How to Optimize Fertility in Males & Females

In this episode, I discuss the mechanisms by which human eggs and sperm are generated, the ovulatory/menstrual cycle, the conception process and overall fertility in males and females. I also explain how, regardless of whether you seek to conceive children, optimizing egg and sperm health is directly related to vitality and longevity. I cover the nutrition-based, behavioral, supplement-based and prescription approaches to optimizing egg and sperm health, the ovulatory/menstrual cycle and fertility. In addition, I explain lifestyle choices that greatly assist or harm fertility—several of which are very surprising. I provide science-based protocols for those trying to conceive children. The tools and principles I discuss can also improve overall vitality and longevity in all people, regardless of age.

Note: At the timestamp related to cumulative probability of pregnancy (2:01:30), I misspoke, my apologies. The data in the following graph are correct but the “120%” is not.

The appropriate equation is 1-(1-p)^n where p is the probability of getting pregnant in a given cycle and n is the cycle number. Therefore the equation for this scenario is 1-(0.8^6).

Using the equation, cumulative probability over 6 cycles is 73.8% (rounded to 3 significant figures).

For a visual representation.

Articles

• Effects of mobile phone usage on sperm quality – No time-dependent relationship on usage: A systematic review and updated meta-analysis (Environmental Research)
• Acupuncture and herbal medicine for female infertility: An overview of systematic reviews (Integrative Medicine Research)
• Effect of Zinc Administration on Plasma Testosterone, Dihydrotestosterone, and Sperm Count (Archives of Andrology)
• Cannabis and Male Fertility: A Systematic Review (The Journal of Urology)
• Tanner Stages
• Link Between Body Fat and the Timing of Puberty (Pediatrics)