Male Fertility & Sperm Health: Causes, Motility Issues & Lifestyle Tips

Understanding Male Fertility

Male fertility plays a crucial role in conception, contributing to 40-50% of infertility cases worldwide. Sperm health is influenced by count, motility (movement), and morphology (shape), all of which affect the chances of fertilisation.

While some men naturally have higher fertility levels, others may face low sperm count, poor motility, or DNA fragmentation, which can impact conception. The good news? Many factors affecting sperm health are modifiable, and lifestyle changes or medical treatment can improve fertility outcomes.

Common Causes of Male Fertility Issues

1. Low Sperm Count 

A healthy sperm count is considered 15 million sperm per millilitre or higher 
Low sperm count can result from:

• Hormonal imbalances (low testosterone, high oestrogen)
• Testicular conditions (varicocele, infections)
• Genetic disorders (Klinefelter syndrome)
• Environmental toxins (pesticides, heavy metals)

2. Poor Sperm Motility 

Sperm must swim efficiently to reach and fertilise an egg.
Poor motility can be caused by:

• Oxidative stress & inflammation
• Excessive heat exposure (tight underwear, frequent hot baths)
• Lifestyle factors (smoking, obesity, excessive alcohol)

3. Abnormal Sperm Morphology 

Ideally, at least 4% of sperm should have a normal shape 

Abnormal sperm can struggle to penetrate the egg, reducing conception chances.
Causes include:

• Genetic factors
• Testicular damage
• Poor diet & nutrient deficiencies

4. Medical Conditions Affecting Male Fertility

• Varicocele – Enlarged veins in the scrotum, affecting sperm quality.
• Erectile dysfunction – Can be linked to hormonal or vascular issues.
• STIs & infections – Can cause blockages or inflammation.
• Chronic health issues – Diabetes, thyroid disorders, and hypertension can reduce sperm production.

How Lifestyle Affects Sperm Health

Nutrition & Diet for Sperm Health

• Increase zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and folate intake (found in nuts, seeds, leafy greens).
• Eat antioxidant-rich foods (berries, tomatoes, dark chocolate) to reduce sperm DNA damage.
• Avoid processed foods, trans fats, and excessive sugar, which can lower sperm count.

Exercise & Weight Management

• Regular exercise improves testosterone levels and boosts sperm quality.
• Avoid excessive cycling or high-impact sports that increase testicular heat.

Reduce Alcohol, Smoking & Drug Use

• Smoking reduces sperm count by up to 23%.
• Excessive alcohol disrupts hormones and damages sperm DNA.
• Recreational drugs (anabolic steroids, marijuana) can lower sperm production.

Minimise Heat & Environmental Toxins

• Avoid frequent hot tubs, saunas, and laptop use on the lap.
• Reduce exposure to pesticides, plastics (BPA), and heavy metals.

Male Fertility Testing & Treatment Options

If you’ve been trying to conceive without success, a semen analysis can assess:

• Sperm count, motility & morphology
• Semen volume & pH levels
• Presence of infection or abnormalities

Based on the results, Dr. Ajita Basu may recommend:

• Lifestyle modifications & supplements
• Hormone therapy or medication
• Surgical intervention (if varicocele or blockages are present)
• Assisted reproduction techniques (IVF, ICSI)

Take Control of Your Fertility

Improving male fertility and sperm health starts with small, effective changes. Whether you’re planning a baby now or in the future, early assessment and expert guidance can optimise your reproductive potential.