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FSHR and Male Fertility: What Your Genotype Can Tell You

Infertility affects many men and can stem from a mix of lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors. One important genetic piece is the FSHR gene. FSHR encodes the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor, a protein on testicular cells that senses FSH. This hormone-receptor interaction helps drive sperm production and testicular health. Variations in FSHR can change how well receptors respond to FSH and may influence sperm count and overall fertility.

How FSHR Variants Work

Genetic differences at a specific location in the FSHR gene, called rs6165, are linked to differences in receptor sensitivity. The T allele is considered the effect allele and can reduce receptor responsiveness to FSH. The C allele is associated with more robust receptor signaling. Your rs6165 genotype—TT, CT, or CC—provides information about your relative genetic predisposition for FSH-related reproductive function, but it is only one piece of the fertility puzzle.

Practical Steps to Support Reproductive Health

Regardless of genotype, many lifestyle and nutritional steps support hormone balance and sperm quality. Below are evidence-informed, practical actions you can take daily to support testicular function and fertility.

  • Nutrition for hormones and sperm: Focus on zinc, selenium, vitamin D, and healthy fats. Foods high in these nutrients include oysters, shellfish, beef, eggs, Brazil nuts, fatty fish (salmon, sardines), fortified dairy, and mushrooms. Include plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables—berries, leafy greens, tomatoes, and citrus—to protect sperm from oxidative damage.
  • Healthy fats: Include monounsaturated and omega-3 fats from olive oil, avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish to support hormone synthesis and sperm membrane health.
  • Limit reproductive toxins: Avoid tobacco, reduce excessive alcohol, and limit exposure to certain plastics, pesticides, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Store food in glass or stainless steel when possible and avoid heating food in plastic containers.
  • Keep testes cool: Avoid frequent hot baths, hot tubs, saunas, and tight underwear or pants that raise scrotal temperature. Cooler temperatures support sperm production.
  • Exercise and body weight: Maintain regular moderate exercise and a healthy body weight. Extreme exercise or excessive weight can both impair fertility, so aim for balance.
  • Sleep and stress: Prioritize 7 to 8 hours of nightly sleep and use stress-management techniques like mindfulness, structured breathing, and regular social support. Chronic stress and poor sleep can disrupt hormone balance.
  • Consider targeted supplementation carefully: If dietary intake is inadequate, consider supplements such as zinc (when deficient), selenium (small doses), vitamin D if levels are low, and a general antioxidant formula targeted to male fertility. Discuss doses and interactions with your healthcare provider before starting supplements.

When to Seek Medical Evaluation

If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for 6 to 12 months without success, or you have known risk factors for infertility, medical evaluation can help identify treatable causes. Useful assessments may include a semen analysis, hormone testing including FSH, LH, testosterone, and prolactin, and a full reproductive health history. If FSHR-related concerns are suspected, hormone testing can clarify whether FSH signaling is impaired and guide next steps.

Testing and Next Steps

Genetic information like your rs6165 genotype can help personalize the conversation with your clinician but does not diagnose infertility on its own. If lab tests or clinical evaluation identify a hormonal or structural issue, treatments range from lifestyle and nutritional optimization to medical therapies or assisted reproductive technologies depending on the underlying cause.

Genetic Interpretation for rs6165 (FSHR)

2 effect alleles — TT genotype

You carry two copies of the T allele (TT). This genotype is associated with reduced FSH receptor sensitivity. Reduced receptor responsiveness can make FSH signaling less effective at stimulating sperm production, which may increase the risk of lower sperm count or reduced fertility compared with those who have more responsive receptors.

Recommendations

  • Focus on zinc, selenium, and vitamin D through foods such as oysters, eggs, Brazil nuts, fatty fish, and fortified dairy. Consider testing vitamin D levels and supplementing if low in consultation with your clinician.
  • Eat antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables daily to protect sperm from oxidative damage.
  • Include healthy fats from olive oil, avocados, nuts, and fatty fish to support hormone synthesis.
  • Avoid tobacco, limit alcohol, reduce exposure to plastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and keep testes cool by avoiding hot tubs and tight clothing.
  • Maintain moderate regular exercise, manage stress, and aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.
  • If you have fertility concerns, consider a medical evaluation including semen analysis and hormone testing such as FSH to assess receptor signaling indirectly and guide potential treatments.
1 effect allele — CT genotype

You carry one copy of the T allele and one copy of the C allele (CT). This genotype indicates an intermediate risk profile for FSH-related fertility. The T allele may decrease how effectively the receptor responds to FSH, but many people with CT have normal fertility. Your risk is between TT and CC carriers.

Recommendations

  • Support hormone synthesis with zinc, selenium, and vitamin D from foods like oysters, eggs, Brazil nuts, and fatty fish. Consider vitamin D testing if you have limited sun exposure.
  • Prioritize antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables and include healthy fats to support sperm membrane integrity and hormone production.
  • Avoid smoking and high exposure to plastics and chemical toxins. Limit excessive alcohol and avoid frequent high-heat exposures such as hot tubs.
  • Maintain a routine of moderate exercise, stress management, and consistent sleep of 7 to 8 hours per night.
  • If fertility concerns arise, hormone testing including FSH may provide clearer insight and should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
0 effect alleles — CC genotype

You carry two copies of the C allele (CC). This genotype is associated with more robust FSH receptor signaling and generally better testicular function. Your receptors typically respond well to FSH, which supports healthy sperm production and a lower genetic predisposition to FSH-related infertility compared with carriers of T alleles.

Recommendations

  • Continue a nutrient-rich diet with zinc, selenium, and vitamin D from sources such as oysters, eggs, Brazil nuts, and fatty fish to maintain optimal reproductive health.
  • Include antioxidant-rich produce and healthy fats, and maintain moderate exercise, good sleep, and stress management.
  • Avoid tobacco, limit alcohol, reduce exposure to plastics and heat stress on the testes, and seek medical evaluation if fertility issues occur despite these measures.

Final Notes and Disclaimer

PlexusDx provides educational information about genetic predispositions and wellness strategies. This content is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider to interpret genetic results in the context of your personal and family medical history, and before starting any new supplements, medications, or major lifestyle changes.