In recent years, male infertility has become a growing public health issue. Studies reveal a steady decline in sperm count and quality across the globe. Once thought to be primarily a women’s issue, medical experts now confirm that male factors contribute to nearly half of all infertility cases.
Dr. Srinath, a consultant urologist at Asha Hospital and Research Centre in Bengaluru, attributes this concerning trend to a mix of lifestyle choices, environmental factors, and medical conditions.
What’s Behind the Decline in Male Fertility?
Male infertility is often linked to issues with sperm production, movement, or function. Experts highlight several key factors driving this decline:
Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
Poor diet and obesity are significant contributors, with diets high in processed foods and unhealthy fats combined with a lack of exercise leading to hormonal imbalances that affect sperm production. Smoking and alcohol also play a role, as they damage sperm DNA, lower sperm count, and reduce sperm motility. Prolonged exposure to toxins such as pesticides, plastics (including BPA), heavy metals, and air pollution has been shown to decrease sperm quality. Heat and radiation from frequent use of saunas, hot baths, and placing laptops on the lap raise testicular temperature, impairing sperm function. Chronic stress disrupts hormonal balance, while poor sleep reduces testosterone levels, resulting in lower sperm production.
Medical and Genetic Causes
Varicocele, a condition affecting about 40% of infertile men, involves swollen veins in the scrotum that increase testicular temperature, damaging sperm health. Hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone, thyroid issues, or dysfunction in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, can hinder sperm production. Infections like mumps, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and tuberculosis can damage reproductive organs or block sperm pathways. Genetic conditions, including Klinefelter syndrome or Y chromosome microdeletions, can lead to low or absent sperm production.
Why Is Male Infertility Increasing?
Dr. Shailendra Kumar Goel, director of urology at Fortis Hospital in Noida, points to modern lifestyle changes and environmental degradation as key reasons for the rising cases of male infertility.
Delayed parenthood is one contributing factor, as more men choose to start families later in life. However, sperm quality naturally declines with age, increasing the risk of infertility. Work-related stress, long work hours, and urban pressures contribute to hormonal disruptions that negatively affect reproductive health. Exposure to airborne toxins, pesticide residues in food, and harmful chemicals in plastics has been linked to sperm damage. The growing use of mobile phones and prolonged exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMF) are also being studied for their potential role in sperm deterioration.
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