Getting pregnant is one of the most difficult human endeavors. A doctor has highlighted an often forgotten fact: how much sperm quality affects pregnancy.
Dr. Marcia Schaefer, a chiropractor, went viral after sharing information at a conference, emphasizing that a man's health plays a key role in pregnancy, from complications like pre-eclampsia (PE for short, is a disease that only occurs during pregnancy) and morning sickness, to the construction of the placenta.
Sperm and its impact on pregnancy:
Dr. Schaefer explains that sperm tests aren't very strict — they call a sperm "okay" even if it's "weaker" than 95% of other men. So a man can test "okay" but still have low-quality sperm.
@icpa4kids Many parents do not realize the vast impact that dad's contribution has on pregnancy and beyond. From conception, to preeclampsia, to morning sickness and beyond, half of the epigenetic expression of the child comes from the male! Follow @Dr.Marcia Schaefer for more on preconception! Clip from @Mile High Chiro ? original sound - ICPA, Inc.
She says that sperm quality affects not only the chance of getting pregnant, but also the health of the pregnancy and the child, because half of the genetic information comes from the father. This is a very important part that is often overlooked.
Pregnancy complications are often related to the man's health:
Dr. Schaefer claims that problems like pre-eclampsia, first-trimester miscarriages, and even morning sickness are often linked to the man, not the woman. "He builds the placenta," she says, emphasizing that this is a full partnership, not just the woman's responsibility.
People's reactions:
Online comments showed great surprise. Some women shared their experiences, saying they now have evidence to blame men for problems during pregnancy. Others were disappointed that this information is not more widely available and expressed the need for more awareness and education.
Why is this information hidden:
According to Dr. Schaefer, the healthcare system is built to treat only women when fertility challenges arise, leaving men out of the conversation. She adds that there is a financial interest in focusing treatment on women, as the fertility industry is a very lucrative market.
The importance of a shared approach:
When couples realize that fertility is not just one partner's problem, but a shared journey, that's when true transformation happens. Dr. Schaefer says many men are initially skeptical, but once they understand the impact it has on the health of their future children, they start taking action.
Call for change:
Dr. Schaefer emphasizes that there needs to be a fundamental shift in the way doctors and the public are educated. The information exists in research, but it is not being implemented in practice. Education, social media, and opening up discussions are key to bringing about real change that helps future generations.
Essentially, this article points out an often-ignored truth: the health of the man is just as important as the woman's in any pregnancy. And for a healthy pregnancy, it's not enough to just take care of the mother - it all starts with the quality of the father's sperm.
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Source: BuzzFeed
