Male Fertility May Be Negatively Impacted by These 3 Lifestyle Factors

We know that it takes two to tango—and an egg and sperm to create an embryo. But did you know that male fertility is just as important as female fertility in creating a healthy, high-quality embryo?

Conception is 50% egg and 50% sperm. And yet, research shows that male fertility is declining.

Global Sperm Counts Are Falling

A series of meta-analysis studies conducted in 2017 and 2022 found that sperm concentration and total sperm count have significantly declined over the last five decades.

• In 1973: average sperm count was 101 million/ml

• In 2018: it had dropped to 49 million/ml

Poor sperm count, low motility, and abnormal morphology all contribute to reduced sperm quality and male infertility.

While some causes are medical—like varicocele, genital tract infections, HPV, or hypogonadism—it's now widely accepted that lifestyle and environmental factors have a huge impact.

Let’s take a closer look at three key lifestyle factors that may negatively affect male fertility.

1. Obesity

Obesity among men of reproductive age in Australia has almost tripled since the 1970s. A 2023 literature review found that obesity can lead to:

• Lower sperm concentration

• Reduced motility and morphology

• Poorer sperm DNA integrity

• Increased oxidative stress

💡 Sperm DNA damage is linked to miscarriage and poor IVF outcomes. One study found that male obesity was associated with lower pregnancy rates and live birth rates in IVF cycles (Pojer, 2023).

The good news: Sperm count and semen quality improved significantly in men who lost weight and maintained it.

2. Heat Exposure

The optimal scrotal temperature is around 34°C. Sperm production (spermatogenesis) is temperature-sensitive, and even small increases can affect it.

Consider this:

• Wearing tight underwear can increase scrotal temperature by 1°C

• Placing a laptop on your lap can raise temperature by 2.8°C

A 2022 study found that sperm motility was reduced in men who:

• Slept or worked in warm rooms

• Wore tight-fitting underwear while sleeping

• Used electric blankets

• Sat for extended periods (6+ hours a day)

Another study showed that sauna use significantly reduced sperm count and motility—but these effects were reversible within 6 months.

👉 Men are encouraged to avoid scrotal heat exposure for at least 3 months before and during conception efforts. This includes:

• Long periods of sitting

• Tight pants and bike shorts

• Hot baths, saunas, and spas

• Laptops placed directly on the lap

3. Smoking and Vaping

It’s well established that tobacco smoking reduces male fertility. Studies show that it negatively affects:

• Semen volume

• Sperm density

• Motility and viability

• Normal morphology

Smoking also impairs sperm maturation, damages spermatozoa function, and increases the risk of IVF failure.

Vaping is still relatively new, and the research is developing. However:

• E-cigarettes contain over 80 compounds, many of which release harmful toxins when heated

• A human study showed that nicotine-free vape flavours (e.g. cinnamon, bubblegum) still reduced sperm motility

• Animal studies found morphological abnormalities, low testicular weight, and increased cell death in male rats exposed to vape vapours

Researchers believe the metal particles in E-cigarette vapour—such as lead, nickel, chromium, zinc, and silica—may harm sperm similarly to environmental toxin exposure.

📌 Sperm quality improves after quitting smoking. Sperm take approximately 90 days to mature, so even short-term changes can yield long-term benefits.

Supporting Male Fertility Naturally

There’s a window of opportunity—3 months prior to conception—where lifestyle changes can make a big difference.

To support sperm health:

• Eat a nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory diet

• Minimise toxin exposure

• Get regular movement

• Prioritise sleep and stress management

At Sydney Natural Fertility, we support male fertility using Traditional Chinese Medicine, including acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. We also offer lifestyle guidance and supplement advice tailored to your needs.

Final Thoughts

If you or your partner are trying to conceive, it's important to remember:
Male fertility matters.

Understanding and addressing key lifestyle factors like obesity, heat exposure, and smoking/vaping can significantly improve sperm quality—and improve the chances of conception and a healthy pregnancy.

Reference

Pojer, O. (2023). Integrative Treatment of Male Infertility with Chinese Medicine. Singing Dragon.