Let’s cut to it – how important is sperm quality, really?

Spoiler alert – very (but do keep reading for the support and actions to take!)

When trying to conceive, we often focus on egg health, ovulation, and cycle tracking. But there’s another half to the equation – and it’s just as vital. Sperm quality isn’t just about getting pregnant. It plays a crucial role in pregnancy progression, embryo development, miscarriage risk, and IVF success.

Isabelle Obert, senior fertility expert and nutritional therapist at Zita West Products (my husband’s go-to for male factor support), puts it simply: “An embryo is 50/50, and the male DNA discharges itself. It’s not just egg quality – you’ve got to look at the sperm quality.”

Let’s break down what sperm quality really means in 2025, how it impacts pregnancy, and how couples can optimise it together.

Can you get pregnant with poor sperm quality?

The short answer is: yes, but the chances of a healthy, sustained pregnancy may be lower.

Poor sperm quality can affect fertilisation, but even if fertilisation occurs, it may impact the embryo’s ability to implant and grow. One key issue is sperm DNA fragmentation. Research has shown that high levels of DNA fragmentation in sperm can:

• Reduce embryo quality and implantation success
• Increase the risk of early miscarriage
• Lower the success rate of assisted reproduction, including IVF and ICSI
  

A basic semen analysis might show a “normal” result, but that doesn’t always reflect the sperm’s internal quality. As Isabelle explains: “A semen analysis doesn’t tell you what the quality is like inside.”

What are the signs of good quality sperm?

Impossible to see with the naked eye, sperm health is measured in lab testing across several parameters:

• Count – the number of sperm present
  
• Motility – how well sperm move (they need to swim forward, not in circles)
  
• Morphology – shape and structure
  
• DNA integrity – how intact and healthy the sperm’s genetic material is
  

In 2025, advanced sperm testing like DNA fragmentation analysis is becoming more widely available, helping us get a fuller picture of male fertility.

But lifestyle and nutrition still matter hugely. “Sperm needs to be able to swim. If it’s swimming backwards or in circles, it’s not going to get anywhere,” says Isabelle. Nutritional support can play a game-changing role here. 

Read up in parts 1 & 2 of our male fertility mini series with Zita West Products – from our male fertility supplement baseline guide to the chemicals that can cause male factor issues, and how to address the damage.

How important is sperm quality for pregnancy outcomes?

So, the story so far – sperm quality affects much more than conception. Even with fertilisation, low-quality sperm can impact embryo development and lead to early pregnancy loss.

Isabelle highlights the link between sperm health and miscarriage risk: “50 per cent of fertility issues are male factor, without people realising. Male factor is potentially also linked with miscarriage.”

This is particularly relevant for couples navigating unexplained infertility or recurrent miscarriage. While egg quality has long been the focus, sperm DNA issues are increasingly recognised in clinical research as a major piece of the puzzle.

Does sperm quality affect miscarriage risk?

Yes. Poor sperm quality, especially at the DNA level, is strongly linked with higher miscarriage rates.

To develop into a healthy embryo, both the egg and the sperm must contribute stable, undamaged DNA. If sperm DNA is fragmented, the resulting embryo may struggle to implant or develop normally, leading to miscarriage.

This has been confirmed by numerous studies, with meta-analyses in recent years showing clear associations between high sperm DNA fragmentation and increased miscarriage risk.

As Isabelle says: “To have a chromosomally normal embryo, you need 50/50 DNA. It’s both of you.”

Does sperm quality affect IVF success?

Absolutely. IVF and ICSI can help overcome sperm count and motility issues, but they can’t fix DNA damage.

That’s why many clinics now recommend DNA fragmentation testing before IVF, especially for couples with previous failed cycles or recurrent loss. Checking and improving sperm quality ahead of treatment is a crucial strategy, and supplements can make a real difference here – read up with our baseline guide for the non-negotiables with sperm as the focus.

Zita West Products offer male fertility support bundles, such as the Male Foundation Fertility Support Pack and the Couples Foundation Fertility Support Pack, designed to optimise fertility for both partners. These combine multivitamins, omega-3s, and targeted antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and CoQ10 – all shown to support sperm DNA integrity.

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.

What if sperm quality is not good?

Poor sperm quality is not a dead end. There are science-backed strategies to improve it, often within as little as three to six months – although exact timings and impact will depend on the individual situation, of course.

Quick-start guide – nutrients to support sperm health

Pin these (and share with your partner) to keep goals front-of-mind and aligned, for preconception.

• Folate, Zinc, B12, B6 – support DNA synthesis and sperm development (find folate in leafy greens, and zinc/B vitamins in shellfish, meat and poultry – your targeted male multivitamin should also pack them in)
  
• Vitamin C & E – powerful antioxidants to reduce DNA damage (get vitamin C from plenty of fruit and veg, and nuts are a fantastic source of vitamin E)
  
• Vitamin D & Selenium – support overall sperm function (brazil nuts are the go-to for selenium, and for vitamin D, try this super-easy spray boost
• Inositol & NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) – studied for improving DNA fragmentation and sperm count (read up for the latest on NAC)
• CoQ10 – helps with motility and energy production in sperm (follow the guide to CoQ10 for male factor)

Can I still get pregnant if my partner has a low sperm count (or quality score)?

Yes, it’s possible. But low sperm count may make the process harder, and take longer. It’s key to look at the full picture: motility, morphology, and DNA quality all matter too.

Taking steps to improve sperm health can significantly increase your chances, whether you’re trying to conceive naturally or planning fertility treatment. A proactive approach as a couple is powerful.

Zita West’s Couples Foundation Fertility Support Pack is designed with this in mind, supporting both egg and sperm health in tandem. Isabelle recommends starting a preconception plan together at least three months before trying to conceive or starting IVF.

Final word: sperm quality needs equal focus

In 2025, the conversation around fertility is finally becoming more balanced. Egg quality matters, but so does sperm. And the good news? Sperm regenerates every 70-90 days, meaning men have a real opportunity to improve fertility outcomes with the right plan.

With expert support, nutrient-targeted supplements, and evidence-led strategies, sperm quality can be supported and enhanced for better chances of conception, healthier pregnancies, and reduced miscarriage risk.

Cover your bases with Zita West’s expert range, created by leading fertility specialists, and meet the research where it’s at.

*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.