Deciding to become a parent is one of the most exciting (and life-altering) decisions we make in our life. Unfortunately, for one in six Australian couples, starting a family is made complicated by infertility.[1] For these couples, 40% of infertility is attributed to a sperm factor, including low sperm count or poor sperm production, in another 40% the cause is found within the female reproductive system,  and the remaining 20% is a combination of male and female factors.[2]

For both men and women, there are a wide range of factors that may be causing this, particularly lifestyle choices like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, weight, exercise and diet[1]. This is why it’s important to start examining our day-to-day choices and make an effort to ensure you and your partner are pursuing those that may support your chances of starting a beautiful family.

Improve your lifestyle and diet
Making active choices to eat a healthier diet and lead an active lifestyle may help both men and women boost their chances of falling pregnant. Simple changes to your diet are beneficial, and can help balance your hormones.[2] For men, choosing the right foods to eat may be important in increasing your sperm count and improving your sperm’s movement.[3] Try to up your intake of antioxidant-rich foods with vitamin E (such as nuts, seeds and vegetable oils), vitamin C (in orange juice, tomatoes, grapefruit and broccoli) and folic acid (leafy greens, beans and bananas).[4]

Be careful of caffeinated drinks and alcohol when trying to conceive – heavy drinking can reduce men’s sex drive and affect the quality of sperm.[5] Remind your partner that cutting back on alcohol will be worth it when you get to celebrate the arrival of a healthy baby![6]

Be mindful of toxins
Environmental pollution and toxins like pesticides, BPA, herbicides, metals and air pollutants are increasingly being considered a source of infertility.[7] Whilst difficult to avoid entirely, cutting down on exposure to common toxins may be achieved by ensuring you wash fruits and vegetables well before use and using a household water filter. Where possible, try to opt for Certified Organic produce and cut down on using plastics in items like kitchen utensils and personal care products.[8]

Supplementing your antioxidant intake
Ubiquinol, the active form of Coenzyme Q10, has been found to be significantly effective in improving the sperm quality of infertile men.

We can all feel stressed from time to time and your sperm is no exception – oxidative stress has been linked to male infertility and can be exacerbated by increased stress levels.[9] 

Studies have shown that Ubiquinol is not only present in high levels in sperm, but that it can protect sperm cells from oxidative damage, improve sperm count and may also play a role in sperm energy production.[10]

One study by Iranian researchers, published in The Journal of Urology, found Ubiquinol may be “significantly effective” in helping men with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia – a condition where a man has the combination of a low sperm count, poor sperm motility or movement, and abnormal sperm shape[11].

Among the more detailed findings of this study were that:

• Ubiquinol significantly improved sperm density in more than 62 per cent of men;
• The number of motile sperm also increased significantly in 57 per cent of men;
• The percentage of normally shaped sperm improved in 52 per cent of men who took Ubiquinol as compared to placebo; and
• Sperm density increased more than 2.5-fold with Ubiquinol compared to conventional CoQ10.

Our natural Ubiquinol levels decline as we age, peaking at around the age of 30 (or even earlier if you are physically active or stressed).

So, it may be worth looking at compensating for a decline in natural Ubiquinol levels, particularly if you and your partner are trying to conceive

Always read the label. Use only as directed.  Speak to your healthcare practitioner first to find out more about Ubiquinol and remember a healthy diet, exercise, rest and low stress are also important in your fertility journey.

[1] Illlacqua, A., Izzo, G., Emerenziani, G.P., Baldari, C. and Aversa, A. (2018). Lifestyle and fertility: the influence of stress and quality of life on male fertility. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 16: 115.

[2] https://www.yourfertility.org.au/everyone/lifestyle/nutrition-and-micronutrients

[3] https://www.whattoexpect.com/getting-pregnant/fertility-foods-for-men.aspx

[4] Gaskins, A.J. and Chavarro, J.E. (2018). Diet and fertility: a review. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 218(4): 379-389.

[5] https://www.yourfertility.org.au/everyone/lifestyle/alcohol

[6] Gaskins, A.J. and Chavarro, J.E. (2018). Diet and fertility: a review. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 218(4): 379-389.

[7] Pizzorno, J. (2018). Environmental toxins and infertility. Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal 17(2): 8-11.

[8] https://www.yourhome.gov.au/housing/healthy-home

[9] Illlacqua, A., Izzo, G., Emerenziani, G.P., Baldari, C. and Aversa, A. (2018). Lifestyle and fertility: the influence of stress and quality of life on male fertility. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 16: 115.

[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4606224/

[11] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022534712034192

[1] https://www.ivf.com.au/planning-for-pregnancy/what-is-infertility

[2] https://www.ivf.com.au/planning-for-pregnancy/what-is-infertility