Processed Meat and Male Fertility: What a New Study Reveals

A recent study published in the Journal for Fertility & Sterility by researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has raised concerns about the impact of processed meat consumption on male fertility, particularly for men trying to conceive through in vitro fertilization (IVF). Here’s what the research suggests and how it might affect your fertility journey.

Key Findings: Processed Meat and Fertility

• Processed Meat: Men who consumed more than four servings of processed meat per week, such as bacon, sausages, and Spam, had a 28% lower chance of conceiving with IVF compared to men who ate less than 1.5 servings per week.
• Poultry: On the positive side, chicken consumption was linked to a 13% higher fertilisation rate in men in the highest quartile of poultry intake compared to those who ate the least.

The Study Design

The research involved 141 men who were undergoing IVF with their partners. These men were asked to complete dietary questionnaires regarding their consumption of both processed and unprocessed foods, and the effects on their fertilisation rates were tracked.

While the study found significant associations, it does not prove cause and effect. Other lifestyle factors, such as overall diet quality and health habits, could also play a role.

What Does This Mean for You?

The study suggests that processed meats like bacon, sausages, and other cured meats might negatively impact male fertility by reducing fertilisation success rates during IVF cycles. As a result, men trying to conceive could benefit from reducing processed meat consumption.

However, poultry appears to have a more positive impact, with higher intake associated with better fertility outcomes.

Expert Opinions: Diverging Views

• Dr. Natan Bar-Chama, director of male reproductive medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, suggests that reducing processed meat consumption should be added to the list of recommendations for improving fertility, such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Dr. Elizabeth Kavaler, a urology specialist, points out that men who consume chicken might also have other healthier habits that could be influencing their fertility outcomes. She advises caution in attributing these results solely to diet.

Conclusion

While the study does not definitively establish that processed meats cause infertility, the findings suggest that limiting processed meat consumption and opting for healthier alternatives like poultry could improve fertility outcomes, particularly for men undergoing fertility treatments like IVF.

For those struggling to conceive, it might be worth considering reducing processed meat intake and focusing on a balanced, healthy diet that supports overall reproductive health.