When most people think about fertility, the conversation immediately goes to cycles, ovulation and hormones. But here’s the thing: male fertility is just as important and it plays a role in about 50% of couples struggling to conceive. Sperm health & quality is often overlooked because men are often reluctant to talk about it or because women assume it’s “all on them.”
Understanding his sperm health early can save months of uncertainty, stress and emotional ups and downs. So, let’s talk about when and why it makes sense to test his sperm and how you (as his partner) can support him along the way.
Why Sperm Health Really Matters
Sperm health isn’t just about numbers. There’s more to it than just “how many” sperm there are. Fertility specialists look at three main factors:
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Sperm concentration: the number of sperm in a milliliter of semen. Low numbers can reduce the chances of fertilization.
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Motility: how well sperm swim toward an egg. Even a high number of sperm can be less effective if they’re sluggish.
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Morphology: the size and shape of sperm, which can affect their ability to penetrate an egg.
Even if a man seems perfectly healthy, low sperm concentration is surprisingly common. According to the World Health Organization, about 1 in 20 men has a sperm count below the normal range. Lifestyle factors, age, stress and environmental exposures all contribute and many couples don’t find out until they’ve been trying to conceive for months.
Signs You Should Consider Testing
You don’t need a crystal ball to know when it’s time to test. Certain situations or signs can indicate that checking his sperm health is a smart move:
1. You’ve been trying to conceive for 6+ months
Most healthy couples conceive within six months to a year. If you’ve been tracking ovulation, timing intercourse and nothing is happening, it might be time to see if male factors are playing a role. Testing now can save you months of worry and wondering.
2. He has a history of medical conditions
Some medical issues and therapies can impact sperm production, including:
- Diabetes
- Hormonal imbalances
- Testicular injuries or infections
- Previous chemotherapy or radiation
- Testosterone replacement therapy
If your partner has any of these in his medical history, it’s wise to check sperm health early.
3. Lifestyle risk factors are present
Even if he’s generally healthy, certain habits can impact sperm health:
- Smoking or vaping tobacco or marijuana
- Moderate to heavy alcohol consumption
- Poor diet high in processed foods
- Chronic stress
- Excessive heat exposure (saunas, hot tubs, laptops on laps)
If any of these apply, testing can help identify whether lifestyle changes are needed.
4. Previous fertility challenges
If your partner has struggled to conceive in past relationships, this could indicate a fertility issue worth evaluating. Early testing can save you both time and emotional strain.
5. Symptoms of reproductive issues
Some signs may indicate hormonal or reproductive problems, including:
- Low libido or erectile difficulties
- Noticeably small testes
- Chronic fatigue or other signs of hormonal imbalance
While these aren’t definitive, they’re worth considering alongside sperm testing.
Start With At-Home Sperm Testing
If the idea of scheduling a clinic visit for sperm testing feels intimidating or inconvenient, at-home sperm tests are a simple, private way to get started. With Ovry’s male fertility test, you can find out within minutes whether sperm concentration is below the normal range. A below-normal result doesn’t mean you're infertile, it just tells you that a deeper look is needed. From there, you can work with a clinic to get a full analysis, including sperm motility (how well sperm swim), morphology (shape and structure), and other factors that influence fertility.
With this first test, you can move forward with confidence, whether that means making healthy lifestyle tweaks, getting a full clinical analysis, or simply knowing you’re on the right track together.
Supporting His Sperm Health Together
Fertility is a team sport. While you’re focused on your cycles and ovulation, supporting your partner’s reproductive health can make a real difference. Here’s how:
Nutrition
Encourage a balanced, antioxidant-rich diet. Foods like berries, leafy greens, nuts, whole grains and lean proteins all support sperm production.
Exercise
Moderate, consistent exercise helps maintain hormone balance and overall reproductive health. Focus on walking every day and lifting heavy weights 3-4x per week. Overtraining or extreme endurance sports, however, can have the opposite effect.
Sleep & Stress Management
Chronic stress and lack of sleep can disrupt hormone production. Incorporating mindfulness practices, regular sleep routines (7-8 hours of sleep per night), or even short daily walks can help.
Avoid Toxins & Heat
Smoking, heavy alcohol, marijuana use, recreational drugs and excessive heat can negatively affect sperm. Small changes, like keeping laptops off laps and limiting hot tub sessions, can improve outcomes.
Testing Together
Encourage him to take the at-home sperm test, it removes uncertainty and turns speculation into actionable insight. Read this blog post if you're struggling with how to bring up the sperm testing conversation.
Age Matters For Men Too
While women’s fertility is often emphasized in relation to age, men’s reproductive health also changes over time. Sperm motility and morphology naturally decline after age 35–40. That doesn’t mean conception is impossible, but age can increase the time it takes to conceive and the risk of certain genetic issues.
Testing his sperm now can establish a baseline, which is helpful if you plan to try for a baby in the next few months or years.
Conclusion
Male fertility is half of the equation and sperm health is influenced by both biology and lifestyle. Knowing whether sperm concentration is normal gives couples clarity, control, and confidence. If you’ve been trying to conceive, noticing potential signs, or simply want peace of mind, don’t wait. Testing at home is simple, private and it can be the first step toward taking action together. Fertility isn’t just a woman’s journey it’s a shared journey, and starting with knowledge is the best place to begin.