The truth behind the male infertility crisis

Infertility might sound like only an inability to have a baby, but CIHR-funded researchers are taking a much deeper look at the problem. And though the findings are cause for global concern, the solutions are within reach of most men thanks to the work of Dr. Sarah Kimmins, at the Université de Montreal.

Infertility defined as the inability to fertilize an egg is only half the definition. The larger issue for Dr. Kimmins is how poor-quality sperm affects the quality of the embryo and leads to developmental issues. The epigenome of the sperm—heritable traits that are influenced by environmental factors—can have a big consequence on a father’s child, and that in turn affects future generations.

“The paternal genome and epigenome are activated first in the embryo,” Dr. Kimmins explains of the effect that sperm has on early embryo development. “This means if you have alterations to the sperm epigenome, it affects gene expression in the embryo, the quality of that embryo, and then the long-term development of that embryo and health across the next generation.”

So, how can men improve the quality of their sperm? The good news is that, in many cases, it only requires a lifestyle change—low sperm quality is a reversible problem, and not one that necessarily requires a costly visit to the fertility clinic.

“We have epigenetic markers of things like smoking, cannabis use, being overweight, exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and delayed parenthood, and so we can assess the impact of those factors on the sperm epigenome and predict best treatments and interventions,” says Dr. Kimmins.

“If those come up as the driving factors, men will be more motivated to make a change in their life if that’s the underlying cause, because now they have a treatable infertility.”

This is incredibly important information for couples trying to conceive, considering fertility treatments at a clinic typically cost thousands of dollars a visit, require multiple visits, and have a slim chance of succeeding. Plus, fertility treatments can increase a woman’s risk of stroke or cancer. This makes men’s lifestyle changes, such as exercise, healthy eating, and quitting smoking, the cheaper, and safer, option.

As Dr. Kimmins and other researchers have demonstrated, male infertility may be a reversible problem, and the positive effects of healthier men, and healthier sperm, will stay with families for generations.

At a glance

Issue

Sperm quality has been in steady decline due to several environmental factors, namely obesity, smoking, cannabis use, and toxic chemicals in the environment. Low-quality sperm leads to infertility but also altered sperm epigenetics, which have knock-on effects for a man’s children.

Research

Dr. Sarah Kimmins is leading a program of personalized medicine for men struggling with infertility due to lifestyle factors. Exercise, healthy diets, and quitting smoking are some of the simple ways that men can improve the quality of their sperm.