Why I Specialised in Men’s Fertility - And Why it Matters
When most people think about fertility, they think of women — ovulation tracking, egg quality, IVF. But male factors contribute to around 50% of infertility cases [1]. And yet, men are often left out of the conversation.
I first realised how much this mattered when I learned about the science of the first 1,000 days of life and how a father’s health and nutrition can influence not just fertility, but the lifelong health of his future child. It was a turning point for me.
For many men, facing fertility challenges can feel frustrating, isolating, and difficult to talk about. These struggles often go unspoken — and unsupported.
As a dietitian with over a decade of clinical experience, I’ve seen how easily men’s health is overlooked, especially in the context of fertility. Despite being half the equation, men are rarely invited into the conversation or offered meaningful guidance. That’s why I created Axis Dietetics — a service that speaks directly to their needs: practical, evidence-based, and focused on what they can control, starting with nutrition.
For many men, asking for help isn’t easy. But stepping up to take control of your health and fertility is one of the most powerful things you can do — for yourself and your future family.
The Gap in Fertility care
One in six couples face fertility challenges [2], and in about half of those cases, male factors are involved [1]. Yet most of the attention, assessments, and treatment pathways remain focused on women.
That means many men aren’t properly assessed or supported — especially when it comes to nutrition. It’s a massive gap in care, and one that needs to change.
Better nutrition. Better Sperm. Better Chances.
Sperm take around three months to develop, which gives us a critical window to make an impact [3]. Sperm health is dynamic, not fixed, and it responds to what you eat, how you live, and what you’re exposed to.
We now know that nutrient deficiencies, oxidative stress, alcohol, and even environmental toxins can negatively affect sperm count, motility, morphology, and DNA integrity[4,5,6].
On the flip side, a diet rich in antioxidants, essential micronutrients like zinc, selenium, and folate, and omega-3 fatty acids has been associated with better sperm quality and improved fertility outcomes [5,6,1]. Emerging evidence also suggests potential benefits from other nutrients such as CoQ10, vitamins C and E, lycopene, and carnitine [5,6].
In short, there’s a lot men can do to optimise sperm health — they just need to be shown how.
It’s not just about conception — It’s about the future
This realisation inspired me to focus my expertise on men’s fertility nutrition.
The choices a man makes in the lead-up to conception don’t just affect fertility — they can shape the lifelong health of his future child.
Emerging research in epigenetics shows that the father’s nutrition, body composition, and exposures can influence a child’s metabolic health, immune function, and long-term disease risk [7].
So this isn’t just about conception. It’s about giving your future child the best possible start and maximising their long-term wellbeing.
This life-changing potential is the insight that drives my mission: to spread the word and support men in optimising their reproductive health.
How I Support Men through Axis Dietetics
At Axis Dietetics, I work with men — and their partners — to optimise reproductive health through personalised, evidence-based nutrition care. Whether you're preparing for IVF, ICSI, trying to conceive naturally, or simply want to improve your chances, we focus on what’s in your control and build a plan around it.
My service is completely online and flexible, grounded in science, and tailored to your goals. No judgment. No generic advice. Just practical support that delivers real outcomes.
I also address underlying health conditions that can affect fertility — including coeliac disease, insulin resistance, and metabolic health — to ensure your nutrition supports your whole health, not just your sperm.
Whether the goal is to improve semen parameters, correct nutrient deficiencies, or make sustainable lifestyle changes, the focus is always the same: keep it targeted, tailored, and achievable.
What makes the difference isn’t just more information — it’s the right plan, with the right support.
Breaking the Silence on Men’s Fertility
Male fertility matters. It's time to bring men's reproductive health into the light. Nutrition is one area where men can make a measurable difference — not just to improve their chances of becoming a dad, but to play an active role in their family’s health from the very beginning.
At Axis Dietetics, my mission is to help men take control of their fertility, support them in pursuing their dreams of fatherhood, and contribute to the health of the next generation.
If you and your partner are planning for pregnancy, navigating fertility challenges, or preparing for treatment, we’re here to support you on your path. It takes courage to take that first step — but doing so puts you back in control of your health, your fertility, and your future.
Because men’s fertility is half the equation, and it’s time we gave it the attention it deserves.
Ready to take the first step?
Book a free clarity call to explore how personalised nutrition support can help you optimise your reproductive health — and give your future family the healthiest possible start.
References
Agarwal A, Baskaran S, Parekh N, et al. Male infertility. Lancet. 2021;397(10271):319-333. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(20)32667-2. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33308486/
World Health Organization. Infertility [Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2023 [cited 2025 Jun 28]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infertility
Holstein A-F, Schulze W, Davidoff M. Understanding spermatogenesis is a prerequisite for treatment. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2003 Nov 10;1:107. doi:10.1186/1477-7827-1-107. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14617369/
Jurewicz J, Radwan M, Sobala W, et al. Lifestyle and semen quality: role of modifiable risk factors. Syst Biol Reprod Med. 2014 Feb;60(1):43-51. doi:10.3109/19396368.2013.840687. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24074254/
Salas-Huetos A, Bulló M, Salas-Salvadó J, et al. Dietary patterns, foods and nutrients in male fertility parameters and fecundability: a systematic review of observational studies. Hum Reprod Update. 2018;24(1):100-120. doi:10.1093/humupd/dmx027. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28333357/
Gaskins AJ, Chavarro JE. Diet and fertility: a review. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Apr;218(4):379-389. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2017.08.010. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28844822/
Stuppia L, Franzago M, Ballerini P, et al. Epigenetics and male reproduction: the consequences of paternal lifestyle on fertility, embryo development, and children lifetime health. Clin Epigenetics. 2015 Nov 11;7:120. doi:10.1186/s13148-015-0155-4. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26566402/