When it comes to fertility and conception, the focus often falls almost entirely on women. However, nutritionist Rashi Chowdhary is challenging this long-held belief, stressing that a man’s health is equally important in determining fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
In a video shared on Instagram, Chowdhary pointed out that when a woman struggles to conceive, she often faces multiple medical tests, gynaecology visits, and lifestyle changes, while men are rarely investigated with the same urgency. “Somewhere along the way, the assumption becomes quiet but clear. If a woman isn’t able to conceive, it must be her fault,” she said, highlighting the gender bias around fertility issues.
She emphasised that fertility is never meant to rest on one person alone. Men, she noted, are seldom questioned about stress levels, sleep quality, inflammation, blood sugar, or lifestyle habits, even though these factors can significantly influence reproductive outcomes.
How Male Health Affects Pregnancy and Baby’s Development
Chowdhary explained that sperm is not merely a carrier of DNA but also carries information from the previous months of a man’s life. This concept, known as the “zero trimester,” refers to the period before conception when both partners’ health plays a role in shaping pregnancy outcomes.
According to the nutritionist, inflammation, poor sleep, unhealthy diet, toxins and stress in men can leave epigenetic changes in sperm. These changes can disrupt implantation, weaken placental development, and increase the risk of complications such as preeclampsia, premature birth and poor nutrient transfer to the baby.
She further warned that conditions like insulin resistance, gut health issues and chronic inflammation in fathers can translate into pregnancy risks, underscoring the need for men to prioritise their health before conception.
Sperm Health Can Reset in Just 74 Days
One of the key takeaways from Chowdhary’s message is that sperm regenerates roughly every 74 days, similar to a woman’s menstrual cycle. This means a man can significantly improve his fertility and influence pregnancy outcomes within just two and a half months by adopting healthier habits.
“Healthy pregnancies don’t begin at a positive test. They begin months earlier, in both partners,” she concluded, urging couples planning to conceive to prepare together rather than placing the burden solely on women.