Ashton Pienaar, a former cast member on Bravo’s “Below Deck” and current “health consultant” on Instagram, injects himself twice weekly with peptides in an effort to improve his sperm quality, according to a report published by The Cut on February 20, 2026.
The 36-year-old Pienaar’s regimen extends beyond the injections, encompassing a daily intake of over 21 supplements, avoidance of household products containing endocrine disruptors, and the consumption of pineapple juice – touted online for its potential to enhance semen quality and sperm motility. He also utilizes specialized underwear equipped with a pouch for an ice pack, designed to cool his testicles during work hours.
Pienaar’s efforts reflect a growing trend among men focused on optimizing their reproductive health, a phenomenon highlighted by a viral video earlier this year in which a man asserted that prospective fathers should dedicate nine months to peak physical conditioning prior to conception. Social media platforms, particularly Instagram, have seen influencers suggesting that male health significantly impacts miscarriage rates and advocating for rigorous lifestyle changes for expectant fathers, according to The Cut.
This preoccupation with sperm quality is not limited to individual self-improvement. The report notes instances of women using at-home microscopes to assess their partners’ semen, and online communities where men share strategies like avoiding hot showers and exploring traditional Chinese medicine. A recent event in Los Angeles, described as “the world’s first live sperm race,” purportedly aimed to raise awareness about declining male fertility.
According to Courrier International, approximately one in eight couples experience difficulty conceiving, with male factors contributing to over half of these cases. However, the publication cautions that discussions surrounding male fertility are increasingly influenced by “masculinists” who disseminate inaccurate or potentially harmful information.
Ashton Pienaar also shares wellness tips on LinkedIn, including research on the impact of sleep disruption on hormone levels and fat loss. A 2013 study cited by Pienaar found that interrupted sleep led to reduced levels of glucagon-like peptide 1 and decreased feelings of fullness, potentially hindering weight loss efforts. He also highlights research from 1997 demonstrating that sleep deprivation elevates cortisol levels, a stress hormone.
Pienaar’s Facebook page, “Ashton Pienaar: The Sober Health Coach,” promotes online nutrition, fitness, and mindset coaching.
