Lifestyle choices and hormonal imbalances can impact men's reproductive health

By Admin

11 Oct, 2025

A new research paper published in Volume 12 of Oncoscience on September 30, 2025, titled “Lifestyle and hormonal factors affecting semen quality and sperm DNA integrity: A cross-sectional study”, sheds new light on how lifestyle habits and hormone fluctuations can significantly influence men’s reproductive health. Conducted by Saniya Imtiyaz Chamanmalik, Rajendra B. Nerli, and Pankaja Umarane from KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research and Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, the study highlights the growing concern of male infertility in India and worldwide.

The Growing Concern of Male Infertility

Infertility affects one in six couples globally, with male-related factors contributing to nearly half of all cases. Despite this, research exploring lifestyle and hormonal influences on male fertility remains limited, especially in India. This study fills that gap by investigating how modifiable behaviors and hormone levels affect semen quality and sperm DNA integrity.

Study Overview and Key Findings

The study analyzed 278 Indian men aged 21 to 50, revealing that nearly half of the participants had abnormal semen parameters. Interestingly, while age did not affect semen volume or motility, men above 40 showed higher sperm DNA fragmentation, indicating increased genetic damage and reduced fertility potential.

Lifestyle Habits and Their Consequences

Poor lifestyle choices were found to strongly correlate with decreased sperm function.

• Tobacco and alcohol use significantly reduced sperm count, motility, and morphology (p < 0.001).
  
  

• Alcohol consumption also increased sperm DNA fragmentation, potentially impacting embryo development.
  
  

• Heat exposure at workplaces led to higher rates of DNA-damaged sperm, proving that temperature plays a crucial role in reproductive health.
  
  

• Body weight was another major factor  both underweight and overweight men had lower semen quality and higher DNA damage compared to those with normal weight.
  
  

The Role of Hormones in Male Fertility

Beyond lifestyle habits, hormonal balance also plays a crucial role. Men with low testosterone or high prolactin levels exhibited poorer semen profiles. A particularly important discovery was the link between low anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and increased sperm DNA fragmentation. Since AMH is produced by cells that support sperm development, it could serve as a new biomarker for assessing sperm health. Meanwhile, levels of FSH and LH remained stable, indicating that targeted hormone testing may improve fertility assessments.

A Modern Approach to Fertility Testing

Using the latest World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for semen analysis, this research also incorporated advanced sperm DNA fragmentation tests. The results suggest that traditional semen testing alone might overlook crucial fertility indicators. A comprehensive approach that combines lifestyle evaluation and hormone profiling could enable early detection of reproductive problems and support more effective treatments.

Implications and the Road Ahead

While the study was limited to one center and lacked long-term follow-up, it offers valuable insights into the rising challenge of male infertility in India. The findings reinforce the need for public health initiatives promoting healthier lifestyles, regular hormone screening, and awareness about fertility preservation.

Future research may further explore whether lifestyle improvements or hormone therapies can reverse sperm damage and enhance fertility outcomes   offering new hope for countless couples struggling with infertility.