Can semen microbiome health affect male infertility?

Isabelle Nunn discusses the quality of sperm and semen and why it is critical for male fertility, how it plays a significant role in conception and overall reproductive health. While sperm refers to the male reproductive cells, semen is the fluid that carries sperm, providing a medium through which sperm can travel and survive.

A relatively new area of study, the semen microbiome, examines the various microorganisms present in semen and their potential impacts on sperm quality and function. Understanding these elements can help men take proactive steps to improving male fertility.

How does the semen microbiome affect fertility?

The semen microbiome consists of bacteria, viruses, and fungi found within the seminal fluid. Research shows the semen microbiome to significantly influence sperm quality and function.

A balanced microbiome supports sperm viability (sperm’s health) and motility (sperm’s ability to swim), both crucial factors for successful fertilisation of a female egg. Conversely, an imbalance can lead to inflammation and oxidative stress, which may damage sperm DNA and impair their ability to swim effectively. This, in turn, directly affects a man's fertility, making the semen microbiome an important area of focus for those looking to improve their reproductive health.

Did you know? There are an increasing number of 'epigenetic studies' indicating how diabetes could be passed on to the next generation through male sperm. You may be interested in reading 'Does sperm impact the risk of diabetes?'.

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When are men most fertile?

Well similarly to women’s fertility, male fertility declines with age. When men reach towards their late 40’s, the quality of their sperm can decline among other challenges, leading to overall decline in fertility. Unlike women though, men do not have a specific ‘fertile window’, because sperm is continually formed and stored in the testicles, ready to be used at any time.

When looking into how to increase fertility in men, it is worth looking into genetics, having regular check ups to detect any structural issues in the genital tract, and other possible factors like erectile dysfunction, hormones or lifestyle choices.

The link between sperm and gut health

Emerging research indicates a strong link between gut health and reproduction. The gut microbiome influences systemic inflammation and overall health, which can, in turn, affect the semen microbiome.

Maintaining a healthy gut through your diet, implementing lifestyle changes and particular strains of active bacteria, have shown to indirectly improve sperm concentration and motility, contribute to a significant reduction in oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, improve overall semen quality and support male fertility.

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Tips on how to improve fertility in men

Incorporating lifestyle changes can help support healthy semen and sperm:

Diet: Consume nutrient dense foods at every meal with healthy fats, legumes, wholegrains, fruits, vegetables and lean protein. If you are not sure what your diet is missing, try our Diet Profile for free and find out in 3 mins.
Nutrients: Focus on foods that are high in antioxidants such as Zinc, Selenium, Vitamins C and E.
Spices like Turmeric , contain active constituents shown to help improve semen parameters. Learn 5 benefits of Turmeric and why you may be wasting money on Turmeric.
Keep your hydration levels optimum, as semen production is dependent on it.
Stop smoking: Smoking can damage sperm and reduce the quality of semen. You may enjoy reading 'Can vaping cause anxiety?'.
Limit exposure to toxins: This includes exposure to chemicals found in personal care products, plastics or that found in food. Xenoestrogens, as they are commonly referred to, are a group of compounds that can create havoc on hormonal balance resulting in negative effects on sperm count and sperm motility, which in turn impacts on men's fertility. Discover what PFAs are.
Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact sperm production. Discover 5 signs your liver needs a detox.
Stress management: Signs of stress affect the majority of people, in a survey of over 12,000 people by DR.VEGAN^{^®}, only 4% described themselves as 'stress-free'.* And further research of 545 people found that 78% experience stress at least once a week.* Reducing stress is one of the factors shown to improving male fertility. Box breathing, swimming or pilates, can be activities that may help reduce stress hormones. Stress hormones trigger the release of steroid hormones which in term can reduce the level of testosterone. The lower the level of testosterone, the lower will be the sperm production. Need some support? Men's ProMulti all-in-one formula for prostate health, testosterone health, daily vitality and wellbeing.

Understanding the factors that influence sperm and semen quality, including the semen microbiome could be one of the approaches used when it comes to what men can do to support their fertility. Seeking guidance and consulting a healthcare professional and nutritionist can help tailor the support needed best.

*Based on a UK survey conducted by DR.VEGAN^® of 246 customers, nationally representative, during August & September 2022. All customer survey findings reflect our own efforts and have not been influenced or verified by any external organisations or third-party entities.

*This article contains data from UK surveys conducted by DR.VEGAN^®. All survey findings reflect our own research efforts and have not been influenced or verified by any external organisations or third-party entities.

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References

Rozati R. et al. (2002) Role of environmental estrogens in the deterioration of male factor fertility. Fertil Steril;78 (6):1187-1194.

Lv S et al. (2024). Gut microbiota is involved in male reproductive function: a review. Front Microbiol;15:1371667.

Zhang Y.,et al. (2023). Probiotics improve polystyrene microplastics-induced male reproductive toxicity in mice by alleviating inflammatory response. Ecotoxicol. Environ. Saf. 263:115248.

Helli B. et al.(2022) Probiotic effects on sperm parameters, oxidative stress index, inflammatory factors and sex hormones in infertile men. Hum Fertil (Camb);25(3):49

Alizadeh F. et al. (2018). Curcumin nanomicelle improves semen parameters, oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers, and reproductive hormones in infertile men: A randomised clinical trial. Phytother Res;32(3):514-521. Curcumin nanomicelle improves semen parameters, oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers, and reproductive hormones in infertile men: A randomised clinical trial - PubMed (nih.gov)

Farahani L. et al.(2021) The semen microbiome and its impact on sperm function and male fertility: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Andrology;9(1):115-144. The semen microbiome and its impact on sperm function and male fertility: A systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed (nih.gov)