‘More responsibility': Fertility expert's urgent warning to men
Fertility experts are warning that age and lifestyle choices are jeopardising Australian men's chances of becoming fathers.
Male infertility accounts for one-third of fertility issues, yet many men don't adjust their habits ahead of conception.
With the median age of Australian fathers now at 33.8 (compared to 29 years in 1977), there is an even greater need for men to transform their habits before trying to conceive.
Emma Ebinger, National Scientific Director at Adora Fertility, says that it's time to reframe fertility as a shared responsibility, not just a women's issue.
'I think men sometimes don't stop to give enough thought about their role and what they could be doing to improve their chances of success,' she tells news.com.au.
She notes that it can take around two and a half months for sperm to form in the body, and during that time, their quality can be influenced by factors such as smoking, drugs, diet, and alcohol.
Vaping may also impair fertility – just as much as cigarettes can – with studies linking e-cigarettes to reduced sperm count, motility, and DNA integrity.
'All of these lifestyle and environmental effects are known as epigenetics as they can impact the sperm's DNA,' she says.
'The sperm contributes 50 per cent of the DNA to the developing foetus, which is the biological blueprint of the developing baby.'
She advises men to also be aware of 'endocrine-disrupting chemicals' – found in plastics, solvents, paints, cosmetics, and textiles – which can negatively affect fertility by impacting hormones responsible for sperm production.
'It can be really hard to avoid these chemicals completely, but minimising the use of plastics in your daily life, such as not reheating food in takeaway containers or drinking from disposable water bottles, is advisable,' Ms Ebinger notes.
Additionally, Ms Ebinger suggests limiting activities that excessively raise their surrounding temperature, such as very hot baths, spas, and sauna sessions.
This is because male testicles are located outside the body as they require slightly cooler conditions for sperm production than body temperature.
So, what can men do to enhance their fertility?
Ms Ebinger emphasises that it is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but overall lifestyle changes are encouraged to ensure that a couple is in the best physical shape possible before having a baby.
Cutting back on alcohol, avoiding smoking and recreational drugs, consuming whole foods, and engaging in regular exercise are all important components of the puzzle.
Regarding when men should begin making these lifestyle changes prior to attempting conception, she says three months beforehand is a good guideline.
'It's a great time for them to have an overall health check-up with their GP as well and address any ongoing health concerns they may have,' she adds.
'There is some scientific evidence that taking antioxidant supplements may also help in ensuring the sperm is as healthy as possible, but these should be taken in conjunction with a healthy diet and lifestyle.'
Karlee and Jason Sondergeld, from Townsville, struggled with infertility for two years before welcoming a baby via IVF in December 2023.
The couple, both 30, were deeply committed to making positive lifestyle changes on their journey to conceive.
'We wanted to give ourselves the best possible chance to start a family,' they said.
'We started looking into the role that male fertility plays in conception, and we changed our diet, reducing stress, getting quality sleep, cutting back on alcohol, taking a good quality male fertility supplement, and just being more mindful of our overall health, which meant we had a lot more energy and a clearer headspace.'
Leaning on each other for support was crucial during the oftentimes emotional process.
'For me as a male partner, I think there can be a feeling of helplessness, especially during the parts where most of the physical burden is on your partner,' Mr Sondergeld explained.
'But I tried my hardest to stay really involved, which helped me feel connected and supportive.'
Following the birth of their baby Rylan, they credited the small changes they made that helped with fertility.
'Even if you're just starting to consider IVF or fertility support, taking steps towards a healthier lifestyle together can make a huge difference, both physically and mentally,' they advised.
'Be kind to yourselves and remember you're not failing, you're just taking a different path to parenthood. And the path is valid, still powerful, and still full of a lot of love.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News.com.au
44 minutes ago
- News.com.au
Daily Aussie habit that could add years to your lifespan
For many Aussies, drinking coffee is a quick way to get a sure-fire energy boost. But a new study, presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, suggests it might also support longer-term health, specifically, healthy ageing. While the study hasn't been peer-reviewed or published yet, it was thorough and tracked a large group of women over many decades. It adds to the growing body of research linking coffee to a longer life and various health benefits, including lower risks of certain chronic illnesses. Fang Fang Zhang, a professor of nutritional epidemiology at Tufts University who wasn't involved with the study, told The New York Times that the findings connecting coffee with healthier ageing weren't surprising. 'The data is quite consistent that coffee consumption is actually beneficial,' she said. The study methodology Researchers followed more than 47,000 female nurses over several decades, starting in the 1970s. The women answered questions about various lifestyle factors every few years, including how much coffee, tea, and cola (Coca-Cola or Pepsi) they drank. In 2016, the researchers looked at how many were still alive and met the criteria for 'healthy ageing'. Just over 3700 women met this definition: they were 70 or older, in good physical and mental health, with no cognitive impairment or memory loss, and free from 11 chronic diseases like cancer, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. They found a correlation between the amount of caffeine consumed (mostly from coffee) between ages 45 and 60 and the likelihood of healthy ageing. After adjusting for other factors that could affect ageing, such as diet, exercise, and smoking, the women who consumed the most caffeine (nearly seven small cups a day) were 13 per cent more likely to age healthily than those who had the least (less than one cup a day). Drinking tea or decaf coffee wasn't linked to healthy ageing, possibly because the overall consumption of tea and decaf was lower among the study participants, making it harder to see benefits. What other research says The study lead warned that just because drinking seven cups of coffee daily was associated with healthier ageing doesn't mean everyone should do so, nor is it necessarily healthy. However, many other studies have found similar links between regular coffee consumption and health benefits. A team from Queen Mary University, London, recently revealed that caffeine can help you live longer by influencing how cells grow, repair, and respond to stress. The British researchers believe this could significantly boost longevity and even help ward off dementia, diabetes, and heart failure. Another study from May this year, involving over 46,000 adults, found that those who drank one to three cups of coffee daily were 15 per cent less likely to die within the next nine to 11 years compared to those who didn't drink caffeinated coffee. The takeaways While these studies can't prove cause and effect, the consistent benefits observed suggest they are unlikely to be due to other factors, experts say. Interestingly, drinking coffee is often linked with habits like smoking and less exercise. However, the fact that benefits are still seen after accounting for these factors hints that coffee might really have a positive effect. Experts also warn that adding too much cream or sugar can negate some of the health benefits of coffee, so keep that in mind next time you order your cup of Joe.
News.com.au
6 hours ago
- News.com.au
Rod Butterss, daughter Ash open up on alcoholism battles
Former AFL club boss Rod Butterss and his daughter Ash both picked up a drink before they were teenagers, later facing devastating battles with alcoholism. But today, they share a different bond – beating addiction with each other's support. The ex-St Kilda Football Club president and his daughter, a holistic transformation coach, want to help others overcome barriers to tough conversations. The Melbourne duo have opened up about their roads to recovery for News Corp Australia's Can We Talk? campaign mental health awareness campaign, in partnership with Medibank. Ash, 37, is now five years sober and hosts a podcast to reduce the stigma of mental illness and substance abuse. 'There are hard days but I have different tools now, and I know that a drink would never be a good option,' she said. She stays 'content and at peace' by practising and teaching yoga, meditation and breathwork. But she wonders if her journey would've been different had she been able to confide in her parents as a teenager. While she and her dad have spoken candidly on her podcast, Behind the Smile, it was a different story growing up. 'I felt isolated and disconnected, and I really struggled … at 13 I was cutting myself,' she said. 'I had an eating disorder, I was drinking and taking drugs as a way to self-medicate. 'I tried to talk to my parents at the time – and this wasn't their fault – but I think that they parented from a place of fear. 'If they had the tools to have conversations and not shy away from the difficulties … things could've turned out differently.' Ash, whose first marriage fell apart, is now planning her second wedding. But she fears her future children could inherit her demons. 'It's incredible that my dad and I have broken the chain … but it's even made me wonder whether or not I want to have children,' she said. 'This disease runs in my family and the likelihood of my child suffering with mental health and potentially addiction is very high.' Addiction has cost Rod, 66, businesses, marriages, relationships, and the top job at St Kilda Football Club. But after a headline-grabbing battle with booze, cocaine and gambling, the entrepreneur became sober in 2010, with one relapse in 2020. 'We've gotta talk about these things because too many families suffer in silence,' he said. He admits he was largely absent when she was young, but watching Ash's recovery had been 'pure joy'. 'Alcoholism makes you very selfish, and there were occasions where we could have some very deep and meaningful conversations but most of the time I was self-absorbed and busy,' he said. 'As a young father I would just reel off things like 'toughen up son' … so for me it's been about learning to have intimate conversations in a non-judgmental manner, where your job as a parent is to make the other person feel safe.' In fact, Ash said if he had tried to force her to seek help before she was ready, it would have backfired. 'He's been amazing,' she said. 'Dad never pushed me, he's just always been there to champion me in a very hands-off way.' Today, Rod immerses himself in writing poetry, reading, mediation, beach walks and journaling, and is surrounded by a strong recovery community. 'I thought to myself the other day: 'You going okay Rod? You know, you're happy. Life's pretty good',' he said. Psychiatrist and former Australian of the Year Professor Patrick McGorry said research had found some people were genetically predisposed to alcohol dependence, but it was not a foregone conclusion. 'There's a lot of research showing a very strong genetic component for alcoholism and probably other forms of addiction as well,' he said. 'The actual mechanism underpinning that vulnerability is not well understood. If we knew that it would be easier to treat.' He said he would like to see the community view addiction in the same way as other mental health issues. 'With substance abuse, there's a tremendously judgmental attitude, and people say things like 'They made poor choices', or blame others for having an addiction,' he said. 'But addiction is just one type of mental health problem actually.'
ABC News
14 hours ago
- ABC News
Mark Hughes: I'm constantly reminded how tough this disease is
The Beanies for Brain Cancer Round has become part of the NRL furniture with players, fans and commentators donning the beanies to raise money each year. The man behind it - former Knight Mark Hughes (32.37) - chatted to Andrew Moore and the team about how it continues to exceed his expectations. And while he's in good health he explained that his work with the Charity never lets him forget how hard it is to deal with the disease. Plus Michael Carayannis is along with all the latest Rugby League news - and speculation - in MC's Hammertime (44:33).
