When it comes to fertility and fertile potential, the quality of sperm and the genetics contained within that sperm are paramount. So what affects sperm quality and how might we be able to improve it?

To answer this we should first consider that there is much more involved than just the reproductive organs in creating quality sperm.

Take this analogy of a car and its wheels for example. Just because a car has wheels doesn’t mean it can drive. What about the axles, the car body, the motor, the integrated electrical system, fuel system, coolant system, steering mechanism, etc.?

All of these need to be coordinated in such a way to facilitate the ability to drive. Similarly, having the reproductive anatomy does not guarantee fertility. There are several factors that can affect sperm production, quality and their release. These can range from factors involving hormone communication, circulatory issues, inflammation, dietary factors, influences of stress, temperature regulation, circadian rhythm and other potential factors. A semen analysis, hormone testing and genetic screening are excellent tools to identify possible fertility challenges as well as treatments for these specific outcomes. So who looks at the rest of the system? That is where an affiliated health practitioner comes in. It is our role in complementing assisted reproductive treatment to assess, diagnose, treat, educate, coach and facilitate optimization of these other factors to hopefully improve outcomes.

Not sure where to start? Give us a call. Let’s pop the hood, so to speak, and see what we can do to help.

Photo by ROMAN ODINTSOV