Fertility 101: What Every Couple Should Know Before Trying to Conceive

Fertility 101: What Every Couple Should Know Before Trying to Conceive

Did you know 50% of fertility struggles are linked to male factors?

When couples decide to start a family, most focus on timing and ovulation trackers, assuming that conception is as simple as biology working its magic.

But the reality is that fertility is a team effort. Both men and women contribute equally to the equation, and understanding the factors at play can make the journey smoother, less stressful, and even quicker.

Here’s a science-backed primer on what every couple should know before trying to conceive—and how taking proactive steps can save time, money, and heartache.

 


 

Male Factors: The Silent Half of Fertility

It’s no secret that society often places the burden of fertility on women, but the data tells a different story. Male infertility accounts for about 50% of all cases [1]. Common causes include:

  • 💪 Low Sperm Count: The average sperm count has dropped by over 50% in the past four decades, a trend linked to environmental toxins, poor diet, and sedentary lifestyles [2].

  • 🏊 Poor Sperm Motility: This refers to the ability of sperm to swim effectively, a critical factor for fertilization. Oxidative stress and nutrient deficiencies are key contributors [3].

  • 🪜 DNA Fragmentation: High levels of DNA damage in sperm are associated with infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss [4].

  • ⚖️ Hormonal Imbalances: Low testosterone levels or other endocrine issues can disrupt sperm production [5].

Proactive testing and lifestyle changes can address many of these issues, making male fertility a vital part of the conversation.

 


 

Female Factors: What to Watch For

While male factors are often overlooked, female fertility challenges are well-documented and equally important. Common issues include:

  • 🔇 Ovulation Disorders: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affect ovulation and are a leading cause of infertility in women [6].

  • ⏳ Age-Related Decline: Women are born with a finite number of eggs, and quality declines with age. By age 35, fertility begins to drop significantly [7].

  • ⚡️ Fallopian Tube Blockages: Often caused by pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis, these blockages prevent eggs from meeting sperm [8].

  • 🏡 Uterine Factors: Fibroids, polyps, or structural abnormalities can interfere with implantation [9].

Understanding these factors can help women and their partners seek timely medical advice and interventions.

 


 

Steps to Take Before Trying

Fertility is complex, but preparation can make a big difference. Here are some science-backed steps both partners can take:

  1. 🔢 Get Tested: Start with a basic fertility assessment. For men, this means a simple sperm test like Lifespark’s SeedCheck, which offers FDA-cleared, at-home convenience [1]. Women can consult their gynecologist for hormonal and structural evaluations.

  2. 🍍 Optimize Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals supports reproductive health. Men benefit from nutrients like zinc, selenium, and CoQ10 [10], while women should focus on folate and omega-3s [11].

  3. 🏃 Exercise Regularly: Moderate exercise improves hormonal balance and circulation, enhancing fertility in both sexes [12].

  4. ✨ Manage Stress: Chronic stress disrupts hormonal regulation, affecting ovulation and sperm quality. Practices like yoga and mindfulness can help [13].

  5. ♻️ Avoid Toxins: Minimize exposure to environmental toxins like microplastics, pesticides, and tobacco, all of which negatively impact fertility [14].

 


 

Take Charge of Your Fertility

Fertility challenges can feel overwhelming, but knowledge is power. By understanding the factors involved and taking proactive steps, couples can increase their chances of conceiving and embark on this life-changing journey with confidence.

At Lifespark, we’re here to make fertility health accessible and effective. Whether it’s through at-home sperm testing with SeedCheck or targeted nutritional support with SeedBoost, we’re committed to empowering couples to take control of their reproductive health.

 


 

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Want more content like this? Follow us here and on our socials (@lifespark.bio) for updates on men’s health, wellness, and fertility.

Have a question or want to share your story? Message me at conrad@lifespark.bio.

Onward,

Conrad
Co-Founder
Lifespark

 


 

References

  1. American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Infertility Statistics

  2. Human Reproduction Update, Meta-analysis on Global Sperm Decline

  3. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, Oxidative Stress and Male Fertility

  4. Fertility and Sterility, DNA Fragmentation in Sperm

  5. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology, Hormonal Imbalances and Male Fertility

  6. Mayo Clinic, PCOS and Ovulation Disorders

  7. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Age and Fertility

  8. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fallopian Tube Blockages

  9. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, Uterine Factors in Fertility

  10. Frontiers in Nutrition, Nutrients for Male Fertility

  11. Harvard Health, Omega-3s and Female Fertility

  12. Journal of Sports Medicine, Exercise and Reproductive Health

  13. American Journal of Psychiatry, Stress and Fertility

  14. Environmental Health Perspectives, Toxins and Reproductive Health