I’ve written lots of posts about the importance of the microbiome on fertility and pregnancy, including the importance of probiotics before frozen embryo transfer.
Now, a study by researchers in China and Australia has highlighted the impact of probiotics (particularly lactobacillus) on sperm parameters – including count, motility, morphology, and DNA integrity.
It has been well understood that pathogenic bacteria, including Chlamydia and Ureaplasma urealyticum, can contribute to male infertility. However, a renewed understanding of the microbiome in the male testes has spurred interested in helpful microorganisms/probiotics as well. The study found that ingesting lactobacillus strains reduced oxidative stress on sperm cells, reduced inflammation, resulted in increases in all sperm parameters and improvements in hormone levels including testosterone.
In my practice I do offer CDSA (complete diagnostic stool analysis) to identify the health of microbiome – including lactobacillus and bifidobacterium strains – to give recommendations for targeted probiotics. However, even without this testing, promoting the consumption of fermented foods (including kimchi, sauerkraut and yogurt), or a daily multi-strain probiotic supplement is likely good practice.
I hope you have found this helpful, and do let me know if you have any questions!
If you are hungry for more evidence-based information for your fertility or pregnancy journey, visit www.myhealthypregnancyplan.com for free webinars and complete programs.
And if you are a care-provider looking for evidence-based resources for your fertility or pregnancy patients, please get in touch with us at support@myhealthypregnancyplan.com, or visit www.myhealthypregnancyplan.com/ce-courses-for-naturopathic-doctors.
In health,
Dr Jocelyn Land-Murphy, ND
Terra Life
Disclaimer: The information and content provided is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, nor is it intended to be a substitute therefore. Please consult the Disclaimer and Terms of Use for full details.
References:
Alqawasmeh, O. et al. (2022). The microbiome and male infertility: looking into the past to move forward. Human Fertility.