Background: Medical treatment for infertility, such as intrauterine insemination or assisted reproductive technology, may have adverse health consequences for both women and their newborns [1]. To mitigate the necessity for infertility treatments in women, men are advised to enhance their sperm quality through adopting a healthy diet, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, engaging in exercise, and avoiding excessive heat [2]. However, the self-management of infertility problems in men remains inadequately researched.
Aim: This study aimed to investigate when and how men become aware of their infertility, if they seek information, and what changes they undergo after realizing the problem.
Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey, targeting Danish men with infertility problems and their female partners, was developed with the assistance of health professionals specializing in infertility. It was then distributed through social media channels related to infertility treatment. Data were analyzed descriptively.
Results: Responses from a total of 74 participants were analyzed; 47% were from men's female partners, 72% of men were in the 26-35 age group, 50% had a university education. Half of the men contacted the healthcare system with suspected infertility after a year of attempting to conceive, 76% started at general practice. The majority initiated the search for information about infertility in collaboration with their partners, and only 3% started the search independently. Information about existing medical treatments for infertility was sought by 58%, while information about alternative treatments was sought by 37%. Changes in diet were most frequently perceived as relevant and implemented by men to improve fertility, 61% took dietary supplements, with fish oil and vitamin D being the most frequently mentioned.
Discussion: A minimal number of men take the initiative to seek information about their infertility. Information about lifestyle changes targeting male infertility, such as specific dietary supplements, needs to be actively disseminated, including among men's female partners.


1. Grafodatskaya, D., C. Cytrynbaum, and R. Weksberg, The health risks of ART. EMBO reports, 2013. 14(2): p. 129-135.
2. Region Midt. ”Du kan selv forbedre din sædkvalitet”):
https://www.hospitalsenhedmidt.dk/patientvejledninger/fertilitetsklinikken/saedproeve/