Male Factor Infertility

25.06.2026

Male Factor Infertility

WITH HALF OF ALL INFERTILITY CASES BEING DUE TO MALE FACTOR INFERTILITY, OVER 90% OF MEN SAY IT IS AFFECTING THEIR WELLBEING AND SELF-ESTEEM

Experts warn that a build-up of everyday factors such as vaping, diet, poor sleep and stress, may be harming male fertility
Leading fertility specialist at CRGH urge men to break the silence: fear of talking and emasculating them is trapping them in a lonely mental health battle
Experts warn that while modern lifestyle “stacking” can be turned around in 90 days, age still creates irreversible biological barriers

London, UK 22nd June 2026: British men are trapped in a silent mental health crisis, carrying a heavy burden of guilt, shame, and isolation over fertility struggles.

Fertility consultant and senior medical director, Dr Wael Saab, at CRGH (The Centre for Reproductive & Genetic Health) in London, is urging men not to ignore reproductive health concerns or feel ashamed about seeking help. Male fertility problems are common, often treatable, and are too often missed because the conversation around conception still focuses overwhelmingly on women.

Modern society equates fertility with masculinity, so men are suffering in silence. Research from Fertility Network UK found that 93%[i] of men said infertility had affected their wellbeing and self-esteem. A separate global questionnaire found that 73%[ii] of men would be unlikely to talk about infertility at all, with nearly 40% never seeking or being offered any form of emotional support.

The lifestyle ‘stack’ that damages sperm

Many of the everyday factors that affect general health can also affect sperm health. This includes smoking or vaping, poor sleep, stress, high BMI, heat exposure and other lifestyle pressures that build up over time.

A typical example might be a man with a high BMI who also vapes or smokes, sleeps badly, and is regularly exposed to heat through work, exercise habits or tight clothing. Together, those pressures can increase oxidative stress and contribute to sperm DNA fragmentation, which may affect fertilisation, embryo development and recurrent pregnancy loss[iii].

The encouraging news is that sperm is produced continuously, following a cycle of around 90 days, so there is often an opportunity for men to make changes and see improvement. However, men can’t rely on this indefinitely. As men age, their biological clock catches up with them too. Natural genetic decline and physical conditions such as varicocele (enlarged veins within the scrotum) worsen over time and can’t be reversed by lifestyle changes alone.

The male fertility assessment

CRGH says one of the most important first steps for a couple who are struggling to conceive is to understand the male side early. A male fertility assessment at CRGH, which costs £300, includes a lifestyle review, a semen analysis and a consultation with an experienced fertility consultant.

Results from a semen analysis help clinicians assess sperm count, movement, shape and overall sample quality, which can guide the next steps in treatment or lifestyle change. Further investigations may then include sperm DNA fragmentation testing and semen culture.

The 90-Day sperm turnaround: What to do

If a semen analysis comes back with low results, a 90 day improvement programme would be recommended. This could include:

Stop smoking or vaping: Nicotine is a primary driver of DNA damage in sperm.
Cool down: Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and laptops resting directly on the lap. Heat kills sperm production.
Eat and drink clean Focus on whole foods and cut back heavily on alcohol and ultra-processed foods.
Uptake in antioxidants: Specific supplements are proven to help heal DNA breakage. Men should look for targeted fertility supplements containing Vitamin C and E, CoQ10, Zinc, L-carnitine, Folic Acid, N-acetyl cysteine, and Selenium.

Overcoming DNA damage with ZyMōt technology

For couples moving into treatment where male factor issues or high DNA fragmentation are present, CRGH offers ZyMōt microfluidic sperm selection during IVF or ICSI cycles.

Traditional laboratory methods require spinning sperm in a centrifuge to separate them, which can inadvertently cause further oxidative stress and physical DNA damage. The ZyMōt device mimics the natural channels of the human body, requiring sperm to swim through microscopic filters. This allows embryologists to isolate the healthiest, highest-motility sperm with the lowest genetic damage, giving couples the best possible chance of successful embryo development and healthy pregnancy.

Dr Wael Saab, fertility consultant and senior medical director at CRGH, said: “There is still a real stigma around male infertility, and too many men suffer in silence because they feel ashamed or embarrassed to talk about it. That must change. Male fertility problems are common and they are not a failure of masculinity.

“A semen analysis can tell us a great deal about sperm count, motility and morphology, and in some cases, we may also recommend further tests such as sperm DNA fragmentation to understand more about sperm health. The sooner men come forward, the sooner we can identify what may be going on and help them take the right next steps.”

Men who are concerned about their fertility, are planning to start a family, or have been trying to conceive without success can book a comprehensive male fertility assessments by visiting the website. Getting checked early can help identify treatable issues sooner, reduce uncertainty and give couples clearer options.

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