This article is a collaboration; that said, I think you will find it helpful so do read on.
When a couple enters the world of IVF, the focus often shifts immediately to the person undergoing the egg retrieval. But here is a biological reality: it takes two to make an embryo. In nearly 40-50% of infertility cases, a “male factor” is a primary or contributing cause. The good news? Unlike egg quality, which is largely determined by age, sperm quality can often be significantly improved with a 90-day dedicated plan.
If you’re preparing for an IVF cycle, here is your essential checklist to ensure the “male factor” is an asset, not an obstacle.
Deep Dive into Diagnostics
Before the cycle begins, you need more than just a basic count. Ensure you’ve checked these boxes:
- Advanced semen analysis: Look beyond count to motility (how they swim) and morphology (how they are shaped).
- DNA fragmentation test: This measures the integrity of the genetic material. High fragmentation can lead to failed fertilisation or miscarriage, even if the standard numbers look good.
- Urologist Consultation: If numbers are low, see a specialist to rule out a varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum), which is a common, treatable cause of male infertility.
The 90-Day Lifestyle Overhaul
It takes approximately three months for a new “crop” of sperm to fully develop (spermatogenesis). What you do today affects the IVF cycle three months from now.
- Cool the engines: Sperm hate heat. Skip the hot tubs, saunas, and heated car seats. Keep the laptop off your lap.
- The dad-to-be diet: Focus on Mediterranean-style eating (think leafy greens, walnuts, fatty fish, and colourful berries.)
- Limit the big three: Smoking (including vaping), excessive alcohol, and marijuana have all been shown to lower sperm quality and increase DNA damage.
The Supplement Protocol
Don’t just grab a random multivitamin. Focus on antioxidants that combat “oxidative stress” in the reproductive system:
- CoQ10 (Ubiquinol): Supports sperm energy and motility.
- Zinc & Selenium: Essential building blocks for healthy sperm production.
- Vitamin C & E: Powerful antioxidants to protect sperm DNA.
- L-Carnitine: Shown to improve sperm maturation and function.
Timing and Technique
On the day of the retrieval, the sample needs to be at its peak.
- The abstinence window: Usually, 2–3 days of abstinence is recommended before providing a sample. Too short, and the count is low; too long, and old sperm can accumulate oxidative damage.
- Consider zymōt: If you have high DNA fragmentation, ask your clinic about using a Zymōt chip. It’s a specialised device that mimics the natural barriers of the cervix to sort the Olympic-level sperm from the rest.
Mental Support
IVF is a marathon of hormones and appointments. One of the biggest contributions you can make is to be supportive of one another during this process.
- Attend the scans together: Seeing the follicles grow makes the process feel real for both of you.
- Master the injections: Be the one to prep the meds or give the shots. It turns a medical procedure into a shared mission.
By checking off these boxes, you aren’t just improving your odds of a positive pregnancy test; you’re ensuring that the embryos you create have the strongest possible genetic foundation.
If you’re looking to begin your IVF journey, Zita West has what you need, with a specialist range of IVF support supplements that optimise the chances of IVF success by providing you with the optimal amount of nutrients. Get in touch for more information!
