The Latest Insights on Male Fertility - OVUM Event with Professor Jonathan Ramsay and Melanie Brown

Last week, I joined leading figures in the fertility world, from gynecologists and urologists, to embryologists, IVF clinic owners and other therapists supporting those TTC for an inspiring evening at the Royal Society of Medicine, hosted by OVUM, to celebrate the launch of their new male fertility supplement, formulated by the lovely Melanie Brown.

The star of the evening? None other than Professor Jonathan Ramsay - the UK’s leading urologist specialising in male fertility (fondly known as “The King of Balls” 👑).

It was an incredible opportunity to hear from one of the world’s top voices in male reproductive health and to discuss how lifestyle, environment, and nutrition intersect to influence sperm health.

Why Male Fertility Deserves More Attention

For too long, fertility conversations have focused almost entirely on women. But the data tell a different story.

⚡ Testosterone levels are dropping to an all time low

⚡ Average sperm counts have dropped by around 50% in the last 50 years

⚡ Global fertility rates are in decline 

While social and economic factors play a role, research increasingly points to our modern environment - from diet and stress to chemical exposures - as key contributors.

As Professor Ramsay shared, the good news is that there’s plenty we can do. Male fertility is highly modifiable, and even small, consistent lifestyle changes can have a measurable impact.

1. The Role of Oxidative Stress and DNA Fragmentation

One of the most fascinating parts of the talk centered on DNA fragmentation - tiny breaks in sperm DNA that can affect conception and early pregnancy outcomes.

Professor Ramsay explained that:

“Spermatogenesis is one of the most metabolically active processes in the body - producing around 100,000 sperm while you’re sitting here. That means oxidative stress plays a huge role in DNA integrity.”

In simpler terms, sperm cells are under constant pressure. If oxidative stress (think inflammation, poor diet, smoking, or toxins) overwhelms the body’s repair mechanisms, DNA damage can occur.

• Single-strand breaks are common and usually repairable.

• Double-strand breaks, however, are more serious and have been linked to recurrent miscarriage and reduced fertility.

  
  

This is where nutrition and lifestyle come in: supporting antioxidant pathways through diet (vitamin C, E, zinc, selenium, CoQ10, and polyphenols) and maintaining a healthy weight can help protect sperm DNA and overall fertility potential.

2. Infection, the Microbiome & Male Fertility

Professor Ramsay also shared emerging research showing that the male reproductive tract microbiome may be more important than previously thought.

In one of his studies involving over 700 men, around 40% showed the presence of microorganisms such as ureaplasma, gardnerella, streptococcus, and enterococcus faecalis in seminal plasma samples.

Initially, the study was rejected by journals under the title “Male Subfertility Associated with Seminal Plasma Infection” - but when retitled to “Associated with the Presence of Microorganisms”, it was accepted without changes.

His point was clear:

“This isn’t classic infection. It’s something subtler - an imbalance between pro-inflammatory and protective microorganisms that can influence sperm health.”

In other words, the male microbiome matters - and just like the gut or vaginal microbiome, maintaining balance through diet, probiotics, and reducing inflammation can make a real difference.

3. Environmental Toxins: Plastics & Hormone Disruption

In my recent reel, I touched on a topic that’s increasingly difficult to ignore: the impact of plastics on fertility.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals like BPA and phthalates - found in everything from plastic bottles to non-stick pans and personal care products - can interfere with hormone balance and sperm quality.

Professor Ramsay emphasised that while we can’t eliminate all exposure, awareness and small changes add up. 

Here are some of my practical swaps to reduce your toxic load:

In the kitchen: 🥤 Use glass or stainless-steel bottles 🍱 Store and heat food in glass or ceramic, not plastic 🍳 Avoid non-stick cookware; try cast iron or stainless steel 🍅 Choose jarred passata over tinned tomatoes 🌿 Swap cling film for beeswax wraps

In the bathroom: 💄 Opt for paraben- and phthalate-free skincare and haircare

For parents: 🍼 Use glass baby bottles 👶 Avoid heating plastic containers in the microwave

These aren’t just “eco-friendly” habits - they actively reduce exposure to hormone disruptors that can impair sperm and egg quality.

4. A New Chapter for Male Fertility

The takeaway from Professor Ramsay’s talk was both sobering and empowering: male fertility is under pressure, but it’s not beyond our control.

By addressing oxidative stress, supporting the microbiome, and reducing toxic exposures, we can make meaningful changes to sperm health and reproductive outcomes.

The tide is turning - fertility is finally being seen as a 50/50 equation, and that’s a very good thing.

Final Thoughts

It was an honour to be part of this event alongside so many inspiring professionals who are championing a more holistic approach to fertility - including those in the medical world.

If you want to learn more about supporting male fertility naturally, keep an eye on my Instagram where I share practical nutrition and lifestyle strategies @jenwalpolenutrition