Spermatozoids are one of the most important factors when it comes to achieving a successful pregnancy. Healthy spermatozoa are crucial for the fertilization process to take place. In order for a woman to conceive, the man’s sperm must be able to reach and penetrate her egg. If the sperm is not healthy, it might not be able to complete this process, which could result in infertility. In this article, Procrea is giving you some advice to boost your spermatozoa and increase your chance to procreate through food.

How can a man’s diet impact healthy spermatozoa production?

There are many things that can impact sperm health and spermatozoa production. One of the most important things is the dad-to-be diet. Eating a healthy diet is important for overall health, and it is especially important for men who are trying to conceive.

Inflammation can lead to decreased fertility

The negative impacts of excess food on spermatozoa have been well documented. Too much food can lead to weight gain, which in turn can lead to a decrease in the quality and quantity of sperm. This is because excess food can cause inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are harmful to sperm. When the body is in a state of inflammation, it produces harmful molecules called free radicals. These molecules can damage DNA and essential proteins within sperm, leading to decreased fertility. Additionally, oxidative stress can cause the cells of the sperm membrane to become rigid and inflexible. This makes it more difficult for sperm to swim and reach the egg.

Obesity is harmful for the male’s reproductive system

Excess food can also lead to obesity, which is a major risk factor for infertility. Obesity causes an increase in the production of estrogen, which can interfere with normal sperm development. Additionally, obesity can lead to problems with the male reproductive system, such as decreased testosterone levels and an increase in the number of abnormal sperm cells.

The future dad’s diet has huge impact on the development of the fetus

This is groundbreaking news for couples planning to have a child. Researchers from McGill University have shown that the father’s eating behavior has a great impact on the development of the fetus and the health of the unborn child, before conception. Poor eating habits can lead to obesity and other health problems in the father, which can then be passed on to the child. This is why it’s so important for fathers to eat healthy foods and stay in shape before trying to conceive.

All of these factors together can reduce the chances of fertilization taking place. If you are trying to conceive, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and stay within a healthy weight range. Eating too much junk food and processed foods can have negative consequences for your fertility.

What are the key nutrients and foods for healthy spermatozoa?

Nuts

A study of 2018 found that adding 60 grams of nuts per day to the diets of young men aged 18-35 can improve sperm quality by 16 %, and increase sperm mobility by 6 %. This study provides valuable information on how to improve male fertility by adopting the right diet, and could aid in the treatment of infertility.

White and fatty fish

There is some evidence to suggest that the consumption of white fish can improve the sperm quality, making it more efficient and effective in terms of fertilization. This is good news for couples who are trying to conceive, as it can help to improve their chances of success. There are many benefits to eating fatty fish, including male fertility. On the other hand, fatty fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for overall health and fertility. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish help to improve sperm quality and motility. They also help to reduce inflammation, which is often associated with infertility. Eating fatty fish is a simple way to improve your fertility and increase your chances of conception.

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that is important for the health of sperm. It helps to keep the sperm cell head shape normal and increases the sperm count. It’s also great for the development of sperm and testosterone production. Zinc can be found in wholemeal bread, calf liver or even egg yolks.

Iron

Iron is an important mineral for both male and female fertility. An iron deficiency increases oxidative stress and decreases antioxidant enzymes. The body uses iron to produce sperm and eggs, and to maintain the health of reproductive tissues. A deficiency in iron can lead to reduced fertility in men and women. Good sources of iron include dried fruits, fish/seafood, and meats. Iron-rich foods are especially important for pregnant women and those who are trying to conceive, as they help ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Vitamin B9 (folate)

The relationship between male fertility and vitamin B9 is well known. A study conducted in 2017 found that sufficient consumption of vitamins B9 and B12 influences sperm parameters This means that a diet including walnuts, parsley, broccoli, and almonds is a great way to improve your fertility.

What food to avoid to improve sperm quality?

Foods that are high in pesticides, chemicals and sugar can negatively impact sperm quality. Try to avoid eating foods that are heavily processed, or foods that are known to contain high levels of chemicals and pesticides, such as conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables.

Sugar

Too much sugar in men’s diets could lead to a risk of being overweight in future children. This overconsumption of sugar affects RNA fragments that play a role in epigenetics and heredity. This means that the health of the father can directly impact the health of his children. It is important for men to be mindful of their sugar intake in order to maintain their fertility and help ensure the health of their future kids.

Processed meat

Processed meats like hot dogs, bacon and industrial sausage have been linked to lower sperm counts and quality in men. The chemicals used in the processing of these meats can interfere with male hormones and damage sperm cells. This could lead to difficulty conceiving a child. It is important for men to eat superfoods and avoid processed meats if they are trying to conceive.

Alcool

Alcohol consumption can have a significant impact on male fertility. Heavy drinking can lower testosterone levels, decrease sperm production, and reduce sperm motility. This can make it difficult or impossible for men to conceive a child. In addition, drinking can also increase the risk of miscarriage and birth defects. It is important for couples who are trying to conceive to abstain from alcohol entirely.

​​Procrea fertility clinics are experts in helping couples to get pregnant and start a family. We offer a wide variety of services and treatments to help couples conceive, including in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). If you are looking to start a family, make an appointment with Procrea today!

Sperm donations are of great importance in the fertility process and allow many infertile or homosexual couples to fulfill their dream of having a family. In the case of proven male infertility, it is often an abnormality or a qualitative defect in the sperm that is at fault, and the use of sperm donation then becomes necessary.

Procrea fertility clinics use sperm banks with many anonymous and voluntary donors to allow in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI). 

In this article, we explain more in depth the donation process and eligibility criteria.

Who can become a sperm donor? 

In Canada, there are several selection criteria that must be met in order to donate sperm.

To become a sperm donor, you must first meet the following criteria:

• be between 18 and 39 years of age
• be in good health (no known chronic or genetic illnesses in the family)
• Know your biological parents
• Not be a sperm donor in another clinic.
• Have a valid health insurance card (RAMQ).

Once these eligibility criteria are met, you will be asked to undergo several tests and examinations. 

What are the different tests and examinations for eligibility?

To begin with, a first sperm donation will be performed in order to evaluate the quality of the sperm and particularly the spermatozoa. More specifically, the number, motility, morphology and reaction to freezing are analyzed.

Next, a screening will be performed to verify that the results of the following STIs are negative. This screening will be done once at the beginning of the collection of the sperm samples, and then a second time after they have been quarantined for 6 months.

In conjunction with the screening, the donor will be asked to complete three questionnaires: 

1. A medical questionnaire;
2. A questionnaire on genetic diseases;
3. A form on exclusion criteria.

Finally, a last genetic test will be requested to verify the negativity to these three diseases:

• Karyotype;
• French-Canadian panel;
• X-Fragile.

Once all the tests have been completed, the donor’s medical file is reviewed and must be accepted by the sperm bank’s medical director.

How does the sperm donor fit into Canadian law?

All sperm donations are regulated by Health Canada. For a fertility treatment, Procrea Fertility uses the following external Canadian distributors CAN-AM, ZYTEX CANADA, REPROMED. In Canada, semen for assisted reproduction is regulated by the Food and Drugs Act and the Semen Regulations, which aim to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases to recipients.

Some cancer treatments can damage the reproductive system and lead to fertility problems. As a result, women may have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term and men may have difficulty getting their partner pregnant. Fertility specialists at Procrea Fertility have identified the following points to help inform patients on available concerns and solutions. 

Consequences of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on fertility.

Consequences for women: 

Regarding chemotherapy, different factors can affect the woman’s menstrual cycle (i.e., type, duration, drug combinations), leading to ovarian insufficiency and fertility issues. The absence of ovulation can lead to early menopause, although the side effects may vary from one woman to another. 

The time at which these side effects will affect ovarian function is variable throughout the chemotherapy treatment. The higher the cumulative doses of medication, the greater the impact on fertility.

With respect to radiotherapy, which plays a significant role in treating gynecological tumours, the repercussions it can have on fertility depend on age, the site(s) that received radiation, the dosage, and the dose per fraction. 

• Ovarian irradiation can produce premature ovarian insufficiency and consequently a reduction in the fertility period. 
• Abdominal-pelvic radiotherapy and total body irradiation also have this effect on the ovaries and fertility.
• Following uterine irradiation, pregnancies are considered at risk and must receive specific care. 
• Brachytherapy in vulvar or vaginal tissues can also cause fertility issues. 
• Cranial or craniospinal irradiation, can cause amenorrhea (the absence of menstruation) and anovulation. 

Recovery processes that follow any of these treatments vary from one woman to another. However, because the number of viable eggs (ova) decreases with age, ovarian function in women in their mid thirties to early forties is less likely to be fully restored.

Consequences for men: 

Male germ cells are very sensitive to certain classes of chemotherapeutic agents, so there is a risk of altered spermatogenesis depending on the treatment. 

Radiotherapy, can cause a transient cessation of spermatogenesis, and ionizing rays reaching the testicles may be responsible for permanent azoospermia. 

How can fertility be preserved following these treatments?

1. Available options for women:

Oocyte vitrification: conservation of mature oocytes

This method preserves female gametes (oocytes) and solves issues concerning embryo conservation. For those who might want to conceive in the future, egg freezing requires approximately two weeks of ovarian stimulation with injections, and a ten-minute procedure to retrieve the eggs from the ovaries through the vaginal wall using local anesthesia and sedation. The eggs can then be frozen for long periods of time. This option helps preserve the autonomy of the patient who wishes to preserve her own gametes. 

In vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo cryopreservation

In vitro fertilization (IVF) and freezing the embryos are also viable options. These embryos can be transferred upon completion of treatments if the patient wishes to conceive.

Freezing embryos until the patient wishes to conceive requires the same steps as oocyte vitrification, but once the embryos are removed, they are fertilized by the partner or donor sperm to create embryos that will be frozen and kept in long-term storage. 

Ovarian tissue preservation

This method is used in patients who have a good ovarian reserve and must receive highly gonadotoxic treatment. Partial or entire ovary removal for future use is still considered an experimental procedure and requires laparoscopy (minimally invasive surgery) under general anesthesia. Once the patient wishes to conceive, the ovarian tissue is transplanted on or near the ovary and pregnancy can be attempted naturally or through medically assisted reproduction techniques. 

1. Available options for men: 

Men have the option of conserving sperm in a bank in case they cannot produce viable spermatazoa during or after treatment. In fact, for some spouses, knowing that sperm can be stored greatly reduces the stress that can be caused by the fear of not being able to reproduce as a result of treatment. In order to improve sperm viability, plan to produce three semen samples (on average) and practice sexual abstinence for two to five days prior to producing each sample.

At Procrea Fertility, the cryopreservation centre offers men the opportunity to bank their sperm for short to long-term periods. 

Today, despite receiving a cancer diagnosis, it’s possible to take steps to protect your reproductive potential and improve the probability of making your dreams of starting a family come true. Thanks to these various medical procedures, pregnancy is no longer ruled out and becomes possible for our patients. For more information and guidance, ask your doctor for a consultation with a fertility specialist. You can also consult our page Fertility preservation for medical reasons.

Important elements to consider  

The percentage of couples who experience problems conceiving is somewhere between 8% and 15%. Although this percentage has not changed in industrialized countries over several decades, the number of couples seeking medical assistance for an assisted procreation has increased. Fertility disorders are now recognized and there are many treatment options for the fertility.

There are many things to consider as you determine the fertility treatment that’s right for you. Throughout the process you will face factors that affect you physically, emotionally and financially. It is a unique and complex experience, everyone’s timeline is different. At Procrea Fertility, when you are ready, our dedicated team of specialists in fertility will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan to help you achieve your dream of family.

General Timelines

Female and male fertility are impacted by many factors. The general rule of thumb is that a woman under 35 years old who has been trying to get pregnant for a year, or a woman over 35 who has been trying for six months, should consult with a fertility specialist, for infertility concerns. Experts also recommend that women who have had more than three miscarriages meet with a specialist in fertility. Many women who have experienced pregnancy loss go on to have healthy pregnancies, but the losses may indicate a fertility problem.

When a couple who is having trouble conceiving experiences the problem for more than three years without a treatment in fertility, chances of spontaneous conception are 0% to 3% per month, depending on the cause(s) of infertility. About one third of infertility is related to the woman, another one third to the man, and remaining cases are related to both partners. Finally, in about 5% to 10% of the cases, infertility cannot be explained, but may include causal factors, which are yet unknown.

Female infertility

An endocrinologist specialized in reproductive medicine, or fertility specialist, is trained to diagnose and treat fertility problems. Your fertility specialist will be able to refer you to different fertility tests and treatments to address the range of conditions that may affect your fertility.

• Endometriosis
• PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
• Ovulation problems
• Repetitive miscarriages
• Abnormalities of the uterus, fallopian tubes and / or ovaries

Male infertility

When a couple has difficulty conceiving, it is important that both partners consult a specialist. Male infertility problems affect about one third of infertile couples. Common causes of infertility in men include erectile dysfunction, inadequate sperm count, or low motility of spermatozoa.

Lifestyle factors

Your daily choices can affect your fertility. Diet and exercise are key factors in preparing your body for conception and a healthy pregnancy. It is advisable to eliminate unhealthy habits such as smoking, alcohol use and recreational drug use, not only for your overall well-being, but also for the detrimental effects they may have on your fertility.