While Father’s Day is typically thought of to be a day where men are celebrated for their roles as parents, caregivers and guardians, there’s also opportunity to open up a conversation that’s long been overdue around the challenges many men face with their reproductive health.
While reproductive health campaigns tend to focus solely on women, covering contraception, pregnancy care, menstruation and postpartum recovery, this imbalance has created a blind spot when it comes to male fertility, says Dr Bradley Wagemaker, Medical Director at Lamelle Pharma.
“Men have been excluded from these conversations for far too long,” says “Good sperm health matters just as much in the fertility equation, and by leaving men out of the picture, we risk delaying diagnosis and creating unnecessary emotional and physical strain for both partners,” he says.
Globally, around 10% of couples struggle to conceive, and male infertility is a contributing factor in up to 50% of those cases. While the topic is often shied away from by men or even overlooked across society, poor sperm health is surprisingly common.
What’s slowing down your swimmers?
Most notably, poor sperm health can be caused by low sperm count, and poor motility or abnormal morphology, all of which are affected by lifestyle, medical history, environmental exposures and age.
In fact, age is a factor that many men overlook. Research shows that sperm quality begins to decline from the mid-30s, affecting both motility and DNA integrity. Unhealthy habits earlier in life, including smoking, drinking, sleep deprivation, drug use and poor diet, can also impact sperm health years down the line.
The good news is that sperm is highly responsive to change. According to the Loma Linda Fertility Institute, men who adopt healthier lifestyles – including regular exercise, good nutrition, stress management and reduced alcohol and tobacco use – often see measurable improvements in semen quality. Avoiding hot baths or saunas, maintaining a healthy weight and reviewing medications with a doctor are also important steps.
Consistency is key. Real improvement in sperm health requires sustained effort over time typically three to six months since that’s how long it takes for new sperm to develop. Whether you’re adjusting your lifestyle, starting a new supplement, or attending regular health checkups, consistency can make all the difference.
In addition to lifestyle changes, clinically researched supplements may support male reproductive health. One such product is Prelox Male Fertility by Lamelle Pharma, a supplement developed to support male fertility. Backed by international clinical studies, Prelox contains a blend of L-arginine, L-citrulline, Pycnogenol® and key antioxidants – all known to enhance blood flow and improve sperm function and motility. It’s designed for men who are actively trying to conceive and looking to take a proactive role in their reproductive health. As with any supplement, consistent daily use is the key to seeing results.
Fertility challenges can feel isolating, but no one should have to navigate them solo. Whether it’s a trusted GP, a fertility clinic, an online support forum, or a group of friends you can be honest with, building a strong, supportive community can provide emotional relief, motivation, and practical advice. Conversations around fertility are slowly becoming more open, and being part of a community can remind men that they’re not the only ones on this journey.
Regular health checks that include semen analysis are also strongly encouraged. “Future fatherhood isn’t just about preparing emotionally or financially,” says Wagemaker. “It starts with understanding your own body and taking practical steps to protect your reproductive health.”
This Father’s Day, we’re being asked to think about fatherhood a little differently – not just in celebration of dads, but in support of those who want to be. Fertility is a shared journey. It’s time men joined the conversation.