Male Fertility

The Hidden Male Fertility Issue That’s Costing You IVF Success

September 23, 2025

Male fertility is the #1 cause of failed IVF under 35. Learn why tests fall short & how lifestyle changes can improve sperm health.

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I'm Jaya,

I’m so grateful we’ve found each other. If you’re here, chances are you’re feeling overwhelmed, let down by your body or the system, and craving real answers after endless Google searches and conflicting advice.
With 15 years experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine, a Master’s in Reproductive Medicine, and extensive functional medicine training, I’ve had the privilege of helping over 850 families find clarity, confidence, and the right path to parenthood.

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We’ve normalised the idea that fertility is “mostly a women’s issue.”

But let’s be clear:
Male fertility is the #1 cause of failed IVF in couples under 35.

And sperm counts are dropping dramatically. They’ve dropped over 50% in the last 50 years, declining at 1.5% per year.
So why aren’t we doing more?

  • GPs rarely discuss men’s health beyond the basic test
  • Re-tests aren’t recommended unless results are clearly poor
  • Most fertility plans focus solely on the woman
  • Men are often given a prenatal vitamin and sent on their way

It’s not enough.

The real problem? Lifestyle.

And the good news is, it’s fixable.
Sperm DNA health is heavily influenced by lifestyle.
The good news? Sperm regenerates every 72 days, which means small changes can make a big difference fast.
I’ve seen men dramatically improve their sperm quality with:

  • Simple nutrition upgrades
  • Weight loss
  • Better sleep
  • Exercise (in balance. Not over training)
  • Stress reduction
  • Removing environmental toxins

Let’s talk about the mental load.

When men get that green light from a GP, they often think they’re “done.”
But if conception isn’t happening, the burden silently shifts onto the woman.
You begin to question everything.
“If the sperm is fine, it must be me, right?”
Wrong.

Fertility is a team effort.
We need to stop letting a tick-box sperm test shift the mental load entirely to one partner.

So what now?

If you’ve been told your partner’s sperm is fine, but things still aren’t working, don’t stop there.
Ask about:

  • DNA fragmentation testing
  • Sperm morphology + motility trends over time
  • Oxidative stress and inflammation
  • Lifestyle review (sleep, diet, stress, alcohol, heat exposure)

And if the tests don’t lead to deeper action?
It’s time to take things into your own hands.

Final thoughts…

Sperm health is more than a test result.
It’s a reflection of overall wellbeing and it can be improved.

This isn’t about blame.
It’s about getting real answers and avoiding years of unnecessary treatment, heartbreak, and cost.

When men are supported to improve their fertility, outcomes improve for everyone, especially your future baby.

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Cooking is my happy place, 80s and 90s R&B is my vibe, and a good book is my perfect escape. I’m a skincare enthusiast and a total foodie who would happily travel just for the next great food adventure.

But my greatest passion? Helping women move from confusion and frustration to confidence and clarity in their fertility journey. I’m here to take the guesswork out of what’s next, provide real answers, and guide you toward the family you’ve been dreaming of—with a plan that’s as unique as you are.

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