Healthcare (Commonwealth Union) – Semen analysis has long been a standard part of evaluating male fertility, but researchers at the University of Adelaide suggest it could also serve as a tool to encourage healthier living habits.
The process by which mature sperm cells develop in the male reproductive system is extremely delicate and can be affected by numerous factors. For this reason, Dr. Hannah Lyons and Dr. Nicole McPherson from the University’s School of Biomedicine and Robinson Research Institute propose that semen analysis might help identify potential long-term health risks.
Conventional testing assesses features such as semen volume, pH level, sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and viability.
Dr. McPherson, who is part of the Male Reproductive Life Course Group at the Robinson Research Institute and the Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing indicated that although it doesn’t provide a conclusive assessment of fertility, semen analysis delivers important information about reproductive health, which is a key aspect of overall wellness.
Their review, published in Nature Reviews Urology, delves into the complexities surrounding male fertility, how semen quality is affected by lifestyle and environmental influences, and the potential for using this analysis to inspire lifestyle improvements that may lower men’s risk of chronic illnesses.
Dr. McPherson has noted the link between male fertility that is linked to the atmosphere, lifestyle, and health-related issues. She saw evidence that these were linked to both short- and long-term actions which consist of actions like taking dietary supplements and life style changes that can improve semen quality and fertility outcomes.
She pointer out that there has been a shift in recent years towards an active male engagement in the pre-conception and pregnancy processes.
The vital changes in daily life have been brought about by the increase in sedentary lifestyles as well as advancements in technology and medicine. In certain instances, these alterations have led to elevated obesity rates, extended exposure to toxic chemicals, and an increase in cancer and chronic diseases—all of which are linked to male infertility.
According to Ms. Lyons, at any point when sperm development takes place, changes to the internal environment of the body brought on by external environmental or lifestyle factors can disrupt sperm production and play a role on the quality of semen.
She further showed that excess body weight has been associated with declines in key sperm characteristics—like count, movement, and shape—along with an increased likelihood of infertility.
“It’s also linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and complications of obesity like metabolic syndrome and sleep apnoea can also have an impact on sperm quality too.
“Recreational drug use, high-intensity prolonged exercise, heavy smoking, and drinking can also have an impact.”
Dr McPherson noted that making positive changes to lifestyle habits, where possible, can bring about rapid and significant improvements in male reproductive health.
Even though men are becoming more interested in their fertility, she warned that getting an abnormal semen analysis result can be extremely upsetting because many men view it as a serious setback to their masculinity, which is frequently accompanied by strong emotions of guilt and shame.
For the purpose of encouraging men to make lifestyle changes that enhance their fertility and general health, she emphasised the importance of delivering these results with empathy and respect.
Dr McPherson further indicated that an abnormal semen analysis, she explained, typically prompts further fertility evaluations and treatment planning by primary care professionals. It also presents an opportunity to carry out broader health checks that may uncover underlying causes of poor semen quality and help detect early signs of chronic disease.
She pointed out that embedding male fertility within a comprehensive approach to men’s health could shift public attitudes, highlight its links to healthier living, and play a key role in reducing the stigma surrounding male infertility.
