Male infertility contributes to about half of couples' conception difficulties, and genes including CFTR, the androgen receptor (AR), Y-chromosome AZF regions, and MTHFR all play a role. This guide explains the key genetic factors in sperm health and the practical, evidence-based steps that support fertility.

DHEAS is the body's most abundant steroid hormone and a precursor to testosterone and estrogen. Genes including SULT2A1 and CYP17A1 shape how much you make and store. Learn how genetic factors influence DHEAS, reproductive health, and what pathway-level insight from PlexusDx can reveal.

FSH levels are partly genetic: the FSHB promoter variant rs10835638 sets how much FSH you make, while the FSHR variant Ser680Asn changes how sensitively your body responds. These named variants shape fertility and menstrual biology. Learn how they work and how pathway-level genetic insight adds context.

Pregnenolone is the first steroid hormone your body makes from cholesterol and the shared precursor to cortisol, testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone. Genes such as StAR, CYP11A1, and CYP21A2 influence how efficiently you produce it, shaping reproductive and sexual health. Learn what genetic insight can and cannot tell you.

DHT is the most potent male androgen, and how much you make and how strongly you respond to it are shaped by genes like SRD5A2 and the androgen receptor gene AR. This article explains DHT's role in male sexual health, the genetic factors behind imbalance, and how pathway-level insight adds context.

Estradiol balance depends on genes like CYP19A1 (aromatase) and COMT (estrogen clearance) working alongside lifestyle factors such as body composition, exercise, and alcohol. Learn how DNA sets your baseline, which natural levers move it, and how pathway-level genetic insight adds context for a provider conversation.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) affects many older men, causing urinary symptoms driven by DHT and the prostate’s androgen pathway. Genetics accounts for about 40% of BPH risk, with genes like SRD5A2 and AR involved. This guide covers the hormonal biology, risk factors, and provider-led evaluation.

Luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers ovulation, sustains the menstrual cycle, and drives testosterone production. This article explains the brain-pituitary-gonad axis and how genes like LHB, LHCGR, and GNRHR shape LH signaling, plus what pathway-level genetic insight can and cannot tell you about fertility.

ESR1 encodes estrogen receptor alpha, and its common variants rs2234693 (PvuII) and rs9340799 (XbaI) are associated in research with bone mineral density, cardiovascular tendencies, and reproductive timing. Learn what these estrogen-receptor variants mean, why associations are not diagnoses, and where pathway-level genetic insight fits.

Genetics contributes to up to half of male-factor fertility cases. Learn how Y-chromosome AZF microdeletions, CFTR variants linked to CBAVD, and MTHFR-related folate metabolism can affect sperm count and quality — plus the lifestyle factors and specialist evaluation that guide next steps toward improving fertility.

Estradiol is essential to male libido, erectile function, and sperm production — and genes like CYP19A1 (aromatase), COMT, and ESR1 shape how you produce and clear it. Learn how estrogen balance works in men, what pushes it off, and how genetic insight adds context to your bloodwork and provider conversation.

Genital herpes susceptibility is shaped partly by immune genes — including HLA-B, TLR3, and IFNL3 variants that govern how the body detects and controls HSV. This article explains the antiviral pathways involved, why exposure affects people differently, and how pathway-level genetic context supports informed provider conversations.