These Factors Are Impacting Fertility in Indian Men: Study Reveals

Researchers examined 278 men aged 21 to 50 attending fertility evaluations. Participants underwent semen analysis based on the latest World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, along with advanced tests to assess sperm DNA fragmentation-a key marker of genetic damage. The study also included a detailed lifestyle and hormone profile for each participant.

Nearly half of the men had abnormal semen parameters. Interestingly, while older age did not significantly reduce sperm volume or motility, men over 40 showed higher levels of DNA fragmentation. The data strongly linked poor lifestyle habits to sperm dysfunction. Tobacco and alcohol use were strongly associated with reduced sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. Additionally, alcohol was associated with higher sperm DNA fragmentation, and men working in high-heat environments had more DNA-damaged sperm. Both underweight and overweight men had lower semen quality compared to those with normal body weight.

The study also emphasized hormonal influences on fertility. Low testosterone and high prolactin levels were associated with poor semen profiles, while low anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels correlated with higher sperm DNA fragmentation. The authors suggest that AMH may serve as a promising biomarker for sperm health.

Although limited by its single-center design and lack of long-term follow-up, this study offers critical evidence supporting the role of lifestyle modification and hormone evaluation in improving male fertility outcomes.

Reference: Chamanmalik S.I., Nerli R.B., Umarane P. Lifestyle and hormonal factors affecting semen quality and sperm DNA integrity: A cross-sectional study. Oncoscience. 2025; 12:115-129. https://doi.org/10.18632/oncoscience.627