If you are trying to conceive, there are many factors that can go wrong, one of them being sperms that are ineffective. it is important to be aware of sperm killers in men that affect the health and mobility of sperm. If you have been trying to conceive unsuccessfully for a while, then it might be a good idea to consult a fertility specialist.
Unfortunately, infertility affects about 10% of all couples (1). Out of this 10%, male factors such as low sperm count or unhealthy sperm are the key contributors in about 20 to 40% of the cases (2). This is the reason you need to know about these top sperm killers and understand how they affect sperm health.
Top 12 Sperm Killers in Men
For men who want children, sperm count and sperm quality are important. Considering this, it’s understandable that people are interested in what activities and behaviors can be harmful to sperm. Find out the top 12 sperm killers in men
1. Smoking
Smoking is bad for male fertility. Numerous studies show that smoking has a negative effect on sperm count, motility, and morphology (3). Smoking can also cause DNA fragmentation and chromosomal abnormalities all of which can lead to infertility (3A). It can also affect reproductive hormones (3B), increase oxidative stress-induced DNA damage (3C) and increase the chances of oligozoospermia in men with varicocele (3D).
Quitting smoking has shown to improve the chances of conception (4). If you want further conviction to quit smoking, refer to Smoking and Low Sperm Count here and Why You Must Ask Your Husband to Quit Smoking here.
2. Drugs
The use of recreational drugs and psychoactive drugs has been on the rise in the recent years, more so among men belonging to the reproductive age. The use of recreational drugs can have a negative effect on sperm count, spermatogenesis, DNA damage, and tubular degeneration (5). Drug use is also associated with uro-andrological issues, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation-related issues (6).
3. High Temperatures
The temperature has a major impact on sperm count. Higher ambient temperatures are associated with low sperm count and concentration, low sperm motility and morphology, and low semen volume (7). If a man’s testicles are exposed to higher temperatures or overheating, then it can negatively impact his sperm’s viability. If the temperature reaches 98°, then it can completely stop sperm production. Overheating can result from using heated seats in cars during winter, using hot tubs or saunas, or even putting a laptop directly on the lap for a long time. Does laptop heat affect male fertility? Find out here!
4. Alcohol
Men who drink too much alcohol regularly are also at risk of infertility. For starters, an alcoholic will find it difficult to get and maintain an erection. Secondly, too much alcohol in the system will increase the production of estrogen, which in turn will suppress sperm production. Thirdly, alcohol will also impact the quality and mobility of the sperm.
Long-term use of alcohol can cause reduced testosterone and sperm production, testicular atrophy, azoospermia, and erectile and ejaculatory dysfunctions (8).
5. Mobiles
Mobile phone usage can lower sperm count and motility with long-term exposure to mobile phones also causing DNA fragmentation all of which lead to infertility. For this reason, men are advised to refrain from putting mobile phones in their back pockets (9).
6. Obesity
Obesity, in both men and women, is known to cause infertility. In men specifically, obesity damages sperm quality as it lowers the amount of testosterone (male hormone) in the body and increases the amount of estrogen (female hormone) in the body. This results in sexual dysfunction and infertility.
Being obese can bring down sperm count, quality, and concentration and lead to DNA fragmentation, all of which contribute to infertility (10).
7. Unhealthy Diet
The healthier your diet is healthier your sperm would be. Consumption of junk food can result in infertility (11). Even if you are not obese, if you are not eating nutritious food, that covers your daily requirement of vitamins and minerals, then it can negatively impact your sperm’s health, motility, and viability.
8. Radiation
An occasional X-ray cannot impact a man’s sperm health. However, continuous exposure to radiation (e.g. during cancer treatments (12)) can shrink your testicles, lower sperm count, and even stop sperm production (13).
9. Illness
A man who has been exposed to a recent viral fever will have reduced sperm count and health for a temporary period. Increased body temperature can reduce sperm count and quality and DNA fragmentation (14) Just as the effects that hot tubs and Jacuzzi can have on a man’s sperm count (14A), high fever can also make it difficult if you are trying for a baby.
10. Briefs
Tight briefs can result in your testicles overheating. So, it is a better idea to prefer boxers over briefs. This holds good for any tight clothing like shorts and trousers too. Do not wear constricted clothing
11. Wet heat
Getting into the hot tub or a Jacuzzi even for 30 minutes can decrease a man’s sperm production temporarily. Though reversible, it is best to skip these wet attractions whilst you are trying to make your wife pregnant!
12. Varicose veins
Statistics have it that about 15% of men have enlarged varicose veins in the scrotum. These veins are usually in the left testicles. Varicocele repair is suggested by doctors to help men who have low sperm counts, using a catheter or through surgery.
A woman produces about 300-400 eggs during her entire lifetime. Compare that to the millions of sperm a man produces in a single day! However, sperm aren’t very resilient as many external factors – as we saw above – can impact its viability. Further, considering a sperm takes about 75 days to grow to maturity, being exposed to these sperm killers frequently can result in male infertility.
Avoiding these top 12 sperm killers is definitely something you should consider if you are planning to have a baby. Staying away from these factors will improve your fertility and also improve your general health and well-being as well.
FAQ’s
1. What Are The Top Sperm Killers?
Lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking, and drugs, exposure to high and low temperatures, prolonged exposure to radiation, and physiological factors such as varicocele are among the top sperm killers in men.
2. Can Fever Affect My Fertility?
Having a high fever for 2 to 4 days can result in lowered sperm count, motility, and morphology. But these effects are generally temporary and the sperm health with come back to normal with the resolution of fever.
3. How Can I Improve Sperm Count?
If you habitually smoke, drink, or use recreational drugs, quitting these habits can help improve your sperm count and fertility levels. Keeping BMI in a healthy range, maintaining a healthy diet, and exercising can all contribute to improved fertility.
References
- Prevalence of Primary Infertility and its Associated Risk Factors in Urban Population of Central India: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6881900/]
- Male Infertility – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562258/]
- Cigarette smoking and male infertility – ScienceDirect – [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2090123210000585]
- The Effects of Cigarette Smoking on Male Fertility – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4639396/]
- Smoke, alcohol and drug addiction and male fertility – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5769315/]
- Recreational Drug Misuse and Its Potential Contribution to Male Fertility Levels’ Decline: A Narrative Review- [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9688450/]
- The Impact of High Ambient Temperature on Human Sperm Parameters: A Meta-Analysis – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9288403/]
- Alcohol and fertility: how much is too much? – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5504800/]
- The influence of direct mobile phone radiation on sperm quality – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4074720/]
- Mechanisms linking obesity to male infertility – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4408383/]
- Diet and Nutritional Factors in Male (In)fertility—Underestimated Factors – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7291266/]
- Male Fertility Issues and Cancer – Side Effects – [https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/fertility-men]
- Radiations and male fertility – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6240172/]
- An Assessment of Men Semen Alterations in SARS-CoV-2: Is Fever the Principal Concern? | Reproductive Sciences – [https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43032-022-00889-z]
