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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

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Read More

When the plan is a baby, but you’re having a hard time conceiving, it’s normal to start wondering why. While there can be a number of issues in play, one tends to be overlooked: sleep quality. Specifically, men who have the sleep disorder sleep apnea could be at greater risk of fertility issues. Now, new research is drawing a more definitive link between sleep apnea and male fertility. Let’s review.

Read More

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Read More

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Read More

Fall is not just a time for pumpkin spice lattes and cooler weather; it’s also an opportunity to optimize fertility, particularly for men. Cooler temperatures naturally benefit sperm health, while Beli for Men provides the essential nutrients needed to take those benefits even further. 

Read More

Miscarriage is a complex issue, and while sperm health is just one factor, it's a crucial one. By understanding the statistics and research surrounding miscarriage and sperm health, couples can take proactive steps to improve fertility outcomes. Beli Vitality for Men offers a comprehensive fertility supplement solution, supported by industry research and designed to improve sperm health. By combining Beli Vitality with healthy lifestyle choices, couples can optimize their fertility journey and increase their chances of a successful pregnancy.

Read More

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Read More

The summer heat really can have a temporary effect on male fertility, so doing what you can to keep cool, especially if the goal is becoming a dad, is really important. Here are tips to keep you and the boys cool this summer.

Read More

If you’re no stranger to the telltale signs of seasonal allergies—sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, irritated eyes, the works—you’re likely familiar with antihistamines. When you’re actively trying to conceive, there’s more to understand about histamines, seasonal allergies and how it affects your fertility.

Read More

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Read More

Fact: You can’t look at a guy—or eyeball his semen sample, for that matter—and determine his fertility. It just doesn’t work that way. The only way to truly assess sperm health is with a semen analysis. But there are a few lifestyle choices and truths that may indicate whether a man’s sperm is healthy and happy. 

Read More

While it’s lumped into the “bodily fluid” category, semen is a complex cocktail of compounds designed to support fertility. Like sperm quality, semen health can be influenced by lifestyle factors—an important realization for couples trying to conceive. From color to consistency, here’s what healthy semen looks like.

Read More

There’s a lot of chatter when it comes to male masturbation and what it says about a man’s fertility or whether it’s an issue when a couple is actively trying to conceive. And in the interest of clearing up the confusion, we’re taking a facts-based approach to the topic of men, masturbation and fertility.

Read More

For many of us, our twenties and even thirties are a time when the focus is on pregnancy prevention. And that’s okay! But even when the idea of motherhood is miles away there is tremendous value in understanding your fertility health and what you can do to support it during these young, carefree days.

Read More

Raise your hand if you already know that you have a biological clock. From age 35 and beyond, there is a natural decline in testosterone and sperm quality. Just as people lose muscle strength, flexibility and endurance with age, sperm also tend to lose their "fitness" over the life cycle. But what does that mean—and does it really matter?

Read More

It’s an easy assumption, but you’re much better off thinking that every prenatal vitamin is wildly different in terms of composition, nutrient quality and, importantly, nutrient amount. Not only is that actually true, it puts you in the smart consumer mindset of understanding what matters in a prenatal vitamin—and why.

Read More

Men really do benefit from specialized nutrition in the form of a prenatal vitamin that’s formulated to support sperm health. Here’s what that looks like, and how specific nutrients can impact a man’s fertility health before fatherhood.

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

Ever wondered why men produce so much darn sperm, especially if only one of them will ultimately fertilize the egg? There are millions of sperm in normal ejaculate because it increases the likelihood that one will reach the egg and seal the deal. It begs the question, what exactly happens on the journey to the egg?

Read More

Just as women’s bodies need to be prepared for pregnancy, men’s bodies need to be ready to contribute healthy sperm for conception. Nutrients are the foundation that support the normal structure and function of sperm and men's fertility health. Taking Beli’s male prenatal supplement is a proactive way to strategically fuel your body to optimize fertility contributing to your overall chances of conceiving and supporting a healthy pregnancy.  

Read More
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