Can Diabetes Affect Your Sperm Count? What Men Need to Know

Diabetes can affect nearly every part of the body, and one often-overlooked area is its impact on reproductive health. High blood sugar levels can damage nerves and blood vessels, negatively influencing both the quality and quantity of sperm. It's important to understand how diabetes affects sperm production and other aspects of fertility, as well as the steps you can take to grow your family in the future.

Diabetes and Male Fertility

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can have a negative impact on male fertility. Men with type 1 diabetes may experience the following changes:

• Sperm quality: High blood sugar, oxidative stress, and hormonal imbalances associated with Type 1 diabetes can impair testicular function and overall sperm production.
• Semen value: Studies show that men with type 1 diabetes have lower semen volume than non-diabetic men, potentially due to impaired contraction of the epididymis, which stores and matures sperm.
• Mitochondrial function: Diabetes can cause mitochondrial damage in sperm, which affects energy production and motility, the ability of sperm to move properly to fertilize an egg.
• Erectile dysfunction: Diabetes can harm blood vessels and nerves, which can lead to erectile dysfunction.

Those with Type 2 diabetes may also experience:

• Inflammation and oxidative stress: Type 2 diabetes is characterized by inflammation and oxidative stress, which damage sperm DNA and vitality, the percentage of live, intact sperm in a semen sample.
• Sperm DNA damage: Type 2 diabetes is linked to increased oxidative stress and other metabolic issues, which can damage DNA in sperm.
• Semen parameters: Like Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes can lead to decreases in semen volume, sperm count, concentration, and progressive motility.
• Hormonal changes: Men with type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to have low testosterone, which affects sperm production and can lead to sexual issues like low libido and erectile dysfunction.

How a Semen Analysis Can Help You Plan Ahead

Men with diabetes should consider getting a semen analysis done, even if they aren't planning on conceiving right away. The process involves providing a sperm sample, which can be done either in a private room at a fertility clinic or at home, following specific instructions from a doctor. A semen analysis evaluates the following aspects in the sample:

• pH scale: This measures the acidity and alkalinity of the semen. High acidity can negatively impact sperm health.
• Semen volume: The total amount of semen in the sample.
• Sperm concentration (density): The number of sperm per milliliter of semen.
• Sperm morphology: The size and shape of the sperm.
• Sperm motility: The ability of sperm to swim effectively.
• Time to liquefaction: How long it takes for the semen to change from a thick, sticky substance to a fluid state.
• Vitality: The percentage of live sperm in the semen sample.
• White blood cells: The presence of white blood cells may indicate an infection or inflammation.

The semen analysis process is quick and straightforward, providing valuable insights for men with diabetes as they navigate future family planning.

Exploring Fertility Preservation with Diabetes

Because diabetes can negatively impact male fertility, it's worth considering sperm freezing. When properly frozen and stored, sperm can remain viable indefinitely. Fertility preservation for men with diabetes can help secure future fatherhood by:

• Allowing men to have children later in life, even if their fertility declines due to the long-term effects of diabetes.
• Protecting against declining sperm quality.
• Mitigating the impact of hormonal imbalances.
• Addressing sexual and ejaculatory dysfunction.

Fertility preservation empowers individuals with diabetes to take control of their reproductive futures, offering peace of mind by ensuring options are available when they decide to start a family.

Learn More About Diabetes and Fertility

Diabetes can lead to issues with sperm, low testosterone, and erectile dysfunction, making it more challenging for men to conceive. At Male Fertility & Sexual Medicine Specialists, our male infertility experts can conduct comprehensive semen analyses and help diabetic patients find suitable fertility solutions. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment in San Diego and (link: https://www.malefertility.com/contact/location-la-jolla-ca text: La Jolla.