By Erin Wiley ND

Far too often in our society fertility is more commonly considered a female responsibility. When couples are trying to conceive, women are more likely to seek medical attention than their male partners. This scenario can be problematic since the health of both the sperm and the egg are vital to healthy conception and development.

Sperm contain the blueprint of life. Together with the egg they guide the development of the very first cell from which all other cells develop in the creation of a new human life. A proactive, health conscious male can have a profound impact on the health of his future offspring. Recent studies demonstrate that male fertility factors contribute to 68% of infertility cases. Male sperm is more vulnerable to damage than female eggs due to their small size and the developmental process. Sperm development takes approximately 80 days. During their development sperm are strongly influenced by the environment in which they grow and mature. This fact has both consequences and benefits. Sperm can be very susceptible to stress, illness, environmental toxicity, trauma, heat, and nutrition. However, this also means that sperm are very resilient when given the optimal conditions for development.

Men have an opportunity to profoundly affect the blueprint of life for future generations by enhancing their overall health. The sperm ready for conception today were influenced by your state of health during the past 80 days. Therefore any investment you make to your health today will pay returns in healthy sperm approximately 80 days later. Factors that commonly effect male fertility include: age, toxicity, oxidative damage to sperm, exposure to radiation or chemicals, low nutritional status, stress, alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, and poor quality, processed, or refined foods. Many of these factors are with in your control and can be optimized with the help of your Naturopathic Doctor.

Sperm health is relatively easy to assess and easy to support. Naturopathic medicine offers a variety of supportive evidence-based options for men interested in promoting optimal fertility and overall health. Our Naturopathic Doctors are happy to discuss your individual health needs and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

Dr. Erin Wiley is a naturopathic doctor with a strong focus on preventative and integrative medicine. She is the Co-founder and Clinic Director of the Integrative Health Institute, an integrative medical clinic located in downtown Toronto. Erin has a strong clinical emphasis on stress related illness, anxiety, depression and hormone balance. As a naturopathic doctor, Erin is passionate about working with people to help them better understand their health and achieve their health goals.

main image via  Gonzalo Merat via Compfight