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PMOS Changes the Approach to Fertility and Pregnancy Nutritional Support
The shift from PCOS to PMOS reflects a broader understanding of fertility as a metabolic and endocrine condition. Discover why nutrition and metabolic health are becoming central to fertility and pregnancy support.
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PCOS is Now PMOS: Why the Name Change Matters in Clinical Practice
The transition from PCOS to PMOS reflects a major shift in how the condition is understood clinically. Discover what the updated terminology means for fertility, metabolic health and patient care.
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Why Nutrient Synergy Matters in Prenatal and Preconception Nutrition
Nutrients don’t work alone. Discover why nutrient synergy is essential for fertility and pregnancy, and how a holistic prenatal approach supports optimal outcomes.
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Global Micronutrient Deficiencies: An Overlooked Factor in Fertility and Pregnancy Challenges
Micronutrient deficiencies affect billions globally, including women in developed countries. These hidden gaps play a critical role in fertility, pregnancy health and outcomes.
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Omega 3 and Chances of Conception
Omega 3 fatty acids play a key role in reproductive health, influencing hormone signalling, inflammation and conception likelihood. This article explores their importance during the pre‑conception phase.
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Ovarian Reserve: Quality Over Quantity
Ovarian reserve reflects more than egg quantity, with quality and environment playing a key role in fertility outcomes.Explore how AMH, AFC, nutrition and lifestyle may support reproductive health.
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Coenzyme Q10: Powering Fertility
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) plays a key role in energy production and antioxidant protection, both essential for reproductive health.Emerging evidence highlights its potential to support egg quality, sperm function, and overall fertility outcomes.
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Sleep and Fertility: Why Rest Matters When Trying to Conceive
Sleep plays a vital role in fertility, influencing hormones, ovulation, and sperm health.Simple changes to sleep habits can support better reproductive outcomes for both men and women.
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Myo-Inositol vs Metformin for PCOS
Myo-inositol and metformin are both used to support PCOS, particularly insulin resistance and hormonal balance. This guide compares how they work, their effectiveness, and why tolerability is a key consideration.
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Why 3-in-1 Fertility Supplements Fall Short & Why Stage-Specific Support Matters
Preconception, pregnancy and after pregnancy each have distinct nutritional needs. We explore why stage-specific fertility supplements matter.
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Oxidative Stress & Fertility
Oxidative stress plays an important role in fertility, influencing egg and sperm quality, hormonal balance and implantation. This article explores where oxidative stress comes from and outlines practical, evidence-based ways to support reproductive health through nutrition and lifestyle.
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The Effect of Age on Men’s Fertility
For Healthcare Professionals OnlyUnlike women, men do not have a clear end point to their fertility. They continue to produce new sperm throughout their lives and can father children at any age. However, research shows that male fertility does decline gradually with age, particularly after the age of 40. In reality, a typical 45-year-old man is less fertile than a man 10 years younger, with sperm quality beginning to decline as early as 35. Sperm quality and age As men get older, the quality of their sperm changes. Semen volume tends to decrease, and there are often fewer moving (motile) sperm and fewer normally shaped (morphologically normal) sperm. Studies also show that sperm from older men are more likely to have DNA damage, with DNA fragmentation in sperm roughly doubling between ages 30 and 45. This can make it harder to achieve a pregnancy and is thought to be linked to increased oxidative stress in the body over time. Lower testosterone levels in older men may also contribute to reduced libido and erectile difficulties, which can affect a couple’s chances of conceiving naturally. The role of health and lifestyle Many health conditions that become more common with age - such as obesity, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes - can have a negative impact on male fertility. These conditions can alter hormone levels, damage blood vessels, and increase oxidative stress, all of which may affect sperm production and quality. Lifestyle factors play a big part too. Smoking, drinking excess alcohol, eating a poor diet, or being inactive can all worsen age-related fertility decline. The good news is that these are modifiable factors. Supporting men to maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, stop smoking, and limit alcohol can have a positive impact on sperm health. Fertility outcomes and risks This age-related decline in male fertility is often overlooked. While many older men do father children, studies show that conception can take longer as paternal age increases. There is also a higher likelihood of needing fertility treatment. Some research suggests a small increase in the risk of pregnancy loss or certain health conditions in children of older fathers, but it’s important to note that the overall risk remains low. For couples trying to conceive, it’s important that both partners’ health and age are considered during any fertility assessment. Supporting male fertility Its not all bad news - research shows that some of this decline can be prevented, or at least slowed, with the right diet and lifestyle. Nutrition plays an important role in sperm production and protection against oxidative stress. Key nutrients such as zinc, selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E, and L-carnitine contribute to normal sperm development and help protect cells from oxidative damage. These nutrients can be obtained through a healthy, balanced diet or through a targeted preconception supplement. Key takeaways for healthcare professionals Male fertility does decline with age, particularly from around 40 onwards. Sperm quality (motility, morphology, DNA integrity) decreases gradually over time. Health conditions and lifestyle factors can accelerate this decline. Encouraging healthy habits and good nutrition can help optimise sperm quality. It’s important to assess and support both partners, not just the woman, when couples present with fertility concerns. References Siddighi S, Chan CA, Patton WC, Jacobson JD, Chan PJ. Male age and sperm necrosis in assisted reproductive technologies. Urol Int. 2007;79(3):231-4. doi: 10.1159/000107955. PMID: 17940355. Singh NP, Muller CH, Berger RE. Effects of age on DNA double-strand breaks and apoptosis in human sperm. Fertil Steril. 2003 Dec;80(6):1420-30. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2003.04.002. PMID: 14667878. Moskovtsev SI, Willis J, Mullen JB. Age-related decline in sperm deoxyribonucleic acid integrity in patients evaluated for male infertility. Fertil Steril. 2006 Feb;85(2):496-9. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.05.075. PMID: 16595239. Wyrobek AJ, Eskenazi B, Young S, Arnheim N, Tiemann-Boege I, Jabs EW, Glaser RL, Pearson FS, Evenson D. Advancing age has differential effects on DNA damage, chromatin integrity, gene mutations, and aneuploidies in sperm. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2006 Jun 20;103(25):9601-6. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0506468103. Epub 2006 Jun 9. PMID: 16766665; PMCID: PMC1480453.
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