Boosting male fertility may not be on your mind. You’re on the grind, your career’s taking off. Kids aren’t on your radar right now. But unfortunately here’s the deal: male reproductive health really matters and fertility changes over time too. The decisions you make today can shape your future.
At Celery Health, we make it easy for you to check in, get clarity and boost your sperm health and reproductive wellness – all without the awkward lab drop offs or outdated assumptions.
Sperm health is declining
Sperm counts have dropped over 60% in the last 40 years. The decline has been accelerated since 2000.
2022 meta-analysis Human Reproduction Update analysed data from 223 studies
Average sperm concentration has fallen 50% from 1973 to 2022.
Male factors contribute to about 50% of fertility challenges in couples.
The Lancet 2020
Sperm counts have dropped over 60% in the last 40 years. The decline has been accelerated since 2000.
2022 meta-analysis Human Reproduction Update analysed data from 223 studies
Average sperm concentration has fallen 50% from 1973 to 2022.
The Lancet 2020
What affects male fertility?
- Stress (especially long-term or work-related)
- Poor sleep and diet
- Obesity or lack of movement
- Alcohol, smoking and vaping
- Recreational drugs
- Overheating (think hot baths, saunas, or laptops on your lap)
- Exposure to environmental toxins and hormone-disrupting chemicals
- Use of exogenous testosterone (steroids)
What’s involved in male fertility testing?
Semen analysis
- Sperm count - how many sperm are present
- Motility - how well they move
- Morphology - shape and structure
- Volume & quality - overall health of the sample
Celery stories
Meet Tom*
A personal trainer, 32. Tom had been trying with his partner Christie for a baby for over a year
A sperm test through Celery Health revealed a low count. After a thorough consultation, the root cause became clear: exogenous testosterone (steroids) was suppressing his sperm production. With Celery’s support, Tom ceased taking steroids (with some specialist GP guidance). He also focused on improving his lifestyle and started on targeted supplements. Six months later, Tom’s sperm count has increased, his hormones are recovering, and he’s back on track to conceive.
Takeaway: Steroids can silently impact male fertility, but early testing and support can turn things around.
*Pseudonym used to protect patient confidentiality. While this case study represents an actual Celery Health patient journey, identifying details have been changed to ensure privacy
Meet Tom*
32, a personal trainer, had been trying with his partner Christie for a baby for over a year
A sperm test through Celery Health revealed a low count. After a thorough consultation, the root cause became clear: exogenous testosterone (steroids) was suppressing his sperm production. With Celery’s support, Tom ceased taking steroids (with some guidance). He also focused on improving his lifestyle and started on targeted supplements. Six months later, Tom’s sperm count has increased, his hormones are recovering, and he’s back on track to conceive.
Takeaway: Steroids can silently impact male fertility, but early testing and support can turn things around.
*Pseudonym used to protect patient confidentiality. While this case study represents an actual Celery Health patient journey, identifying details have been changed to ensure privacy.
We may also recommend:
Hormone testing
- Testosterone - essential for libido and sperm production
- FSH - signals the testes to make sperm
- LH - regulates testosterone
- Prolactin - high levels can interfere with sperm production
- Estradiol - excess oestrogen can disrupt testosterone balance
- SHBG - affects how much usable testosterone is available
These results help us identify imbalances and give you real solutions
Extras
Other causes of male infertility may include anatomical problems, previous STI’s and erectile dysfunction. Each of these areas are carefully reviewed by our specialist GP team. If needed, we make sure your care is transitioned to andrology specialist care.
FAQs
Our team works with you to identify quick wins and long-term shifts to boost your fertility including:
- Personalised nutrition support to improve sperm health
- Lifestyle advice for stress, sleep, and movement
- Evidence-based supplement guidance
- Insights into your results and next steps
- Virtual consultations so you can access expert care from anywhere
This isn’t just about right now!
Whether you’re thinking of kids soon or just want to future-proof your options, your fertility is part of your overall health. Understanding where you stand now can help you make smarter choices later.
Yes. Anabolic steroids can have a serious impact on male fertility. When taken, these synthetic hormones signal the body to stop producing its own testosterone. This disrupts the natural hormone balance needed for sperm production, leading to:
• Low or zero sperm count (azoospermia)
• Shrinking of the testicles (testicular atrophy)
• Reduced libido and erectile dysfunction
In some cases, fertility may return after stopping steroids, but for others, the damage can be long-term or even permanent. If you’ve used anabolic steroids — even in the past — it’s worth checking your reproductive health early
Yes. Being overweight with a diet rich in processed food can negatively affect sperm health and hormone levels. Excess body fat, especially around the abdomen, can lead to:
Lower testosterone and higher estrogen, disrupting sperm production
Increased oxidative stress, which can damage sperm DNA
Reduced sperm count, motility, and morphology (shape)
Research shows that even modest weight loss can improve hormone balance and sperm quality. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most effective lifestyle steps men can take to protect their fertility and a diet in