Sperm Epigenetics with Kristin Brogaard, Sperm QT

When a couple is having difficulty conceiving, the woman often undergoes months of testing before anyone takes a serious look at her partner. Yet male factors contribute to approximately half of infertility cases, and a normal semen analysis doesn't necessarily mean sperm function is normal. After nearly 25 years working with fertility patients, I continue to see how much time can be lost when the male side of fertility isn't investigated early.

My guest on Health Youniversity is Dr. Kristin Brogaard, co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Path Fertility, the company behind Sperm QT. Kristin earned her PhD in molecular biology from Northwestern University and completed postdoctoral research with genomics pioneer Dr. Leroy Hood. Her work focuses on sperm epigenetics and what newer testing may reveal about male fertility beyond sperm count, motility and morphology.

Kristin's interest in this field began when a close friend in her early twenties had been trying to conceive for two years. Her friend had undergone extensive fertility testing, while her partner had received only a semen analysis. That imbalance led Kristin to investigate what was missing from the evaluation of male fertility and whether molecular testing could provide information that conventional testing overlooks.

One of the most interesting parts of our conversation was learning more about sperm epigenetics. Epigenetic regulation helps control how genes are expressed without changing the underlying DNA sequence. As sperm develop, numerous genes must be regulated appropriately for normal sperm formation and function. Kristin explained how her research into these processes eventually led to Sperm QT, a test designed to evaluate patterns of sperm epigenetic regulation associated with reproductive outcomes.

A semen analysis remains an important first step. It measures sperm concentration, movement and appearance, but it cannot tell us everything about sperm function. Sperm DNA fragmentation testing provides different information by assessing damage to sperm DNA, while Sperm QT examines epigenetic markers. These tests look at different aspects of sperm health, although their clinical usefulness and the circumstances in which they should be ordered need to be considered individually.

We also looked at what a Sperm QT report contains, including estimates related to the likelihood of success with timed intercourse or intrauterine insemination (IUI). Kristin explained how these results may help inform conversations about treatment options, including when IVF might be considered. An important distinction is that no single test can definitively rule out every possible male contribution to infertility, and newer tests still require careful interpretation alongside the couple's complete fertility history.

As a doctor of Chinese medicine, I'm particularly interested in what men can do to improve sperm health before conception. Sperm production takes approximately two to three months, which gives us a useful window for addressing nutrition, metabolic health, smoking, alcohol, cannabis use and environmental exposures. Kristin discussed research connecting these factors with sperm quality and why reassessing sperm after several months of lifestyle changes may be informative.

This is something I emphasize with couples preparing for natural conception, IUI or IVF. The health of eggs and sperm reflects much more than the reproductive organs themselves. Nutrition, inflammation, metabolic health, sleep and environmental exposures can all influence reproductive function. While lifestyle changes cannot correct every cause of male infertility, addressing modifiable risk factors can support overall health and may improve certain sperm parameters.

We also discussed oxidative stress and sperm DNA fragmentation. Oxidative stress can damage sperm, and researchers have investigated whether antioxidant supplementation may help in selected circumstances. Kristin shared early findings from research conducted by Path Fertility, while acknowledging the limitations of the available data. Antioxidants aren't necessarily more effective at higher doses, and supplement decisions should take individual circumstances into account.

Another reason I want men to pay more attention to sperm health is its relationship with general health. Research, including work from Dr. Michael Eisenberg's group at Stanford, has found associations between semen quality and certain long-term health outcomes. That doesn't mean a sperm test predicts how long someone will live, but abnormal findings may be one reason to look more closely at metabolic, hormonal and other aspects of health.

I especially appreciated Kristin's message to women who have been trying to conceive while their own fertility testing appears normal. A male fertility evaluation belongs early in the process. It can help identify concerns that might otherwise remain unexplored while the woman continues undergoing additional testing or treatment.

For men who are thinking about starting a family in the next few years, understanding their reproductive health before conception may also be worthwhile. Fertility preparation is an opportunity for both partners to assess their health, make appropriate changes and identify issues that may benefit from medical attention.

This episode may be especially helpful if you are:

• Trying to conceive and your fertility tests have come back normal, but your partner has had little or no evaluation
• Experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss and wondering whether sperm health may be contributing
• Preparing for IUI or IVF and interested in understanding male fertility testing beyond a standard semen analysis
• A man who wants to assess his reproductive health before starting a family
• Curious about sperm epigenetics, sperm DNA fragmentation or what Sperm QT measures
• Wondering how smoking, alcohol, THC, nutrition, body weight or environmental exposures may affect sperm quality
• Considering antioxidant supplements or lifestyle changes to support sperm health
• Interested in the relationship between sperm quality and overall men's health

My hope is that this episode encourages couples to evaluate both partners earlier in the fertility journey. Understanding sperm health can help guide decisions about testing, treatment and the changes worth making during the months before conception.

Listen to my conversation with Dr. Kristin Brogaard on Health Youniversity to learn what sperm epigenetics may reveal about male fertility and why a normal semen analysis doesn't always tell the whole story.

Support your fertility with the Preconception Plan at Health Youniversity:
https://healthyouniversity.co/programs

Learn more about Path Fertility and Sperm QT:
https://www.pathfertility.com

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Learn more about AlphaSperm:
https://alphasperm.com/

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