Infertility in women is a widely discussed topic. Stress levels impact both DHEA and cortisol levels, which in turn have an effect on a mother's estrogen and progesterone levels. These levels dictate reproductive health, and being anxious about getting pregnant, or anything else, isn't going to help matters. But here’s where it gets even more interesting: according to the National Infertility Association, 30% of fertility issues can be attributed to the father’s health, stress level, and overall well being [1]. And many of these issues are largely overlooked and unaddressed.

In recent years, the father's impact on future generations has been more closely studied through a factor called epigenetics. Epigenetics refers to the chemical reactions that create changes in genetic expression without changing the DNA sequencing. In plain English, a parent cannot choose the genetic material they pass on to a child, but they can influence it by overall health and lifestyle choices before the child is born. In fact, a study recently published by researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center claims that fathers are contributing much more to their children than previously thought.  

With male infertility playing a big role in the chances of getting pregnant, it is important to look at the father’s lifestyle choices. Sperm quality can be linked to nutrition, nicotine use, age, and caffeine consumption [2]. And this is a generational cycle. Behaviors of the potential parent’s father and even grandfather could have an effect on future children. While this may sound like it's all out your hands and predetermined, this is far from the truth. In fact, epigenetics itself tells us that you're still in the driver's seat to a degree, especially when it comes to fertility.

Emotional stress can interfere with certain hormones that are involved in sperm production. If the brain fails to release enough gonadotrophic-releasing hormone (GnRH) due to stress, a disruption in this hormone can lead to a lack of testosterone and diminished sperm production. Eliminating stress and other underlying issues from the father's life can bring GnRH and testosterone back to normal levels and increase the chances of successfully conceiving a baby. Removing stress will also influence the genetic traits passed on to a child, creating a healthier life for the child from the get-go.

If you are struggling to get pregnant, the best way to achieve success is through proper testing and correcting the cause. Many of these causes are not only affecting your fertility but are also likely holding you back from leading a healthy life, which will impact the health and wellbeing of your future children (epigenetics). Fixing the "why" is always the best and healthiest solution. It’s time to start taking charge of your fertility, and functional medicine can help.

Go here to read Part I of this series. Stress The Real Reason You're Not Getting Pregnant 

https://resolve.org/infertility-101/medical-conditions/male-factor/

http://natural-fertility-info.com/studies-male-infertility.html