It takes two to tango in the fertility race

As the physical bearer of children, women often feel as if reproductive health and fertility is their individual responsibility, however, in 40% of reported cases fertility issues reside with men.

Even healthy couples in their twenties only have a 25% chance per month of conceiving, meaning that maintaining a healthy reproductive system is a team effort and relies just as heavily on the male as it does the female.

With the majority of information about fertility geared towards women it is vital that men also receive the correct information as there is a common perception that men aren’t as susceptible to fertility issues and are unrestricted by time. Although this bares some truths, after the age 40, up to 34% of men experience reproductive health problems which may continue to worsen as a result of chemicals, pesticides, smoking, alcohol, chronic stress, excess body fat, physical injury, and inflammation.

For him

For men, the major fertility issue is often a result of unhealthy sperm and/or low sperm count (less than 20 million sperm per mL). A recent study has revealed that the reduced form of naturally produced CoQ10, known as Ubiquinol contains elements which improve and protect sperm[ii]. Ubiquinol is a powerful antioxidant and is present at high levels in sperm and protects sperm cells from damage and additionally plays a role in sperm cell energy production and motility. Taken from CoQ10 which is produced organically within our bodies, Ubiquinol is easily absorbed and works to support semen parameters in infertile male amongst other preventative actions.

For her

As for women the obvious but still essential factors for maintaining a healthy reproductive system include maintaining a healthy body weight, avoiding smoking (as this affects how receptive the uterus is to the egg) and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

His and her reproductive tips:

Ubiquinol has been shown to support and maintain healthy levels of sperm in men.
Keep sexually active; regular sex can help improve the sperm quality for men.
For females, get your hormones checked to ensure that they’re all in balance. For women who are on the pill, they will need to come off it to have these levels checked to measure their level of fertility.
Talk about fertility as a couple, both individuals health need to be in good condition as it really does take two to tango.

Did your partner look after themselves when you were trying to conceive? Please SHARE in the comments.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock.com

Stephen Eddey is a qualified Nutritionist and Naturopath and is the Principal of Australia’s longest established natural medicine college, Health Schools Australia. He has completed a Bachelor of Complementary Medicine as well as a Masters in Health Science and is studying a PhD in Nutritional Medicine.

[i] http://www.abc.net.au/health/library/stories/2007/05/30/1919840.htm
[ii] Safarinejad, M et al, 2012, Journal of Urology, ‘Effects of the reduced form of coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinol) on semen parameters in men with idiopathic infertility: a double-blind, placebo controlled, randomized study’, 188(2):526-31 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22704112

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23 Comments

- - meedee said
  - 22 Apr 2022
    10:29 am
My husband was told that he had a low sperm count but that it wouldnt be impossible for me to fall pregnant. As it turned out I became pregnant with ease each time. We were very lucky.

- - Ellen said
  - 25 May 2021
    7:53 am
Yes it definitely takes two !

- - ella12 said
  - 21 Jun 2017
    4:44 pm
Agreed – both parties need to look after themselves.

- - Carolineb said
  - 30 Sep 2015
    9:17 pm
Hubby was advised to use Elevit vitamins for men.

- - robyn_smithwick said
  - 21 Aug 2015
    2:39 pm
I am a great believer in using CoQ10!

- - mom94378 said
  - 17 Aug 2015
    3:16 pm
Even Tina Turner said “its take two”.

- - mom113055 said
  - 28 Jul 2015
    6:55 pm
just so good

- - mom71809 said
  - 04 Jul 2015
    8:32 pm
The majority of people I know that have fertility issues it was an issue withnthe man’s health

- - mom107723 said
  - 02 Jul 2015
    10:00 pm
Reproducing is a huge responsibility for both parties involved.

- - Lov'n'Life said
  - 30 Jun 2015
    4:18 pm
great article totally agree couple need to both be aware that they play a part not just the women

- - rovermum said
  - 29 Jun 2015
    10:59 am
Whilst we thought the infertility problem sat with me, we discovered my husband had a very low sperm count (next to none). Whilst we were able, through IVF to obtain a limited amount of sperm, my infertility was then a problem. It all worked out in the end through IVF, we have a beautiful, smart, funny and engaging son.

- - mom93821 said
  - 27 Jun 2015
    5:58 pm
It takes two and it is a joint responsibility.

- - BellaB said
  - 27 Jun 2015
    5:44 pm
Too many men think it’s all about the woman’s health.

- - mom94125 said
  - 27 Jun 2015
    2:28 pm
my friend couldn’t get pregnant and her husband got the exam and it turns out that his sperm were swimming around in circles etc. He did all the things that the doc recommended and she had another baby. They were going to adopt otherwise.

- - mom94125 said
  - 26 Jun 2015
    11:07 am
yes it can be a big blow to an ego when there are issues conceiving

- - mom103936 said
  - 26 Jun 2015
    10:41 am
This is very important information.
Prior to conceiving I didnt realise how important it was.
Also maintaining a healthy weight makes a big difference.

- - mom74640 said
  - 26 Jun 2015
    9:31 am
Lke iit

- - lepumpkinhead said
  - 25 Jun 2015
    4:01 pm
Yes it does indeed takes two to tango, fortunately I have not ever “tried” to have kids as both appeared as unexpected surprises when we planned a future date to try we found out we were pregnant before this. I however know of the struggle from two different friends. Thank you for the article

- - cherz said
  - 25 Jun 2015
    2:19 pm
Us females are not like flowers we can not reproduce on our own, so yes it does take two to tango. Worth a mention here as well: Guys don’t wear tight restricting underwear and tight jeans, let your man parts breathe.
- Kell replied
  
  25 Jun 2015 , 10:38 pm
  Most plants have male and female flowers and need Bees to pollinate them….
  - mom93821 replied
    
    28 Jun 2015 , 4:30 am
    
    Definitely no tight jeans ever!
- - mum4107 said
  - 25 Jun 2015
    1:49 pm
Great article and so very true