Men And Miscarriage: It Is Not Only A Woman’s Problem

Women are blessed to have a womb that can miraculously carry the next generation. However, when we hear about miscarriage and/or recurrent miscarriage, we automatically assume that it is because there is something about the mother that made it happen simply because women are the carriers. However, we have to remember that conceiving an embryo is a two-way street. It is not always a women’s issue.

The role of men in miscarriage

There are many factors in play why couples experience miscarriage, including abnormal genetic components of the fetus, female hormonal problems, or some issues with the woman’s womb. But there is another significant factor as to why miscarriage or recurrent miscarriage happens and that is the quality of the man’s sperm and particularly the DNA component of it.

Our DNA is the blueprint and carrier of our genetic information. It lies from the tip of our hair to the tip of our toenails, and even our bodily fluids. Therefore, a man’s sperm holds the valuable DNA that will determine 50 percent of the outcome of an embryo—their sex, who they will look like, and their characteristics likened to us as parents.

According to the research done by Examenlab in Belfast, Northern Ireland, sperm DNA can be damaged due to oxidative stress such as smoking, recreational drugs, obesity, and other avoidable lifestyles that can lead to chronic illness. The damage can happen during the production of the sperm and this results in what they call “DNA fragmentation”.

Unfortunately, some men who are battling chronic, non-modifiable illnesses and also receiving strong and long-term treatments such as chemotherapy may affect their sperm DNA as well.

The Examenlab has noted in their research “that sperm from men whose partners have a history of miscarriage have higher levels of sperm DNA fragmentation than sperm from those whose partners deliver healthy babies.” They have also observed “high sperm DNA damage in over 85% of men whose partners had recurrent miscarriages. This was true for couples who conceived naturally as well as those who conceived with fertility treatment.”

Moreover, as we age, we tend to be exposed to harmful environments and stress and therefore the quality of sperm diminishes as well. A study published in the Journal of Human Reproduction by D.A. Vaughan, et. al in 2020 mentioned that the higher the age group, the higher the DNA damage and exposure to oxidative stress particularly in the age group of more than 55 years old.

Can men fix it?

We consider men as the stronghold of our family unit, and therefore we believe they can fix it by making certain changes in their lifestyle. Also, there are methods and tests that can be done to check sperm health. Usually, consulting a doctor for fertility issues would include a sperm analysis that would check the sperm count and motility. It isn’t enough for a man to have good sperm count; it has to be also motile. These sperm characteristics should be balanced for it to be considered healthy sperm.

Making sure the basic things are covered, we can consider these lifestyle modifications to improve overall well-being.

1. Maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Obesity has been associated with a lot of chronic diseases but also with poor sperm count and motility and in turn decreased fertility in men. Proper nutrition by eating non-processed, organic food can be a start. If we are nourishing our body with whole food rich in antioxidants, we are healing deep into our DNA as well.

A 2018 study by Fallah, et. al, cites that Zinc has an antioxidant property that helps in sperm quality. Your zinc-rich foods are your spinach, eggs, cashew nuts, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, and lean meat. We also need to consider proper exercise to maintain our goal weight. We have to balance the exercise with cardio and strength to maximize our metabolism.

2. Limit toxin exposure.

Smoking, and all forms of tobacco use including vaping, processed food, the chemicals you use, pollution, and plastics contain toxins, which when used or exposed to over time can also contribute to oxidative stress and sperm DNA fragmentation. Not only does it decrease the quality of sperm but also can be a cause of diseases such as cancer.

This also goes for alcohol and recreational drug use. Alcohol has been well-studied as a contributor to sexual dysfunction. According to Your Fertility, “There is no evidence that an occasional alcoholic drink will affect sperm health but the more you drink, the more it can affect your overall health and fertility.”

3. Lest we forget men’s emotional well-being.

Men in the past, and as society dictates, were taught to bottle up their emotions. They did not have the proper tools to manage emotions all the time. Then when it becomes stressful, most often, they withdraw and isolate. However, the present times are changing that narrative.

Mental health and stress have a direct effect on our physical being and therefore can affect our offspring. It is important that we learn necessary coping mechanisms to manage our mental health. There is no shame in asking for counsel, especially for men. Asking for help is not perceived as weakness anymore, rather it shows that we are one hundred percent involved in planning a family.

5. Open communication with your partner.

When all of the above are met, it is also important to check in with your partner. We need to make sure that as partners, we are on the same page in terms of health and lifestyle. We also have to be open and honest in running down family health history and get tested if needed. Again, there is no shame in consulting a medical expert in terms of genetic or fertility conditions and might even be life-saving.

Building a family is a journey of two people and that includes pregnancy. Women are the vessel for nine months of the life both parents created, and thus, men can feel like they are watching from the sidelines. But men play a vital part as much as women. Fathers need to ensure that they are ready physically, emotionally, and mentally to raise a family.

From pre-conception, the couple's mindful decision toward themselves in terms of well-being may dictate the fate of an embryo and more so the health of his offspring. As mentioned, it’s not a two-way street. Therefore, it is a commitment not only to your partner or yourself but also to your future children.

Read this guide for parents who are coping with a miscarriage here.