – often see measurable improvements in semen quality. Avoiding hot baths or saunas, maintaining a healthy weight and reviewing medications with a doctor are also important steps.
Consistency is key. Real improvement in sperm health requires sustained effort over time, typically three to six months since that’s how long it takes for new sperm to develop. Whether you’re adjusting your lifestyle, starting a new supplement, or attending regular health checkups, consistency can make all the difference.
Regular health checks that include semen analysis are also strongly encouraged. “Future fatherhood isn’t just about preparing emotionally or financially,” says Dr Wagemaker. “It starts with understanding your body and taking practical steps to protect your reproductive health.”
In addition to lifestyle changes, clinically researched supplements may support male reproductive health by enhancing blood flow and improving sperm function and motility. As with any supplement, consistent daily use is key to seeing results.
Read more about important health checks for men.
not a solo journey
Male fertility challenges can feel isolating, but no one should have to navigate them solo. Whether it’s a trusted GP, a fertility clinic, an online support forum, or a group of friends you can be honest with, you need a strong, supportive community. Talking openly about male fertility can provide emotional relief, motivation and practical advice. Being part of a community can remind men that they’re not alone on this journey.
This Father’s Day, let’s think about fatherhood a little differently – not only celebrating the dads we know, but standing with the men who hope to become fathers one day. Fertility is a shared journey.
