8 Minute Read

Did you know that male sperm count has been steadily declining 1% a year every year in the US since the 1980s? Or that 1 in 5 American couples struggle with infertility? Infertility has been becoming an increasingly pervasive problem. With higher standards of living and more access to healthcare, how is it possible that this is happening? We took a deeper look into what factors have been silently sabotaging men's reproductive health.

The CDC revealed the shocking truth that currently 50% of all qualified infertility cases have been due to the "male factor" (1). What's more surprising is the study found infertility occurrences for men under the age of 30 increased 15% in recent years. That's right, Brother. Men of all ages are now struggling infertility. The most common culprit of male factor infertility is the production of low quality sperm, with abnormal or sub-optimal markers. Dr. Shanna Swan predicts in her cautionary book Countdown that sperm rates may decline to a detrimental level by 2045. We don't feel a doomsday deadline for fertility crisis is realistic, but we understand Dr. Swan's concern with steadily increasing male infertility rates.

New medical reports claim that 1 in 4 pregnancies in US result in miscarriages (2), and research is emerging to suggest that a large number of these miscarriages are due to low quality sperm (3). Sperm damaged by DNA fragmentation prevents reproductive chromosomes from fully executing the building blocks to form a healthy embryo. So what is causing this? And what can we do to protect sperm quality?

Here's our list of the 5 deadliest disrupters of sperm quality, and the steps we can take to defend our manhood from these unwanted attacks.

1. Wireless Radiation

Electromagnetic radiation in the workplace is a hazard that is often overlooked. Whether it's radiation from a medical facility, radiation from cellular or wireless internet networks, bluetooth networks, or radiation from heavy machinery, these are all contributors to poor sperm quality. Long term exposure to wifi routers in offices, or handling machinery emitting high energy can all cause decreased sperm motility, altered sperm shape, and severely compromised DNA quality (4).

Solution: Be aware of proximity to radiation emitting devices. Move your router, reposition your disk, or in necessary cases you can shield yourself with EMF blocking clothing and blankets.

2. Technology Over-Consumption (Blue Light)

Technology is an increasing concern for male fertility and motility. The blue light emitted by electronic devices such as televisions, laptops, and smartphones have been shown to lower sperm quality and decrease testosterone. The blue light from devices suppresses melatonin production and interferes with glandular processes in the brain, disrupting the body's hormone regulation.

Solution: To prevent the negative effects of blue light exposure try to limit screen time before bed, use blue light-filtering glasses, or install screen protectors that reduces blue light emissions on electronic devices.

3. Nutrient Deficiency and Leaky Gut Syndrome

A lack of key nutrients such as magnesium, zinc, thiamine can lead to decreased sperm count and motility. Leaky gut syndrome, an inflammatory condition that lets toxins and bacteria to leak through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream, can contribute to poor sperm quality by preventing the absorption of these necessary nutrients.

Solution: Prioritize your gut health. Take prebiotics or probiotics if you feel you have a weak digestive system. Ear a nutrient-dense diet and consider taking specially formulated supplements like Stamen that are biocompatible, easy to digest, and ensure adequate nutrient intake.

4. Plasticizers (Phthalates and BPA)

These chemicals found in plastics can wreak havoc on your hormones, disrupt your endocrine system, and cause oxidative stress. All of this can lead to DNA damage in sperm and low production quality. Studies show that BPAs have been found in 90% of the American population, and is a contributing factor for infertility and the increasing rates of miscarriages in the country (5).

Solution: To protect against plasticizer exposure, men can limit their use of plastic food containers, choose products without BPA or phthalates, and avoid heating plastic containers in the microwave or dishwasher. Limiting contact with paper receipts (coated heavily with BPA) an also minimize exposure.

5. Sedentary Lifestyle

Advances in technology have created more sedentary lifestyles. Everything is now accessible with the touch of a screen. Besides fueling the weight epidemic (72% of Americans are reportedly overweight), this sedentary lifestyle and stagnant energy leads to to lower sperm production. Fortunately this factor is easily reversible (6).

Solution: Take frequent breaks. Stretch and move around. Try a stand up desk. And if you can, incorporate heavy lifting into your daily routine. Ready about the long-term testosterone boosting effects of lifting weights here.

We formulated Stamen supplements with your sperm quality in mind. With oxidative stress protection (cellular health), antioxidants (detox), nitric oxide and testosterone boosting ingredients we've got you covered, Brother. All natural, safe, effective daily supplement to support your manhood. Take the time to learn more about Stamen Supplements here.

Footnotes:

1. Kumar N, Singh AK. Trends of male factor infertility, an important cause of infertility: A review of literature. J Hum Reprod Sci. 2015 Oct-Dec [PubMed]

2. Danielson, Krissi. Sperm Quality Issues and Miscarriages. 2020. [VeryWellFamily]

3. Anchan, Anita. MD. 17 Things That Affect Sperm. [https://www.thehealthsite.com/sexual-health/things-that-affect-your-sperm-count-sperm-motility-and-sperm-health-293197/] 

4. Miller AB, Sears ME, Morgan LL, Davis DL, Hardell L, Oremus M, Soskolne CL. Risks to Health and Well-Being From Radio-Frequency Radiation Emitted by Cell Phones and Other Wireless Devices. Front Public Health. 2019 Aug 13;

5. Rehman S, Usman Z, Rehman S, AlDraihem M, Rehman N, Rehman I, Ahmad G. Endocrine disrupting chemicals and impact on male reproductive health. Transl Androl Urol. 2018 Jun;7(3):490-503 [PubMed]

6. Sharpe RM. Environmental/lifestyle effects on spermatogenesis. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2010 May 27. [PubMed]