Around 30% of infertility cases are due to sperm quality alone, but the good news is that sperm health can often be improved in a relatively short space of time. At The Reset Room in Brighton & Hove, we provide male fertility support that includes acupuncture, dietary guidance, and lifestyle advice to help you and your partner on your journey to conception. By taking a holistic approach, we aim to improve sperm quality, reduce stress, and create the best possible conditions for natural conception or assisted fertility treatments such as IVF.
Understanding Male Fertility Testing
When a couple first seeks help from their GP, the man is usually offered a standard semen analysis. This test measures three key factors: sperm count (number of sperm), motility (how well they swim), and morphology (whether they are the right shape). However, these tests don’t assess the overall integrity of the sperm or their ability to create a healthy embryo.
Additional testing can provide a clearer picture of male fertility. These may include sperm DNA fragmentation testing, ultrasound scans for varicocele (a condition affecting up to 40% of men struggling to conceive), oxidative stress testing, infection screening, and a full hormone profile. Men with poor semen analysis results are strongly advised to see a urologist or andrologist for further investigations.
IVF, ICSI, and Recurrent Miscarriage
For couples undergoing IVF or ICSI, sperm quality remains a crucial factor. Recurrent miscarriage and repeated IVF failures can sometimes be linked to sperm DNA fragmentation. While ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) can help fertilise the egg even if motility or morphology are poor, it does not address underlying DNA issues, which may still result in miscarriage. Improving sperm health before assisted conception can therefore make a big difference to outcomes.
How Diet Affects Sperm Health
Oxidative stress is one of the biggest threats to male fertility. It occurs when there is an imbalance between damaging free radicals and protective antioxidants. Because sperm are the smallest cells in the human body, they are especially vulnerable to oxidative stress.
The good news is that diet can play a powerful role in reducing oxidative stress and improving sperm health. Foods rich in antioxidants are particularly beneficial, including:
- Vitamin C: citrus fruits, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, peppers, tomatoes
- Vitamin E: almonds, avocados, sunflower seeds, oatmeal, legumes
- Beta carotene: carrots, mangoes, apricots, cantaloupe, peppers
- Selenium: eggs, tuna, salmon, brown rice, onions
It’s also important to avoid excess free radicals caused by processed and fried foods, refined sugars, alcohol, smoking, recreational drugs, and environmental pollutants.
Lifestyle Factors That Influence Sperm Quality
Several lifestyle choices can have a direct impact on sperm health:
- Heat: Testicles are located outside the body to stay 2–3 degrees cooler than core temperature. Avoid hot baths, laptops on laps, or tight underwear, and try to reduce long periods of sitting.
- Stress: Chronic stress suppresses reproductive function by triggering the body’s “fight or flight” response. Acupuncture and breathing practices can help reduce stress and support fertility.
- Exercise: While regular activity is beneficial, intense or prolonged exercise can create oxidative stress that damages sperm. Balance is key.
Acupuncture for Male Fertility in Brighton & Hove
Acupuncture has been shown to support male fertility by reducing stress, improving circulation, and rebalancing the body’s energy systems. It can be particularly effective in improving sperm motility and morphology, reducing oxidative stress, and supporting overall reproductive health. For men in Brighton & Hove, acupuncture offers a safe, drug-free therapy that complements both natural conception and assisted fertility treatments like IVF.
Begin Your Journey
At The Reset Room in Brighton & Hove, we provide a supportive and personalised approach to male fertility. We can explain your test results, advise on diet and lifestyle changes, and create a treatment plan designed to improve sperm health and support your family goals.
For a free, no-obligation 15-minute chat about your fertility journey, or to book an appointment, please contact Sandry on 07748 751 344.
