Male Factor: Insights on Sperm Health & Fertility
Conversations about fertility often focus on the female — their cycles, hormones, other conditions. . But what’s rarely discussed is that male fertility accounts for approximately 40% of a couple’s infertility struggles.
Everyday influences like diet, stress, and environmental exposures all play a role in sperm health, which in turn affects not only the chances of getting pregnant but also miscarriage risk and the long-term health of future children.
This week at Health Youniversity, we’re joined by Dr. Beck Hoehn, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and Fellow of the Acupuncture and TCM Board of Reproductive Medicine as she sheds light on male factor in fertility, myths that may minimize it, and the integrative strategies that can strengthen outcomes for couples.
The Importance of Male Fertility
Sperm health doesn’t just determine whether fertilization occurs; it directly shapes embryo development and miscarriage risk.. That means male factor is about far more than achieving a positive test — it’s about influencing the health of the future child and family.
What we see in clinical practice supports this. When couples return for a second pregnancy, lifestyle shifts, stress, and daily habits often look very different from when they conceived their first child. Those changes may impact sperm quality — a reminder that male fertility also requires ongoing attention to create the strongest possible foundation for reproductive success.
Male Fertility and Relationships
Fertility struggles don’t just affect the body. They can put real strain on relationships. Couples may find themselves facing strained communication, a loss of intimacy, or even a sense of disconnection. For men, uncertainty about their role can create feelings of being on the sidelines, while women may interpret that distance as a lack of involvement. All of this adds stress to an already difficult journey.
When both partners share responsibility, the experience changes. Approaching fertility as collaborative work strengthens communication, reduces resentment, and creates space for reconnection. This shared approach not only supports fertility outcomes but also strengthens the relationship.
Common Misconceptions About Male Fertility
Misunderstandings about male fertility that shape how couples approach reproductive health include:
My semen analysis is ‘normal’ — I don’t need to do anything.
Lab reports may not be comprehensive. Treating them as the full picture creates a false sense of security and may prevent men from strengthening their fertilie health.
Current lab standards define normal sperm health.
The World Health Organization lowers semen reference ranges roughly every decade, reflecting a global decline in sperm quality. What qualifies as “normal” today may not have met the threshold in the past, showing why numbers alone can be misleading.
Holistic Strategies for Improving Male Fertility
Holistic care is changing the way male fertility is supported. Instead of focusing only on lab results, these strategies bring together lifestyle, nutrition, and clinical therapies to address whole health and reproductive health.
The Sperm Success Strategy
Dr. Hoen designed her Sperm Success Strategy to give men a clear, step-by-step path for improving fertility. It reframes male reproductive health as both a biological and relational journey, showing how lifestyle, nutrition, and shared responsibility can strengthen outcomes.
The program is built around a practical three-part framework:
The three-part process includes:
Data: This first stage focuses on tracking daily habits — meals, hydration, sleep, exercise, and medications such as allergy treatments, hair loss drugs, or NSAIDs that can affect sperm quality. Collecting this information creates a baseline that reveals patterns influencing fertility.
Evaluate: Once the data is gathered, it is reviewed to identify obstacles. Sleep routines, diet quality, stress levels, and lifestyle shifts are assessed, reframing fertility challenges as patterns that can be adjusted with targeted changes.
Execute: Finally, insights are put into action over an 8–10 week timeline. Nutrition is supported with supplements such as zinc, vitamin C, and omega fatty acids, along with antioxidant-rich foods. Stress management, restorative sleep, and improved blood flow complete this stage, creating habits that sustain fertility health.
Developed first for in-clinic use and later adapted into an online course, the Sperm Success Strategy makes fertility support accessible to men who may not attend regular appointments. It offers a roadmap that combines biology, behavior, and partnership — reinforcing that reproductive health is not one-sided but a shared work that benefits both partners.
Male Fertility Treatments and Complementary Care
Alongside structured programs and lifestyle changes, clinical and complementary therapies add another layer of support for male fertility. These approaches address what lab testing alone cannot capture, strengthening reproductive health through circulation, energy, and tailored interventions.
Key approaches include:
Acupuncture and Electro-stimulation (e-stim): These therapies increase blood flow to the reproductive tract, supporting sperm quality and vitality. Some clinics even allow patients to borrow e-stim devices so both partners can continue treatment at home.
Chinese herbs and Supplements: Herbs are often recommended when couples are pursuing natural conception or have time before treatment, supporting both physical and emotional health.
Custom Tinctures: Chinese herbal practitioners often prepare concentrated herbal tinctures that can be delivered directly to patients, offering a more targeted approach to the patient’s diagnosis.
Lab Testing as Data Points: Semen analysis and related labs are not treated as final verdicts but interpreted alongside health history and lifestyle. This provides context and guides more accurate, holistic care.
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Beck Hoehn, DAOM, LAc, is a board-certified acupuncturist and Fellow of the Acupuncture & TCM Board of Reproductive Medicine, specializing in fertility and women’s wellness in Los Angeles. With advanced training from Emperor’s College and the Pacific College of Health Sciences, she integrates individualized acupuncture care, patient collaboration, and her role on the medical board of Oova to advance holistic, evidence-informed fertility support.
Website: https://www.mightyriverwellness.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbeckhoehn/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drhoehn
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drbeckhoehn
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbeckhoehn
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By listening to the Health Youniversity podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition for yourself or others. Consult your healthcare provider for any medical issues you may have. This entire disclaimer also pertains to any guests or contributors to any Health Youniversity podcast.
