The missing piece in preconception care: men's health
Published: 14 August 2025
Article submitted by: Healthy Male (Opens in new tab)
From posters in waiting rooms to prenatal vitamin ads, reproductive health has long focused on mums-to-be. But there's growing awareness that men’s health really matters when it comes to starting a family.
Most men don’t realise that their preconception health can affect their fertility (Opens in new tab), their partner's pregnancy and their future child’s wellbeing. And many are unaware that the decisions they make — like whether they smoke, how much alcohol they drink and the quality of their diet — can directly influence their sperm quality and chances of conceiving.
Until recently, there’s been limited accessible, male-focused guidance about how to take action. That’s where Healthy Male’s Healthy Father, Healthy Future (Opens in new tab) comes in. Our new website and podcast are designed to start not only a personal shift, but a cultural one, encouraging men to think about their preconception health and take steps to improve it. Because being a good dad starts much earlier than most men think.
Dad Starts Now: podcast for dads-to-be
Dad Starts Now podcast (Opens in new tab) is a six-episode podcast tackling the tough questions, misconceptions and must-dos around male preconception health. With honest conversations from experts and real blokes who’ve been there, it helps men understand how their health impacts fertility and future family outcomes.
From navigating infertility and IVF to improving sperm health with lifestyle changes, the podcast arms men with the tools they need to get proactive and lets them know they’re not alone in the process.
Healthy Father Healthy Future: your go-to resource
The companion website Healthy Father Healthy Future (Opens in new tab) offers practical, evidence-based information covering what preconception health is, why it matters and what steps to take. You’ll find everything from sperm-friendly diet tips to a checklist of medical tests to discuss with your GP.
Why this matters now more than ever
Research shows:
- Men tend to overestimate their fertility and chances of natural conception
- More than half of men take no action to improve their preconception health
- Sperm health takes around three months to improve, so change needs to start early
What is the benefit?
The Healthy Father Healthy Future website and Dad Starts Now podcast empower men to:
- Understand their role in reproductive health
- Take action to boost fertility and support their partner
- Build healthy habits that benefit their entire family
- Get ahead of health conditions that may impact conception
- Feel supported in a process that’s often overlooked for men
Whether you’re planning your first baby, thinking about growing your family or simply want to keep your options open for the future, it’s never too early to prioritise your health.
Because a healthy father means a healthy future.
Last reviewed: October 2025