We’re half the men our grandfathers were.
Men are in serious trouble. Over the last four decades, sperm counts have plummeted by more than 50%, and testosterone levels have fallen by over 25% [1] [2].
Men today are producing half as much sperm as their grandfathers, and it’s not just a fertility issue – it’s a red flag for overall health.
So why aren’t we talking about this? A 50% drop in sperm counts sounds unreal, with no signs of slowing. For perspective, sperm counts are dropping by 2% annually [1]. At this rate, we’re heading toward zero.
Swimmer shortage: we’re running out of ammo.
According to research, we’re heading towards a future where the human race might struggle to reproduce naturally [3]. Sperm counts have plunged from 99 million to just 47 million per milliliter, and the decline is accelerating [1].
Currently, 1 in 6 couples has trouble conceiving, and 50% of these cases are linked to male factors [4].
Despite that, men often aren’t even part of the conversation. Instead, women undergo costly and invasive tests, while men’s health issues often go unnoticed until later.
The doctor will see you now… (after you’ve tried everything else).
It’s sadly simple – dudes don’t proactively go to the doctor. Men are 2x less likely than women to visit the doctor for annual exams [13].
More than 60% of men skip regular check-ups, and when they do, they prefer a quick fix over proactive healthcare. Around 90% of men wait until they’re symptomatic before seeking help [5].
The result? Often, by the time men address fertility issues, it’s too late.
This is an oversimplification, of course. There are many factors at play. Here’s the quick breakdown, with more complicated reasoning that would be too long to write here (for now):
🍎Diet & Nutrition Fast food and processed snacks? They’re killing sperm quality [6]. A diet rich in meat, fruits, veggies, and healthy fats? That’s the golden ticket for better sperm health.
🏃♂️Lifestyle Sitting all day and skipping workouts? Our sedentary lifestyle is killing us, lowering testosterone [7]. Maybe it’s time to finally buy that desk treadmill on Amazon.
⚖️Obesity Being overweight doesn’t just affect your heart - it tanks your testosterone [9]. A good rule of thumb: if it’s good (or bad) for your heart health, it’s good (or bad) for fertility health.
🍻Substance Abuse Alcohol, drugs, vaping, smoking, and steroids? All fertility killers. They can disrupt sperm production and shrink your testes [10].
👨⚕️Genetics & Blockages Physical issues like varicoceles or genetic disorders are rarer and require medical intervention [12]. In these cases, it’s crucial to consult a doctor. The good news: at-home fertility tests will likely help you identify a problem early, so you can go get follow up tests as needed.
🌡️Environmental Toxins Microplastics, pesticides, heat, and tight-fitting clothes (yep, even those tight jeans) are wreaking havoc on fertility [8]. There have been interesting correlations drawn between the rise of microplastics in commercial production and the fall of male fertility. Check it below.
How to save your swimmers: less plastic, more SeedCheck & SeedBoost.
The good news: your sperm resets every ~74 days, so you can make real improvement and see results quickly [14].
Since men have a habit of not going to the doctor, here’s a list of things you can do today to get yourself on the right track. Of course, we always recommend seeing a physician, but since many still won’t, it’s good to have direct-to-consumer solutions that can help.
🏋️Lift Heavy Things Strength training boosts testosterone and sperm health. Consistency is key. You don’t need to be a bodybuilder, just get in the gym and your swimmers will thank you [7]. Consider this your sign to hit the gym today.
🥗Dial In Your Diet Prioritize protein to stay lean and satiated, accompanied by fruits, greens, and healthy fats. Even with a solid diet, most men miss key nutrients like zinc and vitamin D. Supplements like SeedBoost fill in those gaps, keeping your fertility on track [6].
🔬Know Your Status Don’t wait. Symptoms often go unnoticed. Regular sperm testing is crucial, and that’s why we created SeedCheck, the only FDA-cleared at-home sperm test with clinical-grade accuracy. No awkward clinic visit needed [4].
The two guys who won’t let sperm go extinct.
Jack and I are cousins (and Co-Founders) from Southern California. Our goal is simple: help men take control of their health in a way that’s accessible and effective.
At Lifespark, we’re addressing these issues head-on. We’ve had close friends struggle with infertility on both sides of the aisle, and we want to empower couples to take control of their health. We started on the male side to catch up to the (awesome) offerings that are already available on the female side.
We’ve launched our first products: SeedCheck, an at-home sperm testing kit; SeedBoost, our custom fertility nutraceutical; and the Fertility Accelerator, a 4-month program to help men successfully conceive. We plan on growing our offerings as fast as possible, in a way that men will actually utilize them.
Hit follow, save humanity.
Want more content like this? Follow us here and on our socials (@lifespark.bio) for more updates on men’s health, wellness, and fertility - from men, for men (and women).
Interested in a conversation? Shoot me a message (conrad@lifespark.bio) anytime.