Trying to conceive with Unexplained Infertility? Experienced Recurrent Pregnancy Loss?

You’ve been trying to conceive for a while with unexplained infertility . Everything seems normal. Your partner’s semen analysis is “fine,” you’ve had tests that show no major red flags. Yet you’re still not pregnant (or have experienced losses). Now might be the time to look at bit closer at that semen analysis.

For years, sperm were seen as little more than a delivery system. If they could swim and there were enough of them, the male side was ruled out. Now, though, research and clinical evidence is showing that that isn’t the whole picture.

From placental development to premature birth and even preeclampsia, research is emerging to show that sperm health has a role to play in more than fertilising and delivering the male DNA to the egg.

The Hidden Influence of Sperm on the Placenta

A fascinating 2022 study published in Biology of Reproduction Jazwiec et al 2022 highlights how sperm play a surprising role in placental development. Far from being passive, sperm carry epigenetic instructions. These are chemical markers that influence how genes are expressed. These markers can help shape how the placenta forms and how it implants in the uterus. Furthermore, it now seems it has a role in how the placenta functions throughout pregnancy.

Put simply, this means the health of the sperm at conception can affect how well the placenta develops. The health and development of the placenta has implications for the entire pregnancy.

What else does the Research Say?

A 2022 study from Lund University Berntsen et al., 2022 found that men with high sperm DNA fragmentation had twice the risk of their partner developing preeclampsia in IVF pregnancies.

This means that sperm health is not just an issue about fertility and conception. It’s an important part of the health of the pregnancy.

Other studies have also linked poor sperm quality with:

• Higher miscarriage rates

• Preterm birth

• Foetal growth restriction

• Placental insufficiency

This matters whether you’re trying naturally or through assisted reproduction.

Why Is This Often Overlooked?

Conventional semen analysis doesn’t look at DNA fragmentation or oxidative stress (when damage can occur at a cellular level). So a man can have “normal” sperm count, motility and morphology, yet still be contributing to hidden issues.

In unexplained infertility and recurrent miscarriage, this factor can often therefore go without being investigated.

As with all things unexplained infertility, I always think this is a positive! Because there is so much we can do once we have information!

Supporting Sperm Health for Better Outcomes

Here are some of the most evidence-backed ways you can support sperm health and reduce risks associated with poor sperm DNA:

Nutrition

A Mediterranean-style diet rich in antioxidants (think colourful veg, berries, olive oil, oily fish, nuts and seeds). Studies show that this type of diet has been linked to improved sperm parameters and DNA integrity. Supporting this and personalising it for you with nutrigenomic testing can take this a step further.

 

Lifestyle Adjustments

Reducing alcohol (sorry but you might as well – do it together!).  Avoid smoking altogether and the use of recreational drugs. Try to manage stress (it isn’t the cause but it won’t help). Avoid excess heat (like hot tubs and tight underwear or lycra cycling shorts). All these actions can significantly help and aren’t hard adjustments to make.

Supplementation

Nutrients like CoQ10, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) have all shown benefits in supporting sperm quality and reducing DNA fragmentation. For it to be most effective, personalisation helps!

Testing

If you’ve experienced IVF failure, miscarriage, or long-standing unexplained infertility, a Sperm DNA Fragmentation Test, seminal microbiome test or even a nutrigenomic panel looking at your genetic predisposition where methylation, detoxification or nutrient absorption is concerned could provide valuable insight and help guide targeted support.

 

What’s the Bottom Line?

Sperm health isn’t just about fertilising an egg. Healthy sperm have a role in contributing to a healthy pregnancy. For couples facing unexplained infertility or pregnancy loss, looking more closely into sperm health might help give you some insights into how to improve the role of sperm in your conception and pregnancies.

If you’re on this journey and want to explore what’s really going on, I can help you get some answers. With the right testing, nutrition strategies, and evidence-informed support for both partners you’ll be in a better place to conceive and carry to term. Book here if you’d like to chat, no obligations