Archive · 25 Jul 2026
World IVF Day: 10 Habits That Lower Sperm Count
World IVF Day highlights 10 habits that can lower sperm count in men.
These habits include smoking and tobacco consumption, excessive alcohol consumption, having belly fat, sitting for long hours, heat exposure, poor sleeping habits, chronic stress, eating processed foods, misusing gym supplements or steroids, and having underlying medical conditions.
These habits can affect sperm health and make it difficult for couples to conceive.
Dr. Aakil Khan, a consultant and urologist, explains that making small, healthy changes can significantly improve male reproductive health.
If a couple has been trying to conceive without success for a year or six months if the female partner is over 35, both partners should be evaluated for possible fertility issues.
Smoking and tobacco consumption lower sperm count and reduce sperm quality.
Excessive alcohol consumption causes hormonal imbalance and reduces sperm formation.
Belly fat alters hormone levels and increases scrotal temperature, impacting sperm production.
Sitting for long hours leads to weight gain and poor metabolic health, affecting reproductive wellness.
Heat exposure increases body heat, temporarily decreasing sperm volume and affecting their agility.
Poor sleeping habits struggle with spermatogenesis (sperm production).
Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, interfering with testosterone and healthy sperm development.
A diet full of processed foods increases oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Misuse of gym supplements or steroids reduces the body's natural testosterone production.
Underlying medical conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disorders can affect sperm health.
- Who
- Men trying to conceive with their partners
- What
- 10 habits that lower sperm count
- When
- World IVF Day
- Where
- Global
- Why
- To raise awareness about male infertility and the impact of lifestyle choices on sperm health
Healthy Lifestyle Advocates
Lifestyle Critics
Impact of Smoking and Tobacco
Healthy Lifestyle Advocates
Smoking and tobacco consumption significantly lower sperm count and reduce sperm quality.
Lifestyle Critics
The impact of occasional smoking and tobacco use on sperm health is minimal and overstated.
Effect of Alcohol Consumption
Healthy Lifestyle Advocates
Regular and heavy alcohol consumption causes hormonal imbalance and reduces sperm formation.
Lifestyle Critics
Moderate alcohol consumption does not significantly affect male fertility.
- Dr. Aakil Khan
- Consultant and Urologist at KIMS Hospitals, Thane
- Male Infertility
- Accounts for nearly half of all infertility cases
- Low Sperm Count
- Common concern for male fertility health
- Oxidative Stress
- Caused by smoking and tobacco consumption
- Hormonal Imbalance
- Caused by excessive alcohol consumption
- Scrotal Temperature
- Increased by belly fat and heat exposure
- Spermatogenesis
- Affected by poor sleeping habits
- Cortisol Levels
- Increased by chronic stress
- Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
- Caused by a diet full of processed foods
- Anabolic Steroids
- Reduce natural testosterone production