How lifestyle and environmental factors affect male fertility

According to a report published by the World Health Organization WHO in 2023 around 175 per cent adult population 1 in 6 people suffer from infertility worldwide While the conversations around female infertility are gradually increasing many people still dont talk openly about male infertility because of social stigma and misconceptionsDeclining sperm count is a major factor that affects male fertilityFactors affecting sperm healthA lack of physical activity unhealthy lifestyle changes poor dietary habits stress environmental pollutants addictions among other factors can impact sperm health Toxic substances in the environment also play a roleDr Ankita Kaushal Consultant Fertility amp IVF Specialist Motherhood Fertility amp IVF Kharghar Navi Mumbai informs ldquoCurrently not only females but males too are experiencing fertilityrelated issues There is a distressing decline in sperm count among men aged 2540 due to factors such as environmental pollution poor diet inclusive of processed foods sedentary lifestyles involving the absence of physical activity prolonged sitting and stress because of personal or professional reasonsrdquoFurther explaining the causes Dr Sulbha Arora Clinical Director at Nova IVF Fertility Mumbai says ldquoConsumption of fast food and processed snacks can lead to obesity and expose the body to harmful chemicals that reduce sperm production Environmental pollutants such as phthalates and bisphenolA BPA disrupt hormone levels and degrade sperm quality Stress increases cortisol levels negatively impacting testosterone production and sperm healthTips to improve sperm healthCertain lifestyle changes can improve sperm health and reduce fertility issues in malesldquoIt is necessary to adhere to a healthy diet regular exercise stress management techniques such as meditation and minimise exposure to chemicals Maintaining a healthy weight and cutting down on alcohol and tobacco use can also help in improving sperm quality and quantity For tailormade treatment options visit a fertility consultant who will conduct tests and come up with tailored recommendations based on onersquos requirementsrdquo suggests Dr KaushalDr Arora further suggests that to improve sperm health men should include a nutrientrich diet with antioxidants and healthy fats ldquoConsuming green leafy vegetables whole grains legumes lentils soybeans eggs bananas walnuts tomatoes and pumpkin seeds is beneficialrdquo she saysldquoMaintaining an optimal BMI 2025 kgm2 and ensuring adequate sleep of 89 hours daily can significantly improve sperm countrdquo she further informs adding ldquoOne should consult fertility specialists for guidancerdquoDisclaimer This is for informational purposes only and doe snot replace professional medical advice Kindly consult a qualified medical expert for personalised guidanceAlso ReadWorld IVF Day How does IVF help men in overcoming infertility