Male infertility has many causes — from hormonal imbalances, to physical problems, to psychological and/or behavioral problems.  Moreover, fertility reflects a man’s “overall” health.  Men who live a healthy lifestyle are more likely to produce healthy sperm.  The following list highlights some lifestyle choices that negatively impact male fertility–it is not all-inclusive:

• Smoking-significantly decreases both sperm count and sperm cell motility.
• Prolonged use of marijuana and other recreational drugs.
• Chronic alcohol abuse.
• Anabolic steroid use–causes testicular shrinkage and infertility.
• Overly intense exercise–produces high levels of adrenal steroid hormones which cause a testosterone deficiency resulting in infertility.
• Inadequate vitamin C and Zinc in the diet.
• Tight underwear–increases scrotal temperature which results in decreased sperm production.
• Exposure to environmental hazards and toxins such as pesticides, lead, paint, radiation, radioactive
• substances, mercury, benzene, boron, and heavy metals Malnutrition and anemia.
• Excessive stress!

Modifying these behaviors can improve a man’s fertility and should be considered when a couple is trying to achieve pregnancy.