Understanding Causes, Lifestyle Changes, and Medical Options for Men Facing Infertility
Infertility isn’t just a women’s health issue — in fact, male-factor infertility is a contributing cause in up to 50% of cases. Whether you’re just beginning your fertility journey or considering treatment options, understanding male fertility is an essential part of the process.
The good news? Many causes of male infertility can be improved or even resolved with the right lifestyle changes or medical care.
Common Causes of Male Infertility
Male fertility is largely determined by the quality and quantity of sperm. If the sperm count is low, the movement (motility) is poor, or the shape (morphology) is abnormal, fertilization becomes more difficult. Common causes include:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum)
- Infections affecting the reproductive tract
- Ejaculation issues
- Genetic conditions
- Environmental toxins (chemicals, radiation, heat)
- Lifestyle factors like smoking, excessive alcohol use, or poor diet
Sometimes, no clear cause is identified — this is called unexplained male infertility.
Lifestyle Changes to Boost Fertility
Small changes can lead to big improvements in sperm health. Here are evidence-based steps men can take to support fertility:
- Maintain a healthy weight – Obesity can lower testosterone and affect sperm production
- Quit smoking – Tobacco has a well-established negative impact on sperm quality
- Limit alcohol – Excessive drinking can affect hormone levels and sperm function
- Avoid high heat – Prolonged heat exposure from hot tubs, saunas, or laptops can reduce sperm count
- Exercise regularly – Moderate physical activity boosts testosterone, but avoid overtraining
- Eat a balanced diet – Antioxidants like zinc, selenium, vitamin C, and folate support sperm health
- Reduce stress – Chronic stress can affect hormone regulation and sexual function
- Cut back on recreational drugs – Especially anabolic steroids and marijuana
When to Seek Help
Knowing when to consult a medical professional is key. You should consider seeking help if:
- You and your partner have been trying to conceive for 12 months (or 6 months if the female partner is over 35) without success
- You notice sexual dysfunction, such as difficulty with erection or ejaculation
- You have a history of testicular injury, undescended testicles, or urological surgeries
- You’ve experienced recurrent infections, hormonal imbalances, or significant stress
- You have a known family history of infertility or genetic conditions
Men can begin with a semen analysis, which evaluates sperm count, motility, and morphology. Based on results, a fertility specialist may recommend:
- Hormone therapy
- Surgical options (e.g., varicocele repair)
- Assisted reproductive technologies like IUI or IVF with ICSI
- Sperm retrieval techniques if ejaculation is not possible
You’re Not Alone
At Fertility Friends Foundation, we believe every fertility journey deserves understanding, compassion, and support — regardless of gender. If you’re struggling with male-factor infertility, remember: it’s common, it’s treatable, and it’s okay to ask for help.
Together, we’re creating a future where everyone has a chance to build the family they dream of.