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Can Genetics Affect Male Fertility?

Medical science tells it like it is–a man’s health and his fertility are undeniably linked. But what role do genetics play in the fertility factor? Experts estimate that anywhere from 10-15% of male infertility cases are caused by genetics—and some say it could be as high as 60%. But there’s a difference between inherited infertility, which is caused by genetic conditions that have altered the chromosome, and infertility issues stemming from sperm DNA fragmentation. In that case, you’re dealing with modifiable male fertility factors that could be creating the problem. And actually, that’s good news.

Genetics & Male Fertility

genetics-and-male-fertility-beli-baby

Let’s get the official definitions out of the way first. People are considered infertile if they’re unable to successfully conceive a healthy pregnancy within six to twelve months of actively trying. When the problem stems from sperm that cannot fertilize the egg, the condition is considered male factor infertility. This is the case in roughly one-third of all infertility scenarios. Now for the burning question–is a condition like this inherited? In some cases, it might be. 

One study found that sons of men who used intracytoplasmic sperm injection to conceive were much more likely to have sperm quality issues. Another study found that male children conceived via fertility treatment typically have lower sperm quality measured via various parameters, including motility, morphology, and concentration. In both cases, researchers assume genetic factors inherited through the parents are the likely culprit.

Modifiable Causes of Male Infertility

To be clear, genetic causes for male-factor infertility do exist, ranging from cystic fibrosis to Klinefelter syndrome to Y-chromosome microdeletions. These kinds of genetic infertility are present at birth, and we all understand that DNA can’t be changed. But what about those modifiable causes of infertility in men? In that case, you’re talking about all the things a man might be doing (or not doing, as the case may be) that are taking a toll on his fertility. Yes, we’re talking about crummy lifestyle choices. Smoking, drinking, a high-calorie, low-nutrient diet, minimal exercise, and exposure to environmental toxins are all considered bad news for a man’s fertility. Why? 

These sorts of activities contribute to what’s known as sperm DNA fragmentation, an intimidating term that sounds genetic-adjacent. It’s not hereditary. This is the damage that’s done to the DNA inside sperm cells, usually related to a man’s age (yes, men have a biological clock too), illness or infection, and those lifestyle habits we keep talking about. The truth is, those bad habits have bigger consequences than a beer belly and a higher risk of heart disease or diabetes. A man’s preconception health in the months before conception has a direct impact on a successful conception, a healthy pregnancy, and the long-term health of his children.

The Pay-Off of Prioritizing Sperm Health

Fortunately, there’s an upside to this truth bomb. Male fertility largely comes down to sperm health, and sperm health can be improved, sometimes rapidly, with lifestyle changes. That means that prioritizing a healthy lifestyle can pay dividends for men hoping to become fathers. And it gets better. The right vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants really can support sperm health parameters–motility, morphology, concentration–along with the quality of the DNA in sperm. That’s why a high-quality men’s prenatal vitamin, like Beli Vitality for Men, is an excellent addition to an otherwise healthy lifestyle. Paired with healthy habits like exercise, stress management, sufficient sleep, and minimizing exposure to environmental toxins, this kind of supplementation is a way to nourish sperm for the best chances of a healthy conception, pregnancy, and little one.

But that’s not all.

This approach to supporting male fertility could actually modify gene expression. While DNA is basically the hardwired code in our cells–remember, the stuff we can’t change–epigenetic factors can be considered the instructions for expressing that code. That means that by changing your behavior to improve your chances of a successful conception, you could actually be changing the DNA you pass down–for the better.

The Takeaway

When it comes to supporting male fertility, there is no downside to living your best, healthiest life. All of the things that you do for your health as a whole benefit your fertility too. Not only does that give you and your partner the best shot of a healthy conception, pregnancy, and baby, it could positively influence the genes you’re passing to the next generation. Cool, right?

 

Additional Resources

Jimmy Fallon. Hugh Jackman. Mark Zuckerberg. Keith Urban. Gordon Ramsey. Kyle Busch. Besides immediate name recognition, what else do these men have in common? They’ve all struggled with infertility issues—and it’s something they’re all talking about publicly. Here's why that matters.

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Read More

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Read More

Here at Beli, we’re staunch advocates of supporting male fertility in anticipation of fatherhood. In fact, our men’s prenatal vitamin, Beli Vitality for Men, is actually our flagship product. Today, we’re diving into the obvious and unexpected benefits of prenatal vitamins for men, starting with what actually happens when you start taking them.

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Forbes Health recently reviewed our men's prenatal vitamins and we love author Leigh Weingus' take: "Beli Men Vitality Multivitamins first caught my eye because while I often see supplements that claim to improve fertility outcomes for women, I rarely see the same thing for men." We hear you, Leigh! Check out the full review here and read on for some highlights.

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Everyone responds to supplementation (not to mention pregnancy!) differently, which is one reason that how you feel isn’t a clue into whether or not your prenatal vitamin is actually working. Instead, you need to be confident about the prenatal vitamin itself, and there are a few things you’ll want to look for.

Read More

We’re back with our second post in our “It Starts With The Sperm” mini series on the key roles sperm plays in conception, pregnancy and baby, and this time, we’re talking DNA. When it comes to male fertility, it’s not enough to have a high sperm count and top marks for motility and morphology. Without low levels of DNA fragmentation, a man’s fertility—along with his ability to successfully conceive with a partner—is affected.

Read More

In this three-part mini series, we’re covering all the ways sperm seals the deal for a healthy conception, pregnancy and baby, with a deep dive into three key functions. First up is how a man’s sperm affects placental development. Spoiler: sperm carries what amounts to the architect’s rendering of the placenta, so it’s no small thing!

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Read More

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Read More

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Read More

While it’s true that popular hair loss meds work minor miracles on that receding hairline and back-of-the-head bald patch, it’s also true that it can come with side effects—some of them sexual. So, what does that mean in terms of male fertility? Here’s what couples should understand about the effects of popular hair-loss medications on sperm health.

Read More

A few years ago, the keto diet was all the rage—a high-fat, low-carb way to shed pounds quickly. While it’s lost a bit of its luster, as all diet trends do, interest in the keto diet remains. Specifically, those hoping to become parents wonder whether following this way of eating could support fertility. Is a diet high in fat and low in carbs the answer? It’s possible. Here’s what to know about the keto diet and whether it might help support fertility.

Read More

When you’re pregnant, of course, you’re told to limit your caffeine consumption. But what about when you’re trying to conceive? Can too much caffeine affect your chances of conception as a couple? It's a good idea to cut back—which means you need to be really clear about sneaky sources of caffeine in your diet.

Read More

Here at Beli, we’re staunch advocates of supporting male fertility in anticipation of fatherhood. In fact, our men’s prenatal vitamin, Beli Vitality for Men, is actually our flagship product. Today, we’re diving into the obvious and unexpected benefits of prenatal vitamins for men, starting with what actually happens when you start taking them.

Read More

Forbes Health recently reviewed our men's prenatal vitamins and we love author Leigh Weingus' take: "Beli Men Vitality Multivitamins first caught my eye because while I often see supplements that claim to improve fertility outcomes for women, I rarely see the same thing for men." We hear you, Leigh! Check out the full review here and read on for some highlights.

Read More

Everyone responds to supplementation (not to mention pregnancy!) differently, which is one reason that how you feel isn’t a clue into whether or not your prenatal vitamin is actually working. Instead, you need to be confident about the prenatal vitamin itself, and there are a few things you’ll want to look for.

Read More

We’re back with our second post in our “It Starts With The Sperm” mini series on the key roles sperm plays in conception, pregnancy and baby, and this time, we’re talking DNA. When it comes to male fertility, it’s not enough to have a high sperm count and top marks for motility and morphology. Without low levels of DNA fragmentation, a man’s fertility—along with his ability to successfully conceive with a partner—is affected.

Read More

In this three-part mini series, we’re covering all the ways sperm seals the deal for a healthy conception, pregnancy and baby, with a deep dive into three key functions. First up is how a man’s sperm affects placental development. Spoiler: sperm carries what amounts to the architect’s rendering of the placenta, so it’s no small thing!

Read More

The role of a prenatal vitamin is to support the healthy growth and development of growing babies, and minimizing the risk of birth defects is front and center. But can your prenatal vitamins really reduce the risk of birth defects? Absolutely!

Read More

You think you know, but when it comes to male fertility and sperm health specifically, you probably have no idea. Here at Beli, we’ve had an education-first approach to male fertility since day one and today we’re breaking down fact from fiction, sperm edition. Let’s see how you do!

Read More

Between responsibilities at home and at work, commitments that just keep piling up, and a mile-long to-do list, sex may be on your mind, but only in a vague, wouldn’t-that-be-nice kind of way. It's normal! But men hoping to become fathers might be stressing that a waning sex drive is signaling a problem with their fertility (spoiler: not necessarily). Still, it’s true that a man’s fertility and his libido are linked, so let’s hop into all the details, including 4 ways to rev up that sex drive.

Read More

Time and time again, men are an afterthought in the fertility conversation, and it’s setting couples up to fail. In light of recent research confirming–again–that sperm counts around the world are indeed declining, Beli wants to lead the charge. Join us, and let’s make March men’s fertility awareness month.

Read More

Knowing all the facts about sperm doesn’t just make you positively lethal on trivia night, it actually puts you in prime position to optimize your chances of a healthy conception, pregnancy and baby. So let’s get to it, with these 10 facts about sperm that will (probably) blow your mind.

Read More

Shilajit is finally getting the credit it’s due, and we’re proud to point out that our proprietary formula was the very first to include this powerful Ayurvedic compound. Here’s why shilajit is rapidly becoming the darling of the male fertility world–and what you’re missing if you’re skipping it.

Read More