Infertility is a growing global concern, affecting an estimated 60–80 million couples worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 6 couples of reproductive age experience challenges conceiving. While fertility is often viewed as a women’s health issue, data reveals that male factors contribute to up to 50% of infertility cases, and sperm counts are rapidly declining, making it essential to include men in the conversation.
- Between 1973 and 2011, average sperm counts dropped by more than 50% in Western countries.
- Some research suggests this decline is continuing, and if trends persist, most men may be subfertile by 2045
From a functional medicine perspective, male infertility is not a diagnosis—it’s a symptom of deeper imbalances. By exploring root causes such as hormonal dysregulation, toxic exposures, nutrient deficiencies, chronic infections, and lifestyle stressors, we can help restore and support reproductive vitality.
Why Male Fertility Is Declining: Common Causes of Male Infertility
Male fertility is in crisis and can stem from a range of causes, but it is essential, especially for young mothers, to know that male reproductive development begins in the womb; it is not just a grown-up issue—it starts in utero. The health of the mother has a significant impact on the health outcomes of her children. From stress management to blood sugar balance and even toxin exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals during pregnancy can impact her baby’s hormones and maybe even impair the developing reproductive system of male fetuses. Other causes include:
- Testicular dysfunction (varicocele, trauma, infection)
- Anatomical or genetic issues (obstruction, chromosomal abnormalities)
- Hormonal imbalances (low testosterone, high estrogen, poor HPG axis signaling)
- HP axis dysregulation (hypothalamus- pituitary- end organ (adrenal, thyroid, gonads)
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Chronic inflammation or infection
- Exposure to Toxins and Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) Are a Major Threat
- EDCs are chemicals that interfere with hormone signaling. They’re found in plastics (like BPA and phthalates), pesticides, flame retardants, personal care products, and even thermal paper receipts. EDCs can mimic or block natural hormones, throwing off the hormonal balance critical for sperm production and sexual development.
- Phthalates, for example, are strongly linked to testicular dysgenesis, low testosterone, and low sperm count.
- There’s No Safe Threshold for Some Chemicals. Even very low levels of certain toxins can cause reproductive damage. EDCs often have nonlinear dose responses, meaning small amounts can be just as disruptive—or more so—than higher doses.
- Mixtures of chemicals (like those found in the average home or body care routine) may have synergistic effects, making them more harmful.
- Lifestyle Stressors and Modern Tech
- Everyday habits may lower testosterone and wreak havoc on sperm quality and count and can be quietly harming fertility. Contributors include:
- Obesity and poor metabolic health
- Stress
- Poor diet
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Cell phone and laptop heat near the groin
- Lack of sleep
Functional Lab Testing for Male Fertility
At in2GREAT, we lean on comprehensive lab testing to help you understand your overall health and explain why you’ve struggled to conceive. From low nutrients to high toxic burden, poor digestion to immune dysfunction—there are always ANSWERS; you have to be willing to dig deeper. The data we gain from lab testing helps drive personalized therapeutic protocols to correct deficiencies, lower inflammation, detoxify harmful compounds, and restore hormonal balance.
We typically recommend evaluating the following:
Hormone Panel
- LH, FSH (brain-to-gonad communication)
- Total and Free Testosterone
- Estradiol (ultrasensitive)
- DHEA-S, Androstenedione, Pregnenolone
- SHBG
- Cortisol (stress hormone influence on testosterone)
Thyroid Panel
Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism and energy and affect sperm shape, motility, and sex hormone balance.
- TSH, T4 Free and T4 Total, T3 Free and T3 Total, Reverse T3, T3 uptake
- TPO and TG antibodies (for thyroid autoimmunity)
Toxin & Nutrient Testing
- Heavy metals (ie: lead, mercury, cadmium)
- Environmental chemicals (phthalates, BPA, PFAS, glyphosate, atrazine and more)
- Nutrients: (ie: zinc, selenium, folate, B12, omega-3s, vitamin D)
Lifestyle & Root-Cause Support Strategies
On top of using lab results to understand what is happening in the body, we also must approach diet and lifestyle to support men’s fertility. A root-cause men’s fertility plan always includes:
Nutrition
- Prioritize anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense whole foods that support fertility: organic produce, pasture-raised proteins, wild-caught fish, and healthy fats.
- Included plenty of antioxidant-rich veggies
- Support liver detox with cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, arugula)
- Load up on omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, sardines, flaxseed)
Exercise & Movement
- Moderate strength and cardio exercise support testosterone and metabolic health.
- Avoid overtraining or intense endurance sports, which can suppress fertility.
Sleep & Stress
- Prioritize 7–9 hours of quality sleep
- Practice breathwork, cold exposure, and nature walks
- Follow your circadian rhythm
Avoid Toxins
- Say no to:
- unfiltered water
- foods with high chemical residue (plants, grains, beans, legumes)
- Plastics and canned foods
- Scented body care products
- Non-stick cookware and receipts
- Pesticides and synthetic cleaning products
- Laptops on your lap/cell phones in your pants pockets
Be Proactive About Drainage and Detoxification
You can’t detox what you can’t drain. Supporting your body’s natural elimination pathways—pee, poop, sweat, bile, and lymph—is foundational for reducing toxic load.
- Prioritize Pooping: If you’re not eliminating daily, toxins get reabsorbed. Support regularity with fiber-rich foods, hydration, magnesium, and gentle motility aids if needed.
- Sweat Smart: Infrared sauna, hot yoga, or even a brisk walk can help sweat out toxins. For bonus support, take binders before sweating and replenish with electrolytes after.
- Move Your Lymph: Dry brushing, rebounding, castor oil packs, and gentle movement all help keep your lymphatic system flowing, reducing stagnation and inflammation.
- Open Bile Flow: Bile is essential for clearing toxins, hormones, and more. Use bitter herbs (dandelion, gentian), healthy fats, or TUDCA—especially important if you don’t have a gallbladder.
- Support Liver Detox (Phase I & II) Use food and supplements that nourish detox pathways:
- Phase I: B vitamins, flavonoids, glutathione
- Phase II: Sulfur-rich foods (eggs, garlic), amino acids, methylation support
- Hydrate + Mineralize: Flush kidneys and bowels with plenty of water and trace minerals. Add sea salt or electrolyte powders to stay balanced.
- Don’t Forget to Breathe: Breathwork helps release CO₂ and other gaseous toxins. Daily deep breathing or practices like Wim Hof can support this subtle but powerful detox channel.
Targeted Therapies: Supplements, Peptides & Hormone Support
Once foundational lifestyle habits are in place, we may use precision tools like:
Supplements
- Foundational nutrients and nutrient repletion based on labs
- Herbal adaptogens
- Antioxidants
Peptides
- Peptides like BPC-157, Kisspeptin, or GHK-Cu can help regulate hormonal pathways, reduce inflammation, and support repair.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
- When clinically indicated, we may use bioidentical hormone therapy—such as testosterone troches—to restore healthy hormone leveI
In Summary: Nurturing Male Fertility Through a Holistic Approach
Male fertility is not a niche concern—it’s a reflection of overall health. If you’ve been trying to conceive without success, it’s time to go deeper than surface-level symptoms. When we evaluate the whole person—their hormones, toxic load, nutrition, and stress—we often uncover the roadblocks standing in the way of healthy, vibrant fertility.
By addressing underlying imbalances from a root-cause perspective, men can improve not only their fertility but also their energy, mood, metabolism, and longevity.
If you or your partner is struggling with infertility, don’t jump straight to IVF without asking deeper questions.
Take a functional medicine approach. When we optimize root causes, men don’t just become more fertile—they become healthier, more energized, and more resilient. Contact us today to schedule a consultation today and begin your journey toward better health.
About the author
Eli Priest is a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (FNTP), a Master Restorative Wellness Practitioner (MRWP), and one of Kansas City’s most passionate minds when it comes to the subject of how nutrition plays into an individual’s health and wellness.
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