Male infertility – the chemicals you really need to avoid (& the everyday fixes that work)

Think fertility is just a female issue? Think again. Around 50 per cent of fertility issues are male-factor, yet sperm health is still overlooked in mainstream conversations about conception. That’s changing – and fast. Thanks to a growing body of research, and expert-led support from teams like Zita West Products (my husband’s fave, by the way, for male factor support) we now know a lot more about how male fertility works, and what affects it.

Looking for the Zita West discount code? TRB readers get 10% off the entire Zita West supplement range (US and UK), with code TRB10* at checkout.

In this guide, put together with expert fertility nutritionist Isabelle Obert (don’t skip her catch up with Zita West, talking all things egg & sperm health nutrition), we’re breaking down:

• The chemicals that cause male infertility
• How to protect sperm DNA integrity
• The best antioxidant-rich foods (and drinks!) for male fertility
• A go-to supplement protocol for male preconception
• What men should stop doing – immediately – to protect sperm count, motility, morphology, and overall fertility
  

Whether you’re actively TTC or just want to preserve your fertility, start here.

First up: What chemicals cause male infertility?

The environment we live in today is saturated with endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These are synthetic compounds found in everything from cling film to aftershave, and they’re known to mimic or block the body’s natural hormones.

Here are some of the worst offenders:

• BPA & phthalates – Found in plastics, food packaging, receipts, and personal care products. Linked to lower sperm count and quality.
  
• Flame retardants – Common in furniture, carpets, and electronics.
  
• Pesticides & herbicides – Residues on non-organic fruit, veg, and in drinking water.
  
• Fragrance chemicals – Lurking in air fresheners, scented candles, and aftershave.
  

Read up in the brilliant Zita West library to get straight on what’s behind the alarming decline in sperm quality. 

Top Tip: Stop microwaving food in plastic, switch to glass storage, and filter your drinking water. Yes, even in the UK.

Microplastics & sperm: What’s the damage?

Microplastics have now been found in human blood, lungs, and even semen. Research is ongoing, but early studies suggest microplastics may interfere with sperm DNA, reduce motility, and increase inflammation.

To reduce your exposure:

• Say no to plastic water bottles (switch to stainless steel or glass)
  
• Choose loose fruit and veg when you can
  
• Skip cling film – store leftovers in reusable containers

What destroys sperm – and what reduces sperm count?

The worst culprits, according to Isabelle:

• Heat – Saunas, hot tubs, tight underwear, cycling, and even heated car seats.
  
• Phones in pockets – EMFs and direct heat can damage sperm count and motility.
  
• Stress – Increases cortisol, which reduces testosterone production.
• Poor diet – High sugar and processed foods increase oxidative stress, damaging sperm DNA.

How can we boost antioxidant intake?

Isabelle says, ‘We’re heading into summer in many parts of the world, which is a fantastic time to max out antioxidant support with fresh produce, packed into a hydrating cold drink. Guys – antioxidants really are your new best friends while TTC.’ 

Here are Isabelle’s top sperm-boosting drinks:

• Pomegranate juice – Potent antioxidant, improves blood flow and testosterone.
  
• Tomato juice – Lycopene supports sperm morphology and prostate health.
  
• Green smoothies – Think spinach, kiwi, berries, and a squeeze of citrus (Vitamin C power).

Swap these in for coffee (yes, caffeine affects sperm quality and excessive intake is linked to miscarriage risk) and energy drinks.

The male supplement baseline to pin and refer to

For the full deep dive, re-read our male fertility supplement baseline guide. Here are Isabelle’s non-negotiables for at-a-glance support: 

Baseline:

According to Isabelle, men looking to conceive should start with:

1. Multivitamin with active folate (not folic acid) – Supports DNA formation and sperm development
   
2. Vitamin D – Essential for hormone production and sperm quality
   
3. Zinc – Found in high concentrations in seminal fluid – make sure it’s included in your multivitamin (there’s a little in the Zita West Omega-3 too)
   
4. Omega-3 (DHA form) – Crucial for sperm head structure and motility

Wrapping it up, Isabelle says, ‘You can have sperm that swims beautifully, but if the DNA inside is damaged – it won’t result in a healthy embryo.’

Targeted support for sperm count, motility & morphology

Got a particular concern about your sperm health, or chemical exposure? 

For low sperm count, focus on:

• L-arginine, carnitine, D-aspartic acid – Amino acids that support sperm production and testosterone – try Vitaseed Pro for a hard-working boost
  
• Protein-rich Mediterranean diet – Lean protein, whole grains, and loads of colourful veg
  

For poor motility, boost with: 

• Selenium – Supports the midpiece of the sperm (powering the tail!)
  
• DHA & CoQ10 (Ubiquinol) – Vital for energy and movement,
  
• Cut out caffeine, alcohol, and processed food
  

For abnormal morphology, reach for:

• CoQ10, lycopene, Vitamin E, and DHA – Shape matters when it comes to successful fertilisation
• 60g of mixed nuts per day – Proven to improve every sperm parameter in this Spanish study

Antioxidants for sperm DNA fragmentation

One of the most overlooked aspects of sperm health is DNA fragmentation – basically, the integrity of the genetic material delivered to the egg. Fragmented sperm DNA is linked to failed implantation and miscarriage, even with IVF.

Isabelle says, ‘To protect your sperm at a cellular level, load up on:

• Vitamin C & E
  
• NAC (N-acetyl cysteine)
  
• Inositol
  
• Folate and vitamins B6 & B12
• Zinc
  

Plus – follow a Mediterranean diet and ditch processed snacks, alcohol, and sugary drinks.’

Your sperm-safe lifestyle checklist

Want to be that guy who’s done the work and is showing up with gold-star sperm? Here’s your (non-negotiable) checklist:

• Ditch plastic food packaging
• Swap to fragrance-free grooming products
• Avoid hot tubs, heated car seats, and tight cycling shorts
• Get 7-8 hours of sleep a night
• Filter your water
• Switch to organic meat and dairy
• Eat at least 5 colours of fruit and veg every day
• Take a high-quality fertility multivitamin with DHA

Our go-to supplement lineup

From daily baseline support to targeted formulas, Zita West Products offer a science-backed, expertly formulated male fertility range available in the UK and US. Their team have created protocols that support:

• Sperm count, motility, and morphology
• Hormonal balance and testosterone production
  
• DNA integrity and sperm longevity
  

For personalised support and UK/US shipping, explore the full range at Zita West Products. Remember, TRB readers get 10% off the entire Zita West supplement range, with code TRB10* at checkout.

Final thoughts: sperm matters, a lot

If you’ve ever thought male fertility was just about getting the job done, think again. Sperm quality doesn’t just determine whether fertilisation happens – it shapes the DNA of your future child. As Isabelle puts it:

“A semen analysis might say your sperm looks great – but it won’t tell you what’s inside. That’s why supporting DNA integrity is everything.”

Whether you’re months away from TTC or well into your fertility journey, the choices you make today can help shape a healthy pregnancy – and baby – tomorrow.

*TRB10 is valid once per customer only. Excludes subscription purchase. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Zita West terms of the site apply.