Uploaded February 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Emerging data from the last decade has shed light on the fact that men with unhealthy lifestyles and chronic uncontrolled medical conditions can have pass on genes to the placenta of future pregnancies that have been altered by these exposures and therefore can influence placental function - this can lead to downstream pregnancy and health risks for the future child.
For example, men with chronic issues like cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes and even depression can increase the risk of preeclampsia, preterm birth, low birth weight— these all stem from placental issues! Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors can lead to DNA fragmentation which can also contribute to infertility, miscarriage and health issues.
The good news is that there is room for improvement. Men make new sperm cells every 3 months and taking measures like healthy diet, exercise, avoiding smoking and excessive drinking, avoiding prolonged heat exposure, avoiding and diagnosing/treating STIs early, and minimizing exposure to toxins can go a long way!
Emerging data from the last decade has shed light on the fact that men with unhealthy lifestyles and chronic uncontrolled medical conditions can have pass on genes to the placenta of future pregnancies that have been altered by these exposures and therefore can influence placental function - this can lead to downstream pregnancy and health risks for the future child.
For example, men with chronic issues like cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes and even depression can increase the risk of preeclampsia, preterm birth, low birth weight— these all stem from placental issues! Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors can lead to DNA fragmentation which can also contribute to infertility, miscarriage and health issues.
The good news is that there is room for improvement. Men make new sperm cells every 3 months and taking measures like healthy diet, exercise, avoiding smoking and excessive drinking, avoiding prolonged heat exposure, avoiding and diagnosing/treating STIs early, and minimizing exposure to toxins can go a long way!
