The well-known fact is that female fertility declines as women age, but recent studies report the decline of male fertility, too.

Researches show that men are equally responsible for infertility in both in vitro fertilization (IVF) and natural pregnancies. It is assumed that men remain highly fertile until a much later age than women; still, it is found that male fertility declines sharply in their 30s, earlier than previously expected.

What Causes Male Fertility Decline?

Many factors contribute to male infertility; some of them include age, smoking, drug use, alcohol consumption, poor diet, lack of exercise, stress, and exposure to environmental toxins.

Decreasing sperm count, abnormal sperm morphology, and inadequate sperm motility are some of the major reasons behind male infertility.

Effects of Lifestyle on Male Fertility

Several research findings suggest that an unhealthy lifestyle can lead to poor sperm quality and quantity. Men who smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs are more likely to have severe male infertility issues.

Also, men who have a sedentary lifestyle or are overweight are more likely to have low sperm quality.

Stress, too, plays a part in decreasing male fertility. Stress hormones such as cortisol can lower testosterone levels, disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, and reduce sperm production.

Therefore, relaxation techniques such as meditation can be very helpful to reduce stress levels and produce higher quality sperm.

The Effect of Temperature on Male Fertility

Sperm count and quality is negatively affected if the temperature in the genitals is too high or too low.

Men who are exposed to high temperatures for long periods, due to wearing tight clothes, using hot tubs or saunas, or working in high-temperature environments, can experience a decline in fertility. Therefore, men who are trying to conceive should avoid these activities that increase the temperature in their genitals.

The Importance of a Balanced Nutritional Diet

Having a balanced nutritional diet can significantly enhance male fertility. Researches show that a diet full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can improve sperm count, increase sperm motility, and improve sperm form.

Foods to include in a healthy diet are nuts, fish, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Men who have a balanced diet are more likely to have better fertility than those who do not.

The Role of Environmental Factors

Many environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins and chemicals, heavy metals, and pollution, can affect male fertility.

Pesticides and herbicides used in agriculture can seep into the water systems and food chain that humans consume, leading to infertility problems. Similarly, industrial chemicals, such as bisphenol A (BPA) present in plastics and phthalates, found in personal care products, are highly risky for male fertility.

Therefore, it is essential to avoid exposure to these hazardous toxins by adopting organic living and choosing natural, non-toxic personal care products.

Male Fertility and Age

It is commonly assumed that men can remain highly fertile until a much older age than women do. Research findings suggest that male fertility declined steeply from the age of 35, much earlier than previously estimated.

By the age of 45, men experience a significant decline in fertility, increasing the risk of having a child with genetic abnormalities and other serious health-related issues. Men can also experience erectile dysfunction and reduced sexual desire as they age, further contributing to fertility issues.

What can Men do to Improve their Fertility?

There are several things men can do to improve their fertility. Here are some tips:.

Avoid drinking alcohol, smoking, using drugs.
Exercise regularly, but avoid high temperatures around the genitals.
Choose a healthy, balanced diet and maintain body weight in a healthy range.
Reduce stress levels by practicing relaxations techniques.
Avoid exposure to environmental toxins and chemicals.
Consider freezing sperm for future use if planning to conceive later in life.

The Bottom Line

Male fertility declines much earlier than previously assumed, and environmental toxins, lifestyle, and aging are the significant contributors to its decline.

Men can improve their fertility by adopting healthy eating habits, reducing their stress levels, avoiding smoking, drug use, and exposure to harmful chemicals. Although male infertility has traditionally been an overlooked issue, we can all take action to improve our fertility and overall health.