Why Male Fertility Matters More Than You Think | with Natalie Pickering

For many women navigating fertility challenges, the focus is often on our bodies, our cycles, our hormones, our diet, and our stress levels. We track, test, tweak, and optimise. And yet, despite doing everything "right," something still isn’t clicking.

Male Fertility: The Blind Spot in the Journey to Parenthood

What if I told you that 40–50% of fertility struggles are due to male factors?

Yes—half of all cases where a couple struggles to conceive involve some degree of male infertility (Agarwal et al., 2021). And yet, the conversation about male fertility is severely lacking.

• Sperm counts have declined by over 50% in the last 40 years (Levine et al., 2017).
• 1 in 20 men has some form of suboptimal fertility (Agarwal et al., 2021).
• Male fertility isn’t just about sperm count—motility (movement), morphology (shape), and DNA integrity all play a role.
• Oxidative stress from diet, toxins, and lifestyle is one of the leading causes of sperm DNA damage, affecting embryo quality and increasing miscarriage risk.

Despite this, most men don’t get tested until months or years into a couple’s fertility journey—if at all. This isn’t just frustrating—it’s delaying solutions.

How to Talk to Your Partner About Fertility Testing and Support

Bringing up male fertility testing can feel delicate, especially if your partner is resistant to the idea. Some men hesitate, thinking:

• "I feel fine, so my sperm must be fine."
• "Fertility problems are a women’s issue."
• "I don't want to be the reason we're struggling."

Here’s how to navigate this conversation with care and clarity.

1. Lead with Curiosity, Not Blame

Instead of saying, “You need to get tested,” try:

• "I was reading about fertility and had no idea that almost half of all struggles to conceive are linked to male factors. What do you think about that?"

This shifts the conversation from accusation to exploration.

2. Frame It as a Team Effort

• "I really want us to get the full picture of our fertility health so we can make the best decisions moving forward."

This makes it about gathering information together rather than placing blame.

3. Normalise Male Fertility Testing

• "Getting a semen analysis is as simple as a blood test for me. It’s non-invasive and gives us valuable information."
• "Testing is just about getting data—it doesn’t mean there’s a problem."

What Every Man Should Be Testing for Fertility

Natural Ways to Improve Male Fertility

Sperm regenerates every 72–90 days, meaning small changes can significantly improve sperm quality within three months.

• Korean Ginseng – Enhances sperm motility and improves erectile function
• Withania – Increases testosterone and sperm count
• Tongkat Ali – Increases testosterone levels and sperm concentration
• Ubiquinol (Active CoQ10) – Supports sperm mitochondrial energy production and reduces oxidative stress

The Bottom Line: This Isn’t About Blame—It’s About Empowerment

If you’re struggling to conceive, this is not just on you. Fertility is a partnership, and male reproductive health deserves equal attention.

The best part? Male fertility is highly responsive to natural intervention. With the right testing, guidance, and support, your partner can significantly improve sperm health—and together, you can take back control of your fertility journey.

Love Natalie

To explore your options book a consultation with Natalie here.

Natalie is a fertility specialist dedicated to helping couples achieve their dream of parenthood through evidence-based natural medicine.