Age Well with Dr Sophie Shotter What we now know about eggs, sperm, and fertility (new data, new ideas)
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Listen to the episode to get the full low-down on everything discussed. Here are a few more notes:
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) and Fish:
Studies have also suggested that PUFAs may promote fertility by improving egg quality and implantation (Gaskins & Chavarro, 2018). Several large-cohort studies have shown that women who report higher intakes of omega-3 PUFAs have higher fecundability and reduced risk of anovulation (no ovulation). Women who reported a higher intake of trans fatty acids were found to have greater risk of infertility and reduced fecundability (Chavarro et al., 2007; Mumford et al., 2016; Wise et al., 2018). (Trans fatty acids are a type of fat found primarily in fried and other foods that are made with partially hydrogenated oils, and they are known to raise cholesterol levels.)
Women who eat a lot of trans fatty acids have been found to have greater risk of fertility challenges (Chavarro et al., 2007; Mumford et al., 2016; Wise et al., 2018).
Soy:
See this comprehensive summary of the state of the research on phytoestrogens and soy by reproductive endocrinologist Amber Cooper, MD, at the Vios Fertility Institute in St. Louis, Missouri.) https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(19)30621-1/fulltext
Quitting Drinking and Smoking:
Not only does drinking during pregnancy have significant risks for the fetus but drinking when trying to conceive can also pose problems. Alcohol has been shown to reduce female and male fertility, perhaps by impacting sperm quality (Fan et al., 2017; Karmon et al., 2017; La Vignera et al., 2013). If you’re having trouble conceiving, try reducing your alcohol intake.
Smoking can cause reproductive issues and impaired fertility. Cigarette smoking is associated with reduced ovarian function and lower pregnancy rates in women (Vanvoorhis et al., 1996). Male smoking is associated with reduced semen quality, sperm development, sperm maturation, and sperm function (Dai et al., 2015).
Recent studies have suggested that folic acid reduces the risk of miscarriage, while also conferring other benefits, such as better fertility and getting pregnant faster (Gaskins & Chavarro, 2018).
In a study lactolycopene seemed to improve sperm motility and morphology in healthy men, increasing the proportion of fast sperm and normal morphology (Williams et all, 2020).
Women who took FertilityBlend three times a day for three months had significantly more pregnancies (Lynn Marie Westphal et al., 2004). This positive finding was replicated in a subsequent larger controlled study (Westphal, Polan, & Trant, 2006).
https://www.yourfertility.org.au/sites/default/files/2018-08/Howtoavoidchemicalsthatcanreduce_fertility.pdf https://www.su.se/english/research/human-eggs-prefer-some-men-s-sperm-over-others-research-shows-1.503532
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/06/09/health/sperm-choice-female-eggs-wellness
https://www.healthline.com/health/substance-use/does-weed-affect-sperm#short-answer
https://www.glamour.com/story/foods-that-increase-fertility
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The content in this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace or substitute advice given by, or consultation with, your doctor or any other healthcare professional. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Dr Sophie Shotter, her company and any employees or representatives are not liable for any claims arising out of or in connection with this podcast.