UAE: Planning for a baby? Experts urge health screening for men before trying to conceive
Recent studies have suggested that the health of a father can significantly influence a child's wellbeing, prompting UAE experts to recommend basic health screening for men before planning a pregnancyDoctors across the country say the shift is long overdue. While fertility discussions have traditionally focused on women, evidence increasingly shows that a man’s health before conception can influence not only the chances of pregnancy but also birth outcomes and a child’s long-term health.According to Dr Patanjali Panduranga, Specialist Endocrinology at Aster Hospital, Qusais, a man’s health plays a critical role even before pregnancy begins. He explained that sperm carries more than DNA. “Sperm quality is influenced by epigenetic markers, which are chemical signals that affect how genes are expressed in the embryo,” he said. “A father’s age, weight, diet, smoking, alcohol use, stress levels and environmental exposures can all alter these markers, affecting fertility, early embryo development and pregnancy outcomes.”Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.Dr Ahmed Reda, Urology Consultant at Saudi German Hospital, added that male factors account for about 40 to 50 per cent of infertility cases. Poor sperm health has been linked to lower fertilisation rates, higher miscarriage risk, and pregnancy complications.'A shared journey' Doctors now encourage basic health screenings for men, particularly where risk factors exist. Tests may include blood pressure, body mass index, blood sugar levels, lipid profiles and nutritional assessments. Semen analysis is recommended if conception is delayed.Experts also stressed the need to challenge persistent misconceptions, including the belief that infertility is mainly a woman’s issue or that men have little role in pregnancy planning. “Conceiving a child is a shared journey,” said Dr Ramya Raj, Specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at International Modern Hospital Dubai. “When men are actively involved in preconception care, outcomes improve for both parents and children.”Experts agree that male preconception care should become a routine part of reproductive health, rather than an afterthought.Most important influence Lifestyle choices are among the most important and most modifiable influences on male fertility, doctors noted. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and recreational drug use are particularly harmful.Dr Panduranga noted that paternal smoking before conception increases the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, congenital heart defects and even childhood cancers. Exposure to environmental toxins such as pesticides and endocrine disrupting chemicals has also been associated with congenital abnormalities.Diet and sleep are equally important. Dr Raj said that poor nutrition and chronic sleep deprivation can disrupt hormonal balance and sperm production. Diets lacking omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and folate are linked to reduced sperm quality, while disrupted sleep and shift work can impair testosterone rhythms and increase sperm DNA damage.Chronic stress is another factor doctors are increasingly concerned about. High stress levels can suppress reproductive hormones and lead to unhealthy coping behaviours such as smoking or excessive drinking, further compounding fertility issues.When should men start preparing?Doctors recommend that men begin making health changes at least three to six months before trying to conceive. “Spermatogenesis takes roughly three months, meaning improvements during this period can directly enhance sperm quality,” said Dr. Reda.Key steps include quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising moderately, improving diet, managing stress and controlling chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. Avoiding excessive heat exposure from saunas, hot tubs or laptops placed on the lap is also advised.UAE birth rates fall as families cite rising costs, career, health concernsUAE: Promoting early marriage, boosting fertility among priorities for authorityAbu Dhabi launches newborn genetic screening to detect over 800 childhood conditions
Recent studies have suggested that the health of a father can significantly influence a child's wellbeing, prompting UAE experts to recommend basic health screening for men before planning a pregnancy
Doctors across the country say the shift is long overdue. While fertility discussions have traditionally focused on women, evidence increasingly shows that a man’s health before conception can influence not only the chances of pregnancy but also birth outcomes and a child’s long-term health.
According to Dr Patanjali Panduranga, Specialist Endocrinology at Aster Hospital, Qusais, a man’s health plays a critical role even before pregnancy begins. He explained that sperm carries more than DNA. “Sperm quality is influenced by epigenetic markers, which are chemical signals that affect how genes are expressed in the embryo,” he said. “A father’s age, weight, diet, smoking, alcohol use, stress levels and environmental exposures can all alter these markers, affecting fertility, early embryo development and pregnancy outcomes.”
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Dr Ahmed Reda, Urology Consultant at Saudi German Hospital, added that male factors account for about 40 to 50 per cent of infertility cases. Poor sperm health has been linked to lower fertilisation rates, higher miscarriage risk, and pregnancy complications.
'A shared journey'
Doctors now encourage basic health screenings for men, particularly where risk factors exist. Tests may include blood pressure, body mass index, blood sugar levels, lipid profiles and nutritional assessments. Semen analysis is recommended if conception is delayed.
Experts also stressed the need to challenge persistent misconceptions, including the belief that infertility is mainly a woman’s issue or that men have little role in pregnancy planning. “Conceiving a child is a shared journey,” said Dr Ramya Raj, Specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at International Modern Hospital Dubai. “When men are actively involved in preconception care, outcomes improve for both parents and children.”
Experts agree that male preconception care should become a routine part of reproductive health, rather than an afterthought.
Most important influence
Lifestyle choices are among the most important and most modifiable influences on male fertility, doctors noted. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and recreational drug use are particularly harmful.
Dr Panduranga noted that paternal smoking before conception increases the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, congenital heart defects and even childhood cancers. Exposure to environmental toxins such as pesticides and endocrine disrupting chemicals has also been associated with congenital abnormalities.
Diet and sleep are equally important. Dr Raj said that poor nutrition and chronic sleep deprivation can disrupt hormonal balance and sperm production. Diets lacking omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and folate are linked to reduced sperm quality, while disrupted sleep and shift work can impair testosterone rhythms and increase sperm DNA damage.
Chronic stress is another factor doctors are increasingly concerned about. High stress levels can suppress reproductive hormones and lead to unhealthy coping behaviours such as smoking or excessive drinking, further compounding fertility issues.
When should men start preparing?
Doctors recommend that men begin making health changes at least three to six months before trying to conceive. “Spermatogenesis takes roughly three months, meaning improvements during this period can directly enhance sperm quality,” said Dr. Reda.
Key steps include quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising moderately, improving diet, managing stress and controlling chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. Avoiding excessive heat exposure from saunas, hot tubs or laptops placed on the lap is also advised.
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