The Men's Fertility Nutrition Podcast

Episode Summary: Weight loss is one of the most common recommendations men hear when fertility becomes a concern. But the relationship between body weight, metabolic health, and sperm quality is more complex than many people realise. In this episode, Men’s Fertility Dietitian Alex Hardy explores how excess body fat can influence hormones, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, sleep, and the environme...

Episode Summary: In this episode, Men’s Fertility Dietitian Alex Hardy explores one of the most commonly discussed nutrients in male fertility nutrition — omega-3. We break down why omega-3 gained so much attention in sperm health research, what the evidence actually shows, and why the conversation is often more nuanced than supplement marketing suggests. The episode explores both food-based and s...

Episode Summary: Nutrition advice for male fertility often focuses on supplements, superfoods, or extreme diet changes. But what does a fertility-supportive diet actually look like across a normal day? In this episode, Men’s Fertility Dietitian Alex Hardy breaks down the practical foundations of a diet that may help support sperm health over time. Rather than chasing perfection, the focus is on bu...

Episode Summary Zinc is one of the most common ingredients in male fertility supplements. But more zinc does not automatically mean better sperm. In this episode, Alex explores why zinc matters for male reproductive health, where it genuinely plays a role, and why the evidence for routine supplementation is less convincing than many people assume. You’ll learn how zinc contributes to sperm product...

Episode Summary A lot of fertility advice sounds confident and certain, but the underlying evidence is often more nuanced. In this episode, Alex breaks down how to think critically about fertility nutrition research, why studies sometimes conflict, and how clinicians make practical decisions when certainty is limited. Rather than chasing perfect answers, this episode explains how to interpret evid...

CoQ10 is one of the most studied supplements in male fertility. The signal is stronger than many others, but it is not straightforward. In this episode, Alex breaks down what CoQ10 actually does, why it is often recommended for sperm health, and what the research really shows. You’ll learn how CoQ10 supports mitochondrial energy production, why that matters for sperm motility, and where the eviden...

Episode Summary In this episode, Men’s Fertility Dietitian Alex Hardy breaks down antioxidants and their role in male fertility. While the biological rationale is strong, the clinical outcomes are far less consistent. We explore how oxidative stress affects sperm, why antioxidants are often recommended, and what the research actually shows when it comes to semen parameters, DNA fragmentation, and...

Episode Summary A semen analysis can look acceptable on paper — but that doesn’t always mean sperm DNA is in good shape. In this episode, Men’s Fertility Dietitian Alex Hardy explains sperm DNA fragmentation — a deeper layer of sperm quality that isn’t captured by standard semen analysis. We explore what DNA fragmentation actually is, why it matters for fertility and pregnancy outcomes, and why it...

Episode Summary Semen analysis provides a set of numbers, but those numbers are often misunderstood. In this episode, Men’s Fertility Dietitian Alex Hardy explains how to interpret the key parameters — sperm count, motility, and morphology — and why they need to be viewed together rather than in isolation. We break down what each parameter represents, how reference ranges are defined, and why resu...

Many couples spend months wondering whether something might be wrong. In this episode, Alex explains when fertility testing is actually recommended, when it may be worth doing earlier, and how semen analysis fits into the bigger picture. We cover what the test involves, what the results can and can’t tell you, and why repeat testing is sometimes needed. This episode marks the shift from foundation...

Episode overview Sleep is often overlooked when people think about fertility, yet it plays an important role in the hormonal environment that supports sperm production. In this episode, Alex explains how sleep patterns influence testosterone rhythms, why consistent sleep helps regulate key hormonal signals, and how disrupted sleep can gradually shift the environment sperm develop in. This episode...

Does alcohol actually need to be eliminated when trying to conceive — or is that an oversimplification? In this episode, Alex breaks down how alcohol influences sperm health, why timing and drinking patterns matter, and what men can realistically do to reduce risk without aiming for perfection. This is a practical, evidence-based discussion focused on sustainable changes rather than all-or-nothing...

Supplements are widely used in men’s fertility, but they’re often approached as a shortcut rather than a tool. In this episode, Alex explains where supplements actually fit, why results can be inconsistent, and how clinicians think about supplementation as part of a broader strategy that starts with food, lifestyle, and comprehensive assessment. The focus is on context, safety, and targeted use, n...

In this episode, Men’s Fertility Dietitian Alex Hardy breaksdown the nutritional foundations that support sperm health — before supplements or optimisation strategies enter the picture. Rather than focusing on individual nutrients, this episodeexplains why overall diet quality and eating patterns matter, how sperm are built and maintained, and why consistency over time is key. This episode sets th...

Men’s fertility is often discussed in simplified, reassuring ways that don’t tell the full story. In this episode, Alex breaks down the most common misconceptions that can quietly undermine fertility outcomes, even when men feel they’re doing everything right. This episode focuses on understanding risk, timing, and preparation, not blame or guarantees. In this episode, we cover: Why fertility is o...

In Episode 2, Men’s Fertility Dietitian Alex Hardy breaksdown the 12-week sperm development cycle and explains why this timeline matters. We explore the biology of sperm formation, the key areas men can influence, and the deliberate habits that support healthier sperm and better fertility outcomes. What You’ll Learn: • What happens during the 12-week sperm cycle• Why the 12-week window matters• Ho...

The Men’s Fertility Nutrition Podcast delivers clear, evidence-based conversations to help make sense of male fertility. Hosted by Alex Hardy, Men’s Fertility Dietitian , the show explores how nutrition and lifestyle influence sperm health, fertility outcomes, and preparation for pregnancy and fertility treatment. Men’s fertility matters — not just for conception, but for embryo development, misca...

Episode Summary: In this first episode, Men’s Fertility Dietitian Alex Hardy breaks down why men are so often left out of fertility conversations and why that needs to change. We explore common misconceptions, how sperm health affects conception and early embryo development, and three practical steps men can start today. What You’ll Learn: • Why fertility isn’t just a women’s issue• How male facto...