Let’s Talk About Sperm: Why Male Fertility Matters
By Dr. Kokum Jayasinghe, Fertility Specialist
When couples are trying to conceive, the focus often falls—sometimes unfairly—on the woman’s body. But here’s an important fact we all need to talk about more openly:
👉 Male factor infertility plays a role in up to 50% of infertility cases.
That’s right—half. And yet, conversations about sperm health are often overlooked or wrapped in stigma. It’s time to change that.
💡 Why Sperm Health Matters
Conception is a team effort. For pregnancy to occur, sperm needs to reach and fertilise an egg—and for that to happen successfully, sperm must be:
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Present in healthy numbers
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Moving well (motility)
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Properly shaped (morphology)
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Supported by good overall semen quality and DNA integrity
If any of these factors are compromised, it can affect the chances of conception—whether you’re trying naturally or through assisted fertility treatment.
👨⚕️ How Do We Check Sperm?
The first and most important step is a semen analysis.
It’s simple, non-invasive, and incredibly informative.
A standard semen test gives us insight into:
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Sperm count – the total number of sperm present
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Motility – how well they move toward the egg
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Morphology – whether they have a normal shape
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Volume and consistency – important for sperm transport
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Other health indicators – including signs of infection or inflammation
We often hear from men who are surprised to learn how common mild abnormalities are—and how many options exist to help improve sperm health.
❤️ Fertility Is Not a Measure of Masculinity
If you’re reading this and feeling hesitant, I want to reassure you:
Fertility does not define your masculinity or identity.
Getting tested isn’t something to fear or feel ashamed of. In fact, it’s a powerful, supportive step for yourself and your partner. Knowing where you stand gives us the opportunity to intervene early, adjust treatment plans, and—most importantly—give you answers.
🧬 What Can Be Done to Improve Sperm Health?
There are many evidence-based strategies that can improve sperm quality over time, including:
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Dietary changes and fertility-boosting supplements
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Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight
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Reducing alcohol and quitting smoking
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Managing stress and improving sleep
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Avoiding high-heat exposure (e.g., spas, saunas, laptops on laps)
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Addressing any underlying medical conditions
In some cases, further testing, medication, or assisted reproductive techniques like IVF or ICSI may be recommended.
👥 You’re In This Together
If you and your partner are on a fertility journey, please know that the responsibility and support is shared. Testing sperm health is one of the most important and empowering steps we can take early on—and we approach it with complete respect, sensitivity, and a judgment-free attitude.
Fertility care should always be a partnership—and no partner should feel left out of the process.
With care and clarity,
Dr. Kokum Jayasinghe
Fertility Specialist | IVF & Reproductive Medicine | Melbourne
Need Help Getting Started?
If you’d like to discuss sperm testing or male fertility support, our team is here to help. Book a consultation with Dr. Kokum today and take the first step together.
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