FOUNDER FERTILITY NOTES
Reflections on fertility, health, and the human journey toward creating life.
Drawing from more than two decades of caring for people trying to build families, Dr. Spence Pentland shares observations, clinical insights, and ideas that reach beyond tests, treatments, and protocols.
These notes explore not only what we can do to support fertility, but who we may become along the way – offering perspective, direction, and a more human way to understand the fertility journey.
CBD2 Cannabinoid receptors regulate & control the production of sperm, in a (perhaps) unexpected way
Sperm & Marijuana – Science Magazine found results contrary to the commonly held belief that marijuana is universally bad for sperm production; rather, isolating compounds has somewhat surprising effects – “both hyper- and hypo-stimulation of CB2 disrupted the temporal dynamics of the spermatogenic cycle”. In other words, your cannabinoid receptors need to be adequately stimulated
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is pain and swelling of the prostate gland. It usually develops for unknown reasons.
Prostatitis can result from a bacterial infection that spreads to the prostate from the urinary tract or from bacteria in the blood stream. Bacterial infections may develop slowly and tend to recur (chronic bacterial prostatitis) or develop rapidly (acute).
Treat the Heart and Vessels for success with Male reproductive health
Whether it is a movie playing with a vacant couch, a mother giving her teenage boy a new pair of noise cancelling headphones, or a businessman starting his day with the happiest shower ever and bouncing his way to work while we hear the familiar lyrics: good morning, good morning… . These are the commercials for the most well known medications for treating erectile dysfunction and are used by millions of men worldwide.
Male Infertility More Common in Overweight Men
Many studies are showing a link between excess weight and male infertility. In this study, researchers combined data from 14 studies comparing sperm count in overweight, obese, and within healthy range weight men, along with data from an infertility center.
They found that overweight men were 11 percent more likely to have a low sperm count and 39 percent more likely to have no sperm in their ejaculate.
Watch Less TV and Exercise More to Optimize Sperm
Semen quality has been decreasing steadily over the past few decades and the reasons for this are debated and complicated. However the steady increase in a more sedentary lifestyle including video games and TV watching may play a significant role in our reproductive health.
See more here:
BMJ abstract
The study concludes: “In this population of healthy men,
Evidence that Stress affects our Testosterone levels
Testosterone is the force behind our sex drive and erectile health, it’s the reason we make sperm. When deficient it can cause fatigue, weakness, depression, lower sperm count and concentration and other symptoms.
Men’s mental and reproductive health is tied to our testosterone levels, which can decrease for a variety of reasons including injury to the testicles (ouch),
Sperm and Miscarriage
Many studies show a link between poor sperm quality and miscarriage, therefore this possibility cannot be overlooked when recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is affecting a couple. The good thing is, with natural medicine, there is much that can be done to help.
The following is a simple Google Scholar search on ‘sperm+miscarriage’. This is simply to highlight the large body of research and findings that are attempting to find the connections between the two.
Low Vitamin D Levels Tied To Prostate Cancer Growth
Research has shown that there is a link between prostate cancer and low vitamin D levels. They have found that men with prostate cancer tend to have lower levels of vitamin D. This relationship is still being researched.
These findings are suggesting vitamin D slows the tumor cells life cycle and prevents growth by promoting cellular differentiation and reducing tumor blood vessel formation.
Varicose veins aren’t just for legs – Obstructed vessels and low sperm parameters
The male reproductive organs are dependent upon blood circulation to control temperature in the testicles and to bring nutrients for the production of sperm (spermatogenesis). For optimal sperm production and normal testis function, the testis require an environment that is approximately 2.5 degrees celcius cooler than normal body temperature.
An obstruction to the scrotal veins is called a varicocele.
Did you know… your swimmers are what you eat?
There are certain foods and nutrients that may boost male fertility. This cross-sectional study which was published in the Fertility and Sterility journal shows that semen motility and morphology are affected by antioxidant intake.
If you want your swimmers to be Michael Phelps gold medal winners, then upping your daily intake of carotene rich fruits and vegetables on the list below will give you a better chance to be standing on the podium at the end of the race to the egg.
What does it all mean? – The Semen Analysis (part 2)
Semen analysis (part 2)
So now that you have dropped off your sample and have returned home to anxiously await the results. What will your semen analysis tell you?
The first stage of the analysis will look at the overall appearance of the ejaculate. The volume will be measured and it will be observed for its liquefaction and viscosity.
Improve male fertility by doing this twice a week for 5 minutes
Ever heard of glutathione? Some refer to it as the “mother antioxidant” as it is arguably the most powerful antioxidant in the human body. The job of antioxidants is to protect the cells of your body from oxidative damage caused by aging, stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, excessive exercise, medication, environmental toxins, and so much more.
