BUFFALO, NY — October 10, 2025 — Lifestyle habits and hormonal imbalances are increasingly recognized as significant factors affecting male fertility, according to a new study. Published in Volume 12 of Oncoscience on September 30, 2025, the research titled “Lifestyle and hormonal factors affecting semen quality and sperm DNA integrity: A cross-sectional study” sheds light on the growing issue of male infertility, particularly in India.
The study, 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, highlights the impact of certain lifestyle choices and hormonal changes on men’s reproductive health. This is especially pertinent as male infertility rates continue to rise both in India and globally.
Understanding the Scope of Male Infertility
Infertility affects one in six couples worldwide, with male-related factors contributing to nearly half of all cases. This study addresses a critical research gap in India by examining how modifiable behaviors and hormone levels influence semen quality and the genetic integrity of sperm.
The researchers studied 278 Indian men aged 21 to 50, revealing that nearly half of the participants exhibited abnormal semen parameters. While older age did not significantly reduce semen volume or motility, men over 40 showed higher levels of sperm DNA fragmentation, a key marker of genetic damage and reduced fertility potential.
Lifestyle Choices and Their Impact
The study found strong associations between poor lifestyle choices and reduced sperm function. Tobacco and alcohol use significantly lowered sperm count, motility, and morphology. Moreover, alcohol consumption increased sperm DNA fragmentation, potentially affecting embryo development. Men exposed to high temperatures at work also had more DNA-damaged sperm, underscoring the harmful impact of heat exposure.
“Tobacco and alcohol use were strongly associated with reduced sperm concentration, motility, and morphology (p < 0.001)."
Body weight emerged as another critical factor: both underweight and overweight men exhibited lower semen quality and higher DNA damage compared to men of normal weight.
Hormonal Influences on Fertility
Beyond lifestyle, the study also highlighted hormonal influences on male fertility. Men with low testosterone or high prolactin levels had poorer semen profiles. Notably, low levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) were strongly associated with higher sperm DNA fragmentation. Since AMH is produced by cells that support sperm development, it may serve as a useful new marker of sperm health.
Levels of other hormones like FSH and LH remained stable, suggesting that targeted hormone testing could improve fertility assessments. This study utilized the latest World Health Organization guidelines for semen analysis and included advanced exams for sperm DNA fragmentation, indicating that traditional semen testing might miss crucial fertility indicators.
Implications for Public Health and Future Research
While the study was limited to a single center and did not include long-term follow-up, it provides valuable insights into the growing challenge of male infertility in India. The findings support public health initiatives promoting healthier lifestyles and regular hormone screening.
Future research could determine whether lifestyle changes or hormone therapies can repair sperm damage and improve fertility outcomes. The study’s results suggest that including lifestyle evaluation and hormone profiling in fertility assessments could help identify reproductive problems earlier and lead to more effective treatments.
As male infertility continues to rise, these findings underscore the need for comprehensive approaches to reproductive health that consider both lifestyle and hormonal factors.
Continue reading: DOI: https://doi.org/10.18632/oncoscience.627
