Your dream of a growing family depends on two main things: a healthy egg and healthy sperm. You need both for a healthy, successful pregnancy. While many fertility resources focus on women, there are plenty of things men can do to help support sperm health and overall fertility to achieve their goal: a positive pregnancy test.
Misconceptions Surrounding Fertility
According to Dr. Paul Shin of Shady Grove Fertility, “One of the big things that we as male fertility specialists are trying to overcome is the notion that fertility problems are solely the domain of female health. This popular sentiment is shifting a bit, and more men are now aware that it is not just a female problem.” In fact, about one-third of fertility concerns are attributed to the male partner.
What Factors Affect Male Fertility?
Many factors affect a man’s sperm health and, ultimately, his fertility.
Some of these factors are out of a man’s control, like age. Numerous studies show that advanced paternal age can impact semen volume, sperm count, and overall function.
Tobacco, heavy alcohol use, drug use, overheating the testicles (think frequent hot tub use), and exposure to certain chemicals, pesticides, and heavy metals can also affect sperm health. Fortunately, most of these factors are within a man’s control, so it’s important to choose healthy lifestyle habits and minimize exposure to substances that can affect fertility.
CoQ10 and Male Fertility
CoQ10 is an antioxidant nutrient with many potential health benefits. It is naturally made in the body and is found in small amounts in foods such as meat, poultry, fish, vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds. As you age, CoQ10 production naturally decreases.
Research suggests that CoQ10 may have several health benefits, including supporting healthy muscles and blood pressure levels, promoting heart health, and even supporting male fertility. Some people may benefit from a higher dose of CoQ10 than you can get through food alone. This is where a high-quality CoQ10 supplement can help.
CoQ10 Supplementation Benefits
CoQ10 is present in seminal fluid, and studies suggest that healthy levels of CoQ10 may help support healthy morphology (sperm shape) and sperm motility (movement of sperm).
CoQ10 is a Powerful Antioxidant
Antioxidants such as CoQ10 work by keeping your cells healthy. Studies have shown that taking a CoQ10 supplement may support male fertility by protecting sperm cells and promoting overall sperm health.
CoQ10 Supports Healthy Sperm Motility
Healthy sperm motility is crucial for fertilization when trying to conceive.) Sperm cells must “swim” to the egg to fertilize it. During natural conception, sperm must travel through the cervix into the uterus. From the uterus, sperm then swim further into the fallopian tube where fertilization takes place. That is a great distance to cover, and it requires the sperm to produce a lot of energy.
CoQ10 is essential for cellular energy production. The conversion of energy to ATP (the form of energy used by cells in the body) requires CoQ10. So, in theory, taking CoQ10 should help support healthy cellular energy production, and may help support healthy sperm motility.
Fertility isn’t just a woman’s responsibility. Men play an important role, too. Prioritizing sperm health when you’re trying to conceive is essential. Men In addition to a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle habits, you may consider adding CoQ10 to your daily routine. It’s an antioxidant and energy-producing nutrient that is essential for male fertility. Taking this important nutrient while trying to conceive could support healthy sperm quality and overall fertility.
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