13 July 2023 , 17:53
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When it comes to fertility, the onus often falls on women when a couple struggle to conceive. But a new, fascinating Channel 4 show is set to raise eyebrows as experts say a 'spermageddon' is on its way - with men set to be infertile by 2045.'
Three famous faces have opened up about their own reproductive health in the show - Celebrity Save Our Sperm - including comedian Russell Kane, Made in Chelsea's Ollie Locke and Radio 1’s Melvin Odoom and receive treatments in a bid to improve their fertility.
Russell, who has one child with wife Lindsey, reveals he has quit saunas and tight jeans after learning about how heat can seriously damage sperm, with his count hitting a low 11million, compared to the national average of 40 to 60million.
Meanwhile, Melvin almost trebles his sperm count after cutting out sugary snacks and keeping his testicles cool with a mini ice pack while working in the Radio 1 studio. Ollie, who is expecting twins with his husband Gareth via surrogate, is also shown to reduce his alcohol and junk food intake to improve his sperm status.
Russell, Melvin and Ollie at the fertility clinic (Channel 4)They are all relatively simple changes that one expert says are crucial for the count and quality of sperm. Fertility nutritionist Raquel Monroy warns that sperm levels among men have more than halved in the last 50 years and following current projections, sperm count is set to reach zero in 2045, according to a leading scholar of reproductive health, Shanna Swan.
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"Whilst this statistic is alarming, it highlights what has surprisingly been neglected - men’s reproductive health matters," she told the Mirror. "Not enough people are aware that roughly 50 per cent of fertility problems are male factor related.
"At a society and cultural level, we have always considered reproduction and fertility to be a women’s problem. This is even still reflected within some parts of the medical industry.
Raquel Monroy lists where men are going wrong with their declining sperm count (Raquel Monroy)
Russell is shown to have a low sperm count on the Channel 4 show (Getty Images for British Airways)"Couples are told there is nothing that can be done about sperm, which is simply not the case. IVF treatment is exceptionally invasive for women but if 50 per cent of fertility problems are male factor why are there not more solutions for men? From my experience as a fertility nutritionist helping clients who are struggling to conceive, I have witnessed first-hand the impact diet and lifestyle changes can have on optimising a couple's chances of pregnancy.
"Although causative factors have yet to be fully elucidated, most experts stipulate the decline in sperm parameters is linked to poor diet, obesity, lifestyle choices and environmental toxins."
How to improve sperm health
So what can men do to improve their sperm? As the Channel 4 show highlights, men can make a number of lifestyle changes to improve their fertility chances. And if your count is coming up as low, there is time to make amends.
The cycle of producing sperm takes around three months, Raquel says, and there is a lot that can be done within this time frame. "Key nutrients for improving sperm health include antioxidants such as vitamins E and C, Zinc, Omega-3.
"This is why it’s important to eat nutrient-dense food. Reduce your consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods which causes obesity, inflammation and oxidative stress in your body which directly impacts sperm health."
The expert explains how exposure to environmental toxins can have an impact on sperm (Getty Images)Alongside diet, exposure to environmental toxins can have an impact, as they mimic and interfere with the body’s sex hormones, such as oestrogen and testosterone. "These toxins can make the body think it has enough of a particular hormone so production goes down," the expert explains.
"Two well-researched ‘hormone disruptors’ are BPA found on receipts, plastic bottles and food storage containers and some canned foods. Switch to glass where you can.
"Phthalates commonly found in food manufacturing and packaging and personal care products should also be avoided, while pesticides on food are commonly found so it’s important to wash fruit and vegetables properly or buy organic where possible."
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Raquel also suggests men consider reducing or limiting alcohol completely, and the same goes for smoking, as studies show it damages sperm. The expert also advises: "Keep phones out of your pocket - although commonly dismissed as a myth, scientific research does show close proximity of mobile phones can damage sperm due to the heat generated by the electromagnetic waves.
"Elevated temperatures impair sperm quality so stay cool down there - wear loose-fitting underwear, avoid hot baths or showers, and take breaks from long periods of sitting down."
Celebrity Save Our Sperm airs tonight on Channel 4 at 10pm.
Raquel Monroy is a certified fertility practitioner. For more information visit www.raquelmonroy.com or follow instagram @raquelmonroynutrition. A free guide ‘10 steps to getting pregnant in your 30s and beyond’ is available to download from her website.