Habits That Harm Male Fertility and How to Avoid Them

September 19th, 2025 by Fuad Elkhoury

This problem is not often discussed, but it affects the entire life of a person and their family. Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Currently, it affects approximately 15% of couples worldwide. And the male factor is the cause of almost half of these cases. It should be noted that men’s health affects not only fertility. It also affects the duration and quality of a man’s life. In this article, you will learn the most important things about this problem. And most importantly, we will discuss how to avoid male infertility.

Features of Male Fertility

Unfortunately, fertility problems are very common these days. Male reproductive health is largely determined by the condition of the sperm. Experts evaluate several indicators: sperm volume, total sperm count, concentration, motility, and the percentage of normal sperm (morphology). Together, these factors help to assess the potential for conception.

The Main Male Infertility Symptoms

The most obvious sign of male infertility is difficulty conceiving a biological child. But it is also important to pay attention to the emotional sphere of the man. Many of them complain of depression, grief, feelings of inferiority, or even a sense of personal failure. These emotions are normal, but you should not give up. There is a way out. Seeking help from a psychotherapist or mental health specialist can make a big difference.

In some cases, infertility is associated with low testosterone production in the testicles. When the hormone level decreases, men may experience fatigue, erectile problems, mood swings, weight gain, or a general loss of motivation. If these symptoms seem familiar to you, consulting a urologist specializing in male infertility or a reproductive endocrinologist will help identify the problem and choose an effective treatment.

What Are the Causes of Male Infertility?

Let’s look at the most common causes of infertility in men.
Varicocele. This is a dilation of the veins draining the testicle, one of the most common and reversible causes of infertility. The exact mechanism by which varicocele affects fertility is not fully understood. But doctors believe that the problem is related to impaired blood flow. This results in a decrease in both the quantity and quality of sperm.

Infections. Some infections disrupt the process of sperm formation or maturation and can also leave scars that block their movement. It is worth mentioning inflammation of the epididymis (epididymitis) and orchitis, as well as STIs, including gonorrhea and HIV. In most cases, sperm can still be obtained, and the man has a chance of fathering a child. Unfortunately, sometimes the damage is irreversible.

Ejaculatory disorders. With retrograde ejaculation, sperm enter the bladder and not the outside. Causes may include diabetes, spinal cord injury, bladder or prostate surgery, and side effects of certain medications.
Antisperm antibodies. Sometimes the immune system mistakenly perceives sperm as an “enemy” and produces antibodies that attack sperm.

Tumors. Malignant and benign tumors can affect the reproductive organs or hormonal glands. Tumor treatments, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, often affect fertility.

Undescended testicles. If one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum in childhood, this increases the risk of decreased fertility in adulthood.

Hormonal imbalances. Low testosterone levels (hypogonadism) and dysfunction of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, or adrenal glands can significantly reduce the ability to conceive.

Obstruction of the vas deferens. Sperm can be blocked at different levels, including the testicle, epididymis, vas deferens, or urethra. Causes include congenital anomalies, scarring from surgery, injury, or infection.

Genetic disorders. Klinefelter syndrome, Kallmann syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and other hereditary diseases can interfere with the normal development of male reproductive organs.

Problems with sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, painful intercourse, as well as anatomical features or psychological factors, can interfere with conception.

Celiac disease. This is an autoimmune disease caused by gluten intolerance. It can reduce male fertility. A gluten-free diet often improves the results.

Medications. Long-term use of anabolic steroids, testosterone replacement therapy, and certain cancer, ulcer, and arthritis medications can reduce sperm production.

Previous surgeries. Vasectomy, testicular, prostate, or intestinal surgery can sometimes cause a lack of sperm in the ejaculate.

Industrial chemicals. Long-term exposure to pesticides, solvents, or dyes can lead to a reduction in sperm count.

Heavy metals. Exposure to lead and other metals has also been linked to infertility.

Radiation. Radiation and X-rays reduce sperm production. At high doses, recovery may not be possible.

Overheating. Frequent use of saunas or hot tubs temporarily reduces sperm production. Sitting for long periods, wearing tight clothing, and holding laptops on your lap can also increase scrotal temperature.

Drugs and steroids. Anabolics cause testicular shrinkage and decreased spermatogenesis. Cocaine and marijuana also temporarily impair these parameters.

Alcohol. Excessive use lowers testosterone levels, impairs erections, and reduces sperm production.

Smoking. Smokers have lower sperm counts and quality; passive smoking is also harmful.
Obesity. Excess weight disrupts hormonal balance, which can reduce sperm count and quality.

How to Maintain Male Health?

Healthy fertility is important not only for family planning but also for well-being and longevity. It is essential to regularly consult a doctor to monitor your condition, as well as adopt a lifestyle that promotes male health. High-quality nutrition and regular exercise are important. If possible, you should give up bad habits that have a detrimental effect on male fertility. Let’s consider how to maintain a high level of male fertility in more detail.

Nutrition for Fertility

Nutrition has a direct impact on sperm health. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, nuts, and antioxidants will protect sperm from free radical damage. Want to know a couple things to avoid? Consuming excessive amounts of sugar, fatty foods, red meat, and soy can all negatively impact fertility. Replace heavy meats with lean sources of protein. For example, eating fish can help improve sperm production.

Avoid Bad Habits

Lifestyle choices matter. Smoking and drinking alcohol lower testosterone levels and impair sperm quality. Drug use is extremely harmful to men’s health. Illicit drugs such as cocaine or heroin can reduce fertility, and cannabis use can disrupt hormones and increase the number of abnormal sperm. Avoiding these substances can significantly improve reproductive potential.

Exercise and Weight Management

Regular physical activity has been linked to better sperm motility and overall sperm quality. Stay active to maintain a healthy body mass index. Obesity is associated with low sperm count and poor sperm quality.

The Role of Sleep

Insufficient or excessive sleep can negatively impact fertility. Ideally, men should aim for 7 to 7.5 hours of sleep each night. A consistent sleep schedule is also important. Shift work and irregular schedules can disrupt hormonal balance and lower sperm count.

When to Seek Medical Care

If conception has not occurred after a year of trying (or after six months if the man is over 35), it is important to see a specialist. A medical evaluation is especially important for men with a history of testicular or prostate disease, sexual dysfunction, a family history of infertility, or those who have undergone cancer treatment. A semen analysis is usually the first step in identifying factors that contribute to infertility. If you have encountered this disease, the main thing is not to postpone a visit to a male fertility specialist. We look forward to meeting you for a consultation!