Understanding Male Fertility: What Really Impacts Sperm Health?
June is Men’s Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about health issues affecting men and encouraging early detection and treatment. While conversations around fertility often focus on women, male fertility plays a critical role in conception. In fact, male factors contribute to infertility in about one-third of all cases.
In honor of Men’s Health Month, we’re diving into what impacts sperm health—and what men can do to take charge of their reproductive health now and for the future.
What Makes Sperm “Healthy”?
Sperm health is typically measured by three main factors:
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Sperm Count: the number of sperm present in a semen sample.
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Motility: how well the sperm move (since they need to swim to reach the egg).
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Morphology: the shape and structure of the sperm.
A semen analysis—often one of the first tests ordered when a couple is experiencing fertility challenges—can provide insight into these parameters.
Illustration of the primary parameters a semen analysis measures
Factors That Affect Sperm Health
1. Age
While men don’t experience a sudden drop in fertility like women do, sperm quality can decline gradually with age. Older age is associated with decreased motility, higher rates of DNA fragmentation, and longer time to conception.
2. Lifestyle Choices
Certain habits can have a big impact on sperm health:
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Smoking has been shown to reduce sperm count and motility.
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Excessive alcohol can lower testosterone and affect sperm production.
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Recreational drug use, especially anabolic steroids and marijuana, can disrupt hormone levels.
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Heat exposure (from hot tubs, saunas, or even tight underwear) can reduce sperm production temporarily.
3. Diet and Weight
Poor nutrition and obesity are linked to lower testosterone levels and impaired sperm quality. Diets rich in antioxidants, vitamins (like C and E), and healthy fats may support better sperm health.
4. Environmental Factors
Exposure to environmental toxins like pesticides, heavy metals, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (often found in plastics) can negatively affect sperm production and quality.
5. Stress and Sleep
Chronic stress and sleep deprivation can interfere with hormone levels, including those needed for sperm production.
When Should You See a Fertility Specialist?
If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for 6–12 months without success (depending on age), it’s a good idea for both partners to undergo fertility testing. At Indiana Fertility Institute (IFI), we offer comprehensive male fertility evaluations—including semen analysis and hormonal testing—to help identify any underlying issues.
Early evaluation can also be helpful for:
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Men with a history of undescended testicles, mumps after puberty, or testicular trauma
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Men with known medical conditions such as diabetes or low testosterone
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Individuals planning to delay parenthood and interested in sperm preservation
The Good News: Male Fertility Is Often Treatable
Many cases of male infertility can be improved through lifestyle changes, medications, or procedures like intrauterine insemination (IUI) or IVF with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Even when sperm counts are very low, advanced reproductive technologies can often help couples conceive.
Take Control of Your Fertility Health
This Men’s Health Month, take a proactive step toward protecting your reproductive future. Whether you’re ready to start your family or simply want to understand your fertility status, we’re here to help.
Schedule a consultation with a fertility expert at Indiana Fertility Institute and get personalized guidance tailored to your goals.