## Understanding how male factors affect fertility and what it means for you and your body

Do you feel like you’ve been carrying the weight of this fertility journey alone? You’re not imagining it.

For decades, the focus has been almost entirely on women. You’ve been the one undergoing endless tests, treatments and questioning, even when nothing clearly explained why things weren’t working. But what if that story was never complete?

In 2025, a major international study led by the University of Birmingham, Münster and Dundee [1, 5] revealed something crucial: male infertility is far more common and impactful than many of us were told.

This article isn’t about blame. It’s about giving you the full picture, so you’re no longer left carrying it all alone. Because when you understand what’s really going on, you start seeing where support has been missing. You start trusting your body again.

Let’s break this down simply, clearly and with compassion.

# 1. What We Were Told and What Was Missing

**a. All Eyes on Women**
Until recently, fertility care revolved almost entirely around women. I’ve heard from countless clients who spent years undergoing testing and treatments before anyone suggested checking their partner. Thankfully, this is changing. Many women now report that their partners are being tested earlier. That’s progress.

**b. The 50% Truth**
Here’s what the latest research shows: male factors are involved in around 50% of infertility cases.

The breakdown:
- 30% male factor alone
- 30% female factor alone
- 20% both partners
- 20% unexplained, which means tests didn’t find a clear reason, even after both partners were fully assessed. There was no medical explanation as to why pregnancy wasn’t happening.

**c. Why We Didn't Talk About It**
Much of the system was built around the woman’s body because she carries the baby. But now we know that sperm quality impacts far more than just fertilising an egg. Studies show poor sperm health can affect how the placenta forms and raise miscarriage risks [2, 3].
This matters. It’s not just about getting to pregnancy, it’s about staying pregnant and supporting the healthiest start possible.
Today, we know that testing both partners leads to better answers, fewer unnecessary treatments and more balanced care.

# 2. What the Science Tells Us Now

**a. It’s Not Just the Count**
Sperm tests used to focus mainly on how many sperm were present and what they looked like. But even men with “normal” results often faced fertility issues. Why? Because movement (motility) matters and most standard tests didn’t check it thoroughly.
Researchers at Birmingham, Münster and Dundee developed a tool called FAST (Flagellar Analysis and Sperm Tracking) that assesses how sperm tails move, vital for reaching the egg [1, 5].

Think of it like a performance check: if sperm can’t swim properly, they can’t do their job, no matter how many there are. FAST helps uncover these hidden issues and gives couples more accurate answers.

**b. Lifestyle Counts Too**
Everyday habits like poor sleep, smoking, stress and diet, have a direct impact on sperm health [2, 4].
Small changes make a big difference. You don’t have to be perfect, just informed. Improving sleep, reducing stress, eating fresh foods and moving your body can all improve fertility and support a healthier pregnancy, too.

**c. What You Can’t See: Sperm DNA**
Sometimes, sperm that look “normal” still carry hidden damage in their DNA. This is called DNA fragmentation and it can lead to failed fertilisation, poor embryo quality or miscarriage [2, 3].

One major cause? Oxidative stress, when damaging molecules build up due to smoking, poor diet, pollution and emotional stress. Sperm are especially vulnerable because they lack the ability to repair themselves like other cells can.

This is more common than people realise. That’s why I created a guided recording specifically for men working on sperm health because improving sperm quality improves the chances of conception, a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

When doctors understand what’s happening at the DNA level, they can give couples clearer answers. This can help guide the next steps and lead to more personalised, effective treatment options.

# 3. What This Means for You

**a. The Magic Still Happens in Your Body**
Even if the issue lies with sperm, conception still happens in your body. Your womb, your cycles, your hormonal rhythm lead the process.
That means your body still plays a powerful, central role. You’re not on the sidelines. You’re at the heart of this journey. Your body is capable, intelligent and responsive. And with the right care and trust, it can do extraordinary things, even in less-than-perfect conditions.
So even when a diagnosis points elsewhere, know this: what happens in your body still matters deeply. Your body is not broken. It’s brilliant. And it deserves your support and respect every step of the way.

**b. You Don’t Need Millions**
You've probably been told that getting pregnant requires tens or hundreds of millions of sperm. That’s not true.
Yes, one sperm fertilises the egg but most don’t make it. While 15 million sperm per millilitre is considered the lower limit of normal, couples have conceived with less. A major Danish study found that fertility improves up to 40 million/mL but after that, more sperm doesn’t necessarily mean better chances.

What really matters? Quality. Sperm need to swim well and be well-formed. A small group of strong, functional sperm often matters more than large numbers.

Think of it like this: it’s not about having a crowd. It’s about having the right team. And that team can absolutely get the job done.

**c. You Are Not a Statistic**
You may have read statistics or heard disheartening predictions. Maybe someone told you not to bother trying. I hear this all the time.
But you are not a number. You are not a statistic. You are not a case file. You are a whole person and your body is capable of far more than the data says, especially when supported, nourished and trusted.

This is where your power lies. You get to choose what to believe. You can choose to be the exception. To trust in your own story. To believe in your own body.

And when you do, something shifts. That shift can change everything.

# A New Way Forward

Fertility science is evolving. We now know that male infertility is far more common and far more influential than we once believed. Research from leading institutions [1–5] is giving us better tools, deeper insight and a more balanced way of looking at fertility.
This isn’t about blame. It’s about truth. Clarity. And hope.

Even when male factors are involved, the path to pregnancy still moves through your body. Your rhythm, your womb, your energy. They still lead the way.

There is so much you can do to support that journey. You don’t need everything to be perfect. You just need support, clarity and a deeper connection to your own body’s wisdom.

Maybe you're reading this even though the diagnosis wasn’t yours. That’s often how it begins. So let’s make room for your questions, your voice and your body’s quiet knowing. Book a consultation with me to get started.

**References**
[[1] University of Dundee, 2025 international study on male infertility.
](https://www.dundee.ac.uk/stories/international-study-male-infertility-launched-advance-development-new-non-hormonal-female)
[[2] World Journal of Men’s Health, 2024 review on male infertility developments.
](https://wjmh.org/DOIx.php?id=10.5534%2Fwjmh.230232)
[[3] Grand Rounds in Urology, 2024 state-of-the-art male fertility testing.
](https://grandroundsinurology.com/beyond-the-semen-analysis-2024-state-of-art-male-fertility-testing/)
[[4] Extend Fertility, 2025 National Infertility Awareness Week.
](https://extendfertility.com/what-is-infertility-awareness-week-2025/)
[[5] University of Birmingham, 2025 global study on ma
](https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2025/global-study-on-male-infertility-to-advance-development-of-new-non-hormonal-female-contraceptives)


Recent research reveals that male infertility is a significant factor in about 50% of infertility cases, yet it has often been overlooked in fertility treatments. Factors like sperm quality, motility, and DNA integrity play crucial roles in conception, and lifestyle habits such as diet, sleep, and stress can impact sperm health. Advances in fertility science, including better sperm testing methods, are helping to provide clearer insights. Both partners need to be tested to ensure balanced care and increase chances of conception. The journey to pregnancy involves both partners, and with the right support and lifestyle changes, fertility can improve.

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Male Infertility: The Missing Piece in the Fertility Puzzle

Male Infertility: The Missing Piece in the Fertility Puzzle