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HSPA1L and Male Fertility: What Your Genetic Result Means

Infertility affects many men and can be influenced by genetic and environmental factors that damage sperm quality. The HSPA1L gene makes a protein in the heat shock protein 70 family, commonly called HSP70. HSP70 helps protect sperm from heat and oxidative stress. Variations in HSPA1L can change how well this protective system works. This article explains how different genotypes at rs2227956 relate to sperm health and offers practical lifestyle, diet, and supplement suggestions to support fertility.

How HSP70 Protects Sperm

HSP70 is a cellular chaperone that helps proteins fold properly, prevents harmful protein clumping, and supports recovery after stress. In sperm, HSP70 helps withstand heat and oxidative damage. If HSP70 function is reduced, sperm may be more vulnerable to insults that lower count, motility, and overall quality.

Everyday Factors That Increase Sperm Risk

  • Heat exposure to the testes: hot tubs, laptops on the lap, tight underwear, long or intense cycling sessions
  • Oxidative stress from smoking, high environmental toxin exposure, or poor diet
  • Poor sleep, unmanaged stress, and extremes of physical activity
  • Diets low in antioxidants and essential nutrients
2 effect alleles (GG) - higher risk

Your result: GG. Carrying two copies of the effect allele is associated with a 2 to 3 times increased risk of male infertility compared to typical risk. This genotype is linked to reduced HSP70 function, which can make sperm more vulnerable to heat and oxidative stress. Potential effects include decreased sperm count, poorer motility, and lower overall sperm quality.

Practical steps to support sperm health

  • Avoid direct heat to the testes: skip hot tubs, avoid placing laptops on your lap, choose looser underwear, and limit prolonged cycling with a narrow saddle.
  • Follow an antioxidant-rich diet: eat berries, leafy greens, citrus fruits, nuts, and drink green tea.
  • Consider targeted supplements if appropriate: N-Acetyl Cysteine, vitamin C, vitamin E, Coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine, and zinc. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing and safety.
  • Eliminate smoking and reduce exposure to environmental toxins such as pesticides, solvents, and heavy metals.
  • Manage stress with regular relaxation practices, prioritize 7 to 9 hours of sleep, and keep exercise moderate and consistent.
  • Choose organic whole foods where feasible and ensure adequate B-complex intake to support DNA integrity, especially if other genetic risk factors are present.
  • Consider baseline and follow-up testing with your clinician: semen analysis, hormone panel, and relevant nutrient levels can guide targeted interventions.
1 effect allele (AG) - moderate risk

Your result: AG. Carrying one copy of the effect allele is associated with a somewhat decreased HSP70 function and about a 2-fold increased risk of male infertility versus those without the effect allele. This may make sperm somewhat more susceptible to environmental stressors that influence count, motility, and quality.

Practical steps to support sperm health

  • Reduce heat exposure: avoid hot tubs, do not place laptops on your lap, wear looser underwear, and be mindful of long cycling sessions.
  • Boost dietary antioxidants: increase intake of berries, leafy greens, citrus fruits, nuts, and green tea.
  • Supplements to discuss with your provider: N-Acetyl Cysteine, vitamin C, vitamin E, Coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine, and zinc.
  • Avoid smoking and limit exposure to known toxins.
  • Prioritize sleep, maintain stress management routines, and keep exercise moderate to support hormonal balance and recovery.
  • Focus on organic whole foods and adequate B-complex vitamins if there are other concerns about DNA integrity.
  • Consider screening tests like semen analysis and nutrient panels with your healthcare provider to monitor progress.
0 effect alleles (AA) - typical risk

Your result: AA. This is the typical genotype associated with normal HSP70 function and standard fertility risk related to this specific variant. Your HSPA1L gene likely provides effective protection against heat and oxidative stress under usual conditions.

Practical steps to maintain and optimize sperm health

  • Continue to avoid excessive testicular heat: limit time in hot tubs, do not place laptops on the lap, and select comfortable underwear.
  • Keep a diet rich in antioxidants: berries, leafy greens, and other colorful fruits and vegetables.
  • Minimize smoking and toxin exposure, manage stress, get good sleep, and stay active with moderate exercise.
  • Consider a balanced multivitamin or B-complex if dietary intake is inconsistent, and speak to a clinician about any additional supplements if concerns arise.
  • If there are fertility concerns despite this favorable genotype, consult a healthcare provider for a full evaluation, including semen analysis and other relevant tests.

Diet and Supplement Recommendations

An antioxidant-forward approach supports sperm health for all genotypes. Aim for a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, lean proteins, and whole grains. Specific nutrients commonly recommended to support sperm quality include:

  • N-Acetyl Cysteine to help replenish glutathione, a key antioxidant
  • Vitamin C and vitamin E as antioxidants that protect sperm membranes and DNA
  • Coenzyme Q10 for mitochondrial support and motility
  • L-carnitine for energy metabolism in sperm cells
  • Zinc to support testosterone production and sperm development
  • B-complex vitamins to support DNA synthesis and repair

Before starting supplements, review potential interactions and appropriate dosing with your healthcare provider, especially if you take medications or have medical conditions.

Lifestyle Habits That Matter

  • Heat management: avoid sustained testicular heat and reduce exposure to environments that raise scrotal temperature.
  • Toxin avoidance: minimize smoking and occupational or environmental exposure to pesticides, solvents, and heavy metals.
  • Sleep and stress: prioritize regular sleep and stress reduction techniques such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, or counseling.
  • Exercise: aim for regular moderate exercise. Avoid excessive endurance training without proper recovery.
  • Nutrition: favor whole, minimally processed foods and consider organic produce when possible to reduce pesticide exposure.

When to Talk to a Healthcare Provider

  • If you are actively trying to conceive and have not succeeded after a reasonable period, see a clinician for evaluation.
  • If semen analysis shows low count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology, follow up with reproductive or urologic specialists.
  • Before starting supplements, especially if you have health conditions or take medications.
  • To arrange baseline testing like semen analysis, hormone testing, or nutrient level checks to guide personalized care.

Important disclaimer: PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. This article is educational and focuses on genetic predispositions and lifestyle considerations. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medical care, supplements, or treatment plan.