7 proven habits thatsilently harm male fertility
To keep a person's family alive on this earth and to advance their lineage, fertility is an essential part of men's lives. Men's fertility is important for the continuation and survival of a species, as it allows for the creation of offspring to replace the existing population.
Nowadays, infertility rates are higher than in the past, and it is vital to maintain good fertility for the future. The percentage given may be higher than that, but according to research, 2.5 to 12% of males contribute to the infertility rate worldwide. There are many factors that negatively impact male fertility.
In our fast-paced lifestyle, it's not always possible to take special care of fertility, and most people have no idea which habits are riskier for their fertility. It’s often too late when you become aware of low fertility and sperm count, so it's crucial to address it before it causes permanent damage. In this article, I will highlight 7 proven unhealthy habits that significantly harm your fertility, many of which you might not even be aware of..
Habits That Destroy Male Fertility
Here, we mention 7 habits that directly or indirectly harm male fertility, and these are common in daily life.
1. Smoking and vaping: If you think that smoking and vaping won't affect your fertility or sperm count, you’re mistaken. Long-term smoking and vaping can significantly lower sperm count and quality.
Smoking is a silent sperm killer, gradually damaging sperm inside and leading to infertility. You’re not just smoking, but also consuming toxins like nicotine, cadmium, and tar that seriously harm testosterone levels and testicular function.
Some men believe that smoking less or taking only a few puffs won't matter, but that's not true. Even one puff or a single cigarette can destroy sperm counts. Secondhand smoke can also negatively impact your fertility. If possible, avoid smoking to protect your fertility from these toxins.
2. Excessive use of a laptop and mobile devices: Using a laptop can greatly harm reproductive health. Studies show a strong link between laptop use and male fertility.
Research proves that laptops increase scrotal temperature directly and affect reproductive health through electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Not only men, but women’s ovarian function can also be affected by excessive use of laptops and mobiles.
Today, many young people use laptops a lot due to work and school. Most don’t know how to maintain their reproductive health. Try to put your laptop on a table instead of your lap. Use a cooling pad to reduce heat, take frequent breaks, and avoid sitting in one position too long.
3. Heavy drinking: Not just your liver, but excess alcohol can cause infertility in men, too. A study shows that drinking five drinks a week can significantly reduce sperm count. Alcohol also raises estrogen levels and lowers testosterone.
If you overdrink, you should be aware of how it affects your overall health. Social drinking and weekend parties are common, but limiting alcohol can boost fertility, energy, vitality, and well-being. Excessive drinking can damage Leydig cells in the testes and Sertoli cells.
4. Unbalanced diet: Diet and nutrition are crucial for male fertility. A healthy diet fuels healthy sperm. To maintain good sperm quality, avoid unhealthy, junk, and oily foods.
Poor diet is linked to lower semen quality and male infertility due to increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances. Focus on eating hygiene foods, grains, seafood, nuts, and vegetables, which support sperm development.
Today, many foods are oily, processed, and unhygienic, so maintaining a healthy diet is essential for fertility.
5. Using plastic food containers and water bottles: Plastic containers and bottles expose people to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) like BPA and phthalates, which mimic hormones and can affect fertility in men and women. Many studies link plastic exposure to infertility and cancer.
Switch to stainless steel, glass, or BPA-free plastic to reduce these risks. Most foods are served in plastic dishes and glasses, which can harm fertility. Plastic water bottles are common, but many don’t realize the health risks they pose.
6. Hot showers and baths: There is a strong link between infertility and hot baths. Hot water can overheat the testicles, lowering sperm quality and count.
It may sound odd, but the testicles need to be about four degrees cooler than your body temperature. Hot water can cause infertility or reduce sperm production. To avoid this, take cold showers and practice good overall health habits.
7. Wearing tight clothes: Tight clothing increases scrotal temperature. Studies show that men who wear tight underwear or clothes tend to have lower sperm counts. Some wonder if underwear affects sperm; the answer is yes; it can negatively impact reproductive health. It causes erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation in men.
Maintaining fertility is important for men, and many factors contribute to fertility decline. Share this information with loved ones to promote overall well-being.
Conclusion
Protecting male fertility is essential for our species’ continuity. Being aware of harmful habits—such as smoking, excessive laptop use, heavy drinking, poor diet, plastic exposure, hot baths, and tight clothing—can help preserve reproductive health. Addressing these factors allows men to safeguard their fertility.
