Latest news with #AdoraFertility
News.com.au
4 days ago
- Health
- News.com.au
‘More responsibility': Fertility expert's urgent warning to men
Fertility experts are warning that age and lifestyle choices are jeopardising Australian men's chances of becoming fathers. Male infertility accounts for one-third of fertility issues, yet many men don't adjust their habits ahead of conception. With the median age of Australian fathers now at 33.8 (compared to 29 years in 1977), there is an even greater need for men to transform their habits before trying to conceive. Emma Ebinger, National Scientific Director at Adora Fertility, says that it's time to reframe fertility as a shared responsibility, not just a women's issue. 'I think men sometimes don't stop to give enough thought about their role and what they could be doing to improve their chances of success,' she tells She notes that it can take around two and a half months for sperm to form in the body, and during that time, their quality can be influenced by factors such as smoking, drugs, diet, and alcohol. Vaping may also impair fertility – just as much as cigarettes can – with studies linking e-cigarettes to reduced sperm count, motility, and DNA integrity. 'All of these lifestyle and environmental effects are known as epigenetics as they can impact the sperm's DNA,' she says. 'The sperm contributes 50 per cent of the DNA to the developing foetus, which is the biological blueprint of the developing baby.' She advises men to also be aware of 'endocrine-disrupting chemicals' – found in plastics, solvents, paints, cosmetics, and textiles – which can negatively affect fertility by impacting hormones responsible for sperm production. 'It can be really hard to avoid these chemicals completely, but minimising the use of plastics in your daily life, such as not reheating food in takeaway containers or drinking from disposable water bottles, is advisable,' Ms Ebinger notes. Additionally, Ms Ebinger suggests limiting activities that excessively raise their surrounding temperature, such as very hot baths, spas, and sauna sessions. This is because male testicles are located outside the body as they require slightly cooler conditions for sperm production than body temperature. So, what can men do to enhance their fertility? Ms Ebinger emphasises that it is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but overall lifestyle changes are encouraged to ensure that a couple is in the best physical shape possible before having a baby. Cutting back on alcohol, avoiding smoking and recreational drugs, consuming whole foods, and engaging in regular exercise are all important components of the puzzle. Regarding when men should begin making these lifestyle changes prior to attempting conception, she says three months beforehand is a good guideline. 'It's a great time for them to have an overall health check-up with their GP as well and address any ongoing health concerns they may have,' she adds. 'There is some scientific evidence that taking antioxidant supplements may also help in ensuring the sperm is as healthy as possible, but these should be taken in conjunction with a healthy diet and lifestyle.' Karlee and Jason Sondergeld, from Townsville, struggled with infertility for two years before welcoming a baby via IVF in December 2023. The couple, both 30, were deeply committed to making positive lifestyle changes on their journey to conceive. 'We wanted to give ourselves the best possible chance to start a family,' they said. 'We started looking into the role that male fertility plays in conception, and we changed our diet, reducing stress, getting quality sleep, cutting back on alcohol, taking a good quality male fertility supplement, and just being more mindful of our overall health, which meant we had a lot more energy and a clearer headspace.' Leaning on each other for support was crucial during the oftentimes emotional process. 'For me as a male partner, I think there can be a feeling of helplessness, especially during the parts where most of the physical burden is on your partner,' Mr Sondergeld explained. 'But I tried my hardest to stay really involved, which helped me feel connected and supportive.' Following the birth of their baby Rylan, they credited the small changes they made that helped with fertility. 'Even if you're just starting to consider IVF or fertility support, taking steps towards a healthier lifestyle together can make a huge difference, both physically and mentally,' they advised. 'Be kind to yourselves and remember you're not failing, you're just taking a different path to parenthood. And the path is valid, still powerful, and still full of a lot of love.'
Daily Telegraph
25-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Telegraph
New IVF sperm tech ZyMot at Adora Fertility helped Dani Paranthoiene have a baby
Don't miss out on the headlines from Fertility. Followed categories will be added to My News. Dani and Frank Paranthoiene have been on one hell of an IVF journey. The couple's first child, Bonnie Hart, was delivered stillborn. Putting heartbreak aside, nine weeks later they successfully fell pregnant with Inka, now 3. And new IVF sperm technology has just allowed the couple, both 37, to welcome their third miracle baby into the world. Dani Paranthoiene, 37, used IVF to have children Inka, 3, and Hartley, 1, and Bonnie Hart (in the photograph) who was stillborn. Picture: Supplied 'I was preparing to go with a few cycles because you do hear those stories where people went through a few cycles. We were cautiously optimistic,' she said. The pair, from Newcastle, NSW, conceived on their first IVF cycle - with their highest ever number of embryos - using a multi sperm separation device known as ZyMōt, which is considered the first major development in IVF technology for sperm handling in 25 years. Mum of three Dani Paranthoiene with husband Frank and children Hartley, 1, and Inka, 3, who are siblings to Bonnie, who was stillborn. Picture: Supplied 'It [new technology] most likely played a part in helping us fall pregnant', Mrs Paranthoiene said. 'I think it's just amazing how far technology has come and it just keeps getting better.' IVF provider Adora Fertility adopted the new microfluidics device in July, 2023. The device acts like a 'microscopic sieve' to weed out the best swimming sperm. Dani and Frank Paranthoiene with children Hartley, 1, and Inka, 3. Picture: Supplied So far, the clinic has seen a two per cent increase in its fertilisation rates. 'It might sound like a small increase but when it comes to creating human life that is statistically very significant. This could be the difference between somebody becoming a parent or not,' Adora Fertility scientific director Emma Ebinger said. 'Patients are keen for anything that's going to improve their success rates, even if it's just 1 per cent, it's worth doing.' Ms Ebinger said previous sperm handling techniques included spinning them in a centrifuge which could damage the sperm's DNA. Adora Fertility scientific director Emma Ebinger. Picture: Supplied 'It [using a centrifuge] can result in poorer embryo development and can result in increased miscarriage rates. It's 50 per cent of the development of the embryo, so if that DNA is damaged, it can have an ongoing impact on the success of the outcome,' she said. 'Allowing the sperm that we use for insemination to be of the best quality with the least amount of damage through the laboratory, then we're maximizing the chances for our patients.' Ms Ebinger said they were still collating data on successful births using the new technology, and hoped to have those results in the next 12 months. IVF Australia medical director Frank Quinn said while the device was 'exciting' the clinic was cautious because studies had shown mixed results in whether it made a difference. He said some of the clinc's patients had been encouraged to use the technology but before going mainstream, they would like to see more research. 'We will continue to use it and monitor the results, as it may prove beneficial in some cases and couples,' he said.
