In this episode of All Things Women’s Health, Dr. Chris Stroud talks to urologist Dr. Jim Dupree about all things men’s hormones, how they impact daily life, signs they might be out of optimal range, and what to do to fix them.
When couples struggle to conceive, the focus often centers on women’s health. But here’s a statistic that might surprise you: approximately 50% of fertility challenges involve male factor infertility.
“To make a baby takes one egg and one sperm—50%, 50%,” explains Dr. Jim Dupree, a reproductive urologist at the University of Michigan. “It makes sense that the male partner’s health matters as well.”
The Lifestyle Factors That Matter Most
Your daily habits significantly impact sperm health. Dr. Dupree emphasizes one simple rule: “What’s good for your body is gonna be good for your sperm.”
What Hurts Sperm Quality:
- Tobacco and nicotine (including vapes and pouches)
- Marijuana/THC – laboratory studies clearly show negative effects
- Alcohol – two or more drinks daily lowers sperm quality (one drink is fine)
- Heat exposure – avoid hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms
- Extreme exercise – marathon-level training can decrease counts
- Excess weight – higher BMI and waist circumference linked to lower counts
What Helps:
- Moderate exercise
- Healthy diet
- Quality sleep
- Stress management
- Healthy body weight
The Three-Month Rule
Here’s critical information: it takes three months to make a sperm. Any lifestyle changes you make today won’t show improvements for 3-4 months. Plan ahead if you’re trying to conceive.
⚠️ Critical Warning About Testosterone
This is counterintuitive but essential: testosterone medications, creams, shots, and supplements that claim to boost testosterone actually LOWER sperm production. Avoid these entirely while trying to conceive.
Common Treatment Options
Varicocele Repair
A varicocele is an enlargement of scrotal veins, affecting about 15% of men. For men with fertility issues and a palpable varicocele, surgical repair offers:
- 60-70% improvement in sperm parameters
- 2x higher pregnancy rates within 12 months
Vasectomy Reversal
When surgeons can reconnect the vas deferens directly, there’s a 90-95% chance of sperm returning to the ejaculate. Success rates remain high even many years after the original vasectomy.
The Truth About Supplements
Despite marketing claims, no supplement has been proven to improve chances of having a baby. The National Institutes of Health’s Moxi Trial confirmed this. Save your money and focus on healthy lifestyle habits instead.
Male Fertility Signals Overall Health
Men with low sperm counts face higher risks for cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, strokes, and certain cancers. A fertility evaluation isn’t just about having a baby—it’s a window into your overall health.
Finding Expert Care
To locate a reproductive urologist near you, visit the Society for the Study of Male Reproduction (SSMR) directory.
University of Michigan patients: Call 734-936-7030 to schedule with Dr. Dupree’s team in Ann Arbor.
Remember: It Takes Two
“Infertility is really a couple’s diagnosis,” Dr. Dupree emphasizes. “It’s one of the only parts of medicine that involves more than one person.” Both partners should be evaluated, and supporting each other through the journey is essential.
The fertility journey can be emotionally challenging and couples often feel vulnerable to “miracle cure” marketing. Focus on evidence-based care, take breaks when needed, and don’t hesitate to seek support groups or counseling.