Society has often pushed a narrative that places significant pressure on women regarding both the process and outcome of pregnancy. Pregnant women take numerous precautions to protect their health and reduce pregnancy risks. However, what is less talked about is the role of men – especially at the microscopic level – in ensuring a healthy pregnancy and fetal development.
When the sperm fertilizes an ovum, they fuse to create an embryo with a total of 46 chromosomes. Male contribution to pregnancy is typically associated only with the baby’s phenotype, but it actually plays a much larger role, influencing both the mother’s and the fetus’s health. Focusing on male pre-conception, health can positively impact pregnancy outcomes, not just through sperm quality but also through its biological and genetic contributions.
Epigenetics is the study of how our behaviors and environment can affect gene expression, including factors like smoking, poor diet, alcohol consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle. In epigenetics, the DNA base sequence does not change, but how the body reads the DNA in the fetus may be altered. The following behavioral factors can lead to poor sperm quality, which in turn increases pregnancy risks and may contribute to long-term health problems for the child.
In pregnant women, sperm DNA fragmentation is one of the main causes of pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and stillbirths. Numerous studies have linked sperm health to the proper development of the placenta. Additionally, low sperm quality and quantity increase the risk of infertility and miscarriage, making it more challenging for women to conceive. Poor sperm health has also been associated with infections and inflammation of the reproductive tract in both men and women, which can affect uterine quality and increase the risk of miscarriage.
Meanwhile, fetal development can also be affected by poor sperm quality. DNA damage or mutations can increase the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities, which may lead to developmental disorders such as Down syndrome and other genetic conditions. The child may also face long-term health problems, being more prone to metabolic or neurodevelopmental issues.
Given this, it is crucial to emphasize men’s health before and during conception to ensure a healthy pregnancy and fetal development. Men are encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle to reduce risks for both the mother and child. Fertility and genetic testing for both partners can also be beneficial before conception, helping them gain a clearer understanding of their overall reproductive health.
Roselle Torres
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