Four renowned doctors share their insights on boosting reproductive health.
The Role Of Antioxidants In Protecting Sperm Health
Dr Vandana Hegde, Founder and Clinical Director, Hegde Fertility, a reputed chain of fertility clinics in Hyderabad. She is passionate about helping couples achieve their goal of parenthood. With a strong background in reproductive medicine, she combines advanced reproductive genomics and reproductive immunology with compassionate care to provide personalised fertility solutions.
Male fertility is increasingly challenged by environmental pollutants, unhealthy lifestyles, and stress, with oxidative stress emerging as a key contributor. Oxidative stress occurs when an imbalance between free radical production and the body’s antioxidant defenses damages sperm cells, impairing their motility, morphology, and viability. Antioxidants play a critical role in neutralizing free radicals, protecting sperm health, and improving fertility outcomes.
Sperm cells are particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage due to their high polyunsaturated fatty acid content and limited antioxidant defenses. Oxidative stress can harm sperm DNA, proteins, and membranes, reducing sperm count and quality. Antioxidants like vitamins C and E, selenium, zinc, and coenzyme Q10 are essential in mitigating this damage. Vitamin C enhances sperm count and motility, while vitamin E stabilizes sperm membranes. Selenium supports glutathione peroxidase, a key antioxidant enzyme, and zinc aids DNA synthesis and repair. Coenzyme Q10, a mitochondrial antioxidant, boosts motility and energy efficiency.
Lifestyle changes amplify these benefits. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and wholegrains naturally increases antioxidant intake, while avoiding smoking, reducing alcohol, and managing stress lowers oxidative damage. Together, antioxidants and healthier habits provide robust protection for sperm health and fertility.
Nutrients For Male Reproductive Health
Dr Anu Agarwal, MBBS, MD (Obs&Gynae), FIAMS; Director, Vansh Fertility & Test Tube Baby Centre; Ayushman Hospital & Trauma Center; Ayushman Multispecialty Hospital Pvt Ltd. She is an Executive Committee Member ISAR 2022-26. Joint Secretary VOG.
Nutrients play a crucial role in modulating oxidative stress, testosterone levels, and sperm mitochondrial function, all key elements in sperm quality. Adequate intake of antioxidants has proven effective in preserving and improving male fertility.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Essential for sperm cell membranes, omega-3 PUFA supplementation enhances sperm quality by boosting mitochondrial energy metabolism and reducing oxidative damage.
- Antioxidant Vitamins (E and C): Vitamin E protects sperm membranes, while vitamin C reduces oxidative stress. Together, they improve mitochondrial activity and safeguard sperm from damage.
- B-Complex Vitamins: Folates significantly increase normal sperm count, while vitamin B12 improves sperm motility and semen quality. These vitamins also protect sperm DNA by reducing harmful homocysteine levels.
- Carotenoids: As precursors to vitamin A, carotenoids act as robust antioxidants, maintaining sperm membrane integrity. A deficiency can result in diminished motility and functionality, contributing to infertility.
- Essential Minerals: Zinc stabilizes membranes, boosts sperm motility, and supports viability, while selenium plays a key role in testosterone metabolism and antioxidant activity. Together, they protect sperm from oxidative damage, improve quality, and enhance fertility potential.
Targeted nutritional interventions can significantly preserve and enhance male reproductive health, making diet a cornerstone in managing male infertility.
Environmental Stress & Its Effect On Male Reproductive Health
Dr Anushka Madan, MBBS, MS OBG (Gold Medalist); Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine (Germany); Diploma in Ultrasonography (USA); Diploma in Cosmetic Gynaecology; Diploma in Advance Endoscopy.
Environmental stress profoundly affects male fertility, impacting sperm quality, hormonal balance, and reproductive health. Pollutants such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (e.g. phthalates, BPA, pesticides), air pollution, and heavy metals (lead, mercury) disrupt hormonal regulation, impair sperm production, and cause oxidative stress, which damages sperm DNA and lowers count. Excessive heat exposure from hot tubs, saunas, or tight clothing, raises scrotal temperature, reducing sperm quality and testosterone production.
Psychological stress elevates cortisol levels, inhibits testosterone and affects sperm count and motility. Climate change intensifies environmental heat and disease patterns, further affecting fertility. Occupational hazards like chemicals, radiation, and extreme conditions in industries exacerbate sperm damage. Lifestyle factors, including poor diet, obesity, smoking, and alcohol, also lower testosterone and sperm quality.
Nutrients play a vital role in combating oxidative stress and enhancing fertility. Vitamins C and E protect sperm from oxidative damage, with selenium and vitamin E improving motility. Lycopene, abundant in tomatoes, boosts sperm parameters, while L-carnitine enhances energy and motility. Zinc supports sperm formation and testosterone metabolism, while folic acid aids DNA synthesis and improves sperm count and motility. Together, these interventions, paired with a healthy lifestyle, help mitigate environmental stress and enhance male reproductive health.
Coping With Andropause
Dr Rana Mondal, MBBS, MS (Obs & Gyn), DNB (O&G), MRCOG (UK), MNAMS, FNB (Reproductive Medicine), EFOG-EBCOG, EFRM-ESHRE European Fellow of Reproductive Medicine.
Andropause, commonly referred to as “male menopause,” affects over 480,000 older men annually worldwide. It is characterized by a gradual decline in testosterone levels, starting at a rate of 1% per year after age 50. This hormonal drop often leads to weight gain, reduced muscle mass, fatigue, and mood swings. Regular physical activity, particularly strength training and aerobic exercise, can counter these effects by boosting testosterone, improving metabolic health, and enhancing mental well-being through stress reduction and endorphin release.
Lifestyle factors also play a vital role. A balanced diet, adequate sleep, stress management, and avoiding excessive alcohol or smoking are crucial for optimizing health during andropause. Micronutrients further support hormonal balance and overall vitality. Zinc is essential for testosterone production and immune function, while magnesium supports muscle health and stress management. Vitamin D, often deficient in older men, is critical for bone health and hormone regulation. B vitamins, particularly B6 and B12, enhance energy production, mood, and cognitive function. Ginseng may alleviate symptoms and improve sexual health.
Incorporating these nutrients, alongside exercise and healthy habits, can alleviate symptoms of andropause, restore balance, and enhance vitality, making this natural transition more manageable.
