EP 325: The Importance of Sperm Health with Brianna Neufeld

 
 

Sperm Health Matters: Brianna Neufeld’s Mission to Change the Fertility Conversation

When Brianna Neufeld decided it was time to start trying to conceive, she, like many women, began researching all the ways she could optimize her fertility. She was familiar with the myriad of prenatal vitamins available for women, the ovulation trackers, the temperature charts, and all the advice around optimizing female fertility. But there was one thing missing—something she found to be glaringly absent from the conversation: supplements specifically for sperm health.

As a woman looking to conceive, Brianna was eager to take control of her own health, but she soon realized that the conversation around fertility was heavily skewed toward women. Meanwhile, men’s role in the process—particularly sperm health—was barely mentioned. But data shows that sperm health plays a vital role in a couple's ability to conceive, and that it can be significantly impacted by lifestyle and nutrition.

In fact, sperm health can change in as little as 72 days. That means, the sperm that are fertilizing an egg today were produced just a few months ago. In that short amount of time, sperm health can be dramatically influenced by diet, lifestyle changes, and the addition of specific nutrients. Knowing this, Brianna realized something crucial: if sperm health is that important to conception, it deserves more attention and support.

That’s when she had a lightbulb moment: why weren’t there supplements specifically designed for sperm health? Why was there such a focus on women’s health, while men’s fertility was largely neglected? It was this frustration that sparked the creation of Mate & Me, a company she co-founded to help couples navigate the fertility journey together—by providing supplements that support both partners’ fertility, and by making the process fun, accessible, and effective.

Why Sperm Health Matters More Than You Think

Before we dive into Mate & Me’s mission, let’s take a moment to talk about why sperm health is such a big deal when it comes to getting pregnant.

Sperm are responsible for fertilizing an egg, and poor sperm health can affect the ability to achieve pregnancy and influence pregnancy outcomes. If sperm quality is low, it can lead to difficulties in conception, or worse, to a miscarriage. The good news is that sperm quality can be improved with the right steps, such as dietary changes, lifestyle improvements, and most importantly, targeted supplementation.

Sperm health is influenced by several factors:

  • Sperm Count: The number of sperm available to fertilize an egg.

  • Sperm Motility: The ability of sperm to swim toward the egg.

  • Sperm Morphology: The shape and structure of sperm, which affects their ability to penetrate the egg.

  • DNA Integrity: Healthy sperm need well-structured DNA in order to produce healthy embryos and healthy babies.

Unfortunately, sperm can be negatively impacted by poor diet, stress, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, environmental toxins, and even frequent heat exposure (like sitting in hot tubs or using laptops on your lap). The good news is that, with a little TLC, these factors can be reversed.

Brianna Neufeld and the Birth of Mate & Me

Brianna Neufeld, like many women who are ready to start a family, began searching for a way to support her fertility—and that of her future partner’s. But after scouring the market, she found nothing that focused on sperm health in a targeted, effective way. The supplements available were either general “male fertility” vitamins that weren’t very specific or just women’s prenatals. Brianna couldn’t find any supplement brand that truly addressed the shared fertility journey that couples embark on.

Brianna realized this was a gap that needed filling. She began researching more about sperm health, fertility, and the 72-day sperm regeneration cycle. She learned that sperm health can be significantly impacted by the addition of specific vitamins and nutrients, such as vitamin C, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, folate, and vitamin E—to name a few. But it wasn’t just about targeting men’s health. Fertility, after all, is a team sport. Men and women both play important roles, and having both partners involved in the process seemed like a logical next step.

So, Brianna co-founded Mate & Me, a company designed to support both men and women on their journey to parenthood. The idea was simple: create a fun, easy, and supportive way for couples to take prenatal vitamins together—and give sperm the same level of care and attention that women’s health already received. And thus, Mate & Me was born: a brand that focuses on fertility and reproductive health for both partners.

How Mate & Me Makes Fertility Fun

Let’s be honest: fertility journeys aren’t always glamorous. From tracking ovulation cycles to trying to make the whole process feel “fun,” it can be stressful. But Mate & Me wanted to change that by creating a product that’s not just effective, but also enjoyable and accessible.

With Mate & Me, couples can take a shared approach to their fertility, with a specific focus on sperm health. The supplements are packed with all the nutrients that help improve sperm count, motility, and DNA integrity. They provide a safe and natural way to support both partners during the 72-day sperm regeneration cycle.

The supplements are designed to make it easier for both partners to take care of their fertility together. Rather than relying on one partner to remember to take pills, or sticking to a routine that feels burdensome, Mate & Me makes the process a shared experience—helping both partners stay committed to their health and the health of their future child.

Brianna and her team didn’t want to stop at just making a product that’s effective. They also wanted to make fertility fun. The brand’s sleek, modern design and catchy marketing campaigns are aimed at de-stigmatizing fertility struggles and helping couples feel more confident and positive about their journey.

Why It’s Time to Talk About Sperm Health

Let’s face it: sperm health is a topic that often gets overlooked. Society tends to focus on the woman’s role in conception, but it’s time we start recognizing the important role men play too. Men’s fertility health impacts not only conception but also the health of the child. Poor sperm health has been linked to a range of issues, from fertility challenges to an increased risk of genetic abnormalities.

In fact, studies have shown that sperm health impacts the baby’s health. For example, sperm that is damaged due to oxidative stress or poor DNA integrity can lead to chromosomal abnormalities, which can increase the risk of developmental disorders or even miscarriage. Healthy sperm is the first step in setting the stage for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

By focusing on sperm health, Mate & Me is helping couples take a more holistic approach to fertility. This isn’t just about getting pregnant—it’s about ensuring the health of the baby from the very beginning. The fact is that a healthy sperm count, motility, and DNA integrity can make all the difference.

Conclusion: Sperm Health is Teamwork

The fertility journey is one of teamwork, and Mate & Me is here to help couples along the way. Brianna Neufeld’s mission to make sperm health a priority has revolutionized how we think about preparing for conception. Through Mate & Me, couples now have a fun, simple, and effective way to boost both their fertility and their chances of a healthy baby.

So, the next time you’re considering starting a family, don’t forget to take a holistic approach to your fertility. Make sperm health a priority—after all, the journey to parenthood is one you’re taking together. Here's to a shared commitment to health, fertility, and a brighter future for your little one!