We often put work, family, and other priorities first, and our health usually comes last, until it starts taking a toll. Many of us don’t realise it, but daily habits can quietly affect our overall health, and sperm health is often the last thing on our minds. Late-night pizzas, too much coffee, skipped workouts, stress at work, and the occasional drink after hours, all of it adds up. Studies show that men’s sperm counts have dropped by over 50 per cent in the past 40 years, with lifestyle and diet as the main causes. Research from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) shows that these declines in sperm quality are linked not only to fertility issues but also to broader health risks, including hormonal imbalances, metabolic disorders, and heart problems.
If you’ve been feeling low on energy, struggling with fatigue, or thinking about future fertility, it might be time to pay attention to what’s happening ‘down there’.
Dr (Prof) Surveen Ghumman Sindhu, Senior Director and Head of IVF and Reproductive Medicine at Max Multi Speciality Centre, Panchsheel Park, explains, “Sperm health depends on a mix of lifestyle, medical, and genetic factors. Smoking, alcohol, high caffeine, obesity, poor diet, hormonal imbalances, infections, and even certain medications can all affect sperm quality. Sometimes, there is no clear reason, which we call idiopathic male infertility.”
Warning signs you shouldn’t ignore
- Difficulty conceiving: If a couple has been trying for over a year without success, male infertility could be the cause. WHO reports that 20–30 per cent of infertility cases are due solely to men, while another 20 per cent involve both partners.
- Pain or swelling in testes: Pain, tenderness, or swelling may indicate infections like prostatitis, epididymitis, or orchitis. “Trauma can also impact sperm production,” she adds.
- Low or absent ejaculate: Low ejaculate or complete absence could be due to blockages or retrograde ejaculation, where semen flows backwards into the bladder. This can be a major concern, and if not treated in time, it can lead to long-term fertility issues and make natural conception very difficult.
- Changes in colour or smell: Unusual colour or foul odour often signal genital tract infections, which can harm sperm quality.
- Medication or treatment history: Drugs such as antidepressants, blood pressure medications, anti-epileptics, immunosuppressants, and testosterone therapy may reduce sperm count. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy also have a significant impact on sperm health.
- Hormonal imbalances: Low testosterone can lead to hair loss, voice changes, enlarged breasts, low libido, and erectile dysfunction. As per the Endocrine Society, a hormonal imbalance can significantly reduce sperm production.
- Trauma, surgery, or steroid use: Dr Sindhu explains, injuries during childhood, undescended testicles, past testicle surgeries, or using anabolic steroids can all reduce sperm production.
Apart from these seven warning signs, Dr Sindhu explains that other factors include a family history of infertility and varicocele, which are enlarged veins in the scrotum that raise testicle temperature and can reduce sperm quality.
Testing and treatment options
The first step is a simple semen analysis performed by a trained professional. Dr Sindhu says, “Most conditions affecting sperm are reversible if detected early. For men who do not respond to treatment, assisted reproductive techniques like IVF can help couples conceive.”
She adds, “Pay attention to your lifestyle and seek medical advice early. Making small changes in your lifestyle today, like quitting smoking, reducing alcohol, improving diet, and managing stress, can make a big difference for your fertility tomorrow.”