MALE SUBFERTILITY TREATMENT

Yes – vaping is linked to lower sperm count, motility and shape.

Studies have found a negative correlation between nicotine levels and sperm concentration, motility, and morphology in both infertile and fertile men, suggesting a dose-specific effect of nicotine on sperm parameters.

A 2020 Danish study found that men who regularly vaped had lower sperm counts than non-vapers. Another systematic review in 2020 highlighted that the harmful substances in e-cigarettes can disturb the hormonal balance, morphology, and function of the male reproductive organs.

So while more research is still needed, especially on humans, the current evidence from multiple studies suggests that vaping and the chemicals present in e-cigarette liquids may have detrimental effects on various aspects of male fertility and sperm health.

Yes – binge drinking is linked to lower sperm count and hormone disruption.

Several studies have shown that heavy or binge drinking can lead to reduced sperm quality and production.

A Danish study found that men who binge drank (5 or more drinks in a few hours) had lower sperm counts and altered reproductive hormone levels compared to non-binge drinkers.

Heavy drinking, defined as 15 or more drinks per week, can lower testosterone levels and reduce sperm production by impacting hormones like follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone.

Alcohol abuse and acute intoxication can also cause sexual dysfunction like erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation, which can hinder conception.

Yes – high caffeine intake (250mg+/day) is linked to lower conception chances and higher miscarriage risk.

Caffeine may damage sperm DNA in men, and over 200mg/day pre-conception is linked to increased miscarriage risk in women.

Read the full research breakdown on our blog →

Yes – male fertility gradually declines from around age 40–45.

Sperm production decreases with age. The number of germline cysts in the final stage of spermatogenesis declines substantially as males age, leading to reduced sperm production.

Sperm quality diminishes with age too — older men tend to have lower sperm motility, higher rates of abnormal sperm morphology, and more DNA fragmentation.

Testosterone levels drop with increasing age, which can impact sperm production and sexual function, and the risk of genetic abnormalities in sperm increases as men get older.

While age-related fertility decline is more pronounced in women, male fertility also decreases steadily after around age 40-45, making natural conception more difficult with an older male partner.

Yes – a high BMI is linked to lower sperm count and quality.

Obese men are 42% more likely to have a low sperm count compared to men of normal weight, and high BMI increases sperm DNA damage and oxidative stress, which can impair fertilisation and embryo development.

Obesity lowers testosterone levels by increasing conversion of testosterone to oestrogen, and raises scrotal temperature, both of which negatively affect sperm production and motility.

Importantly, weight loss through diet and exercise has been shown to improve semen quality, sperm count and reproductive hormone levels in obese men — potentially reversing obesity-related male infertility.

Yes – finasteride can temporarily reduce sperm count and quality.

By lowering DHT, finasteride can reduce semen volume, sperm count and motility — effects that typically improve within 4–6 months of stopping.

Read the full research breakdown on our blog →

Yes – keeping a phone in your front pocket may reduce sperm quality.

Electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobile phones, especially in talk mode, can damage sperm DNA and reduce motility, while the heat generated by phones kept close to the testes can raise scrotal temperature.

Studies have found significantly more DNA fragmentation in sperm exposed to mobile phone radiation, even within an hour of exposure, with long-term exposure linked to decreased sperm concentration, motility and viability.

While evidence is mixed, keeping an active phone away from the groin area — especially for extended periods — may help maintain optimal sperm quality.

Yes, but the effects are usually temporary and reversible.

High temperatures (over 38°C) can cause scrotal hyperthermia, leading to decreased sperm count and motility, and increased sperm DNA damage.

Regular sauna use (twice a week for 3 months) has been shown to reduce sperm concentration and motility by over 50% — though this reversed 6 months after stopping.

The negative impacts on sperm quality from heat exposure are usually temporary, with parameters returning to baseline several months after discontinuing the heat source.

Treatment for male subfertility depends on the underlying cause. Options may include lifestyle changes, medication for specific hormonal conditions, or surgery to correct certain blockages or other problems. Assisted conception treatments, such as IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), may be recommended when sperm count, movement or quality affects fertilisation. A fertility assessment, including semen analysis, helps determine the most suitable treatment.

The cost of male fertility testing depends on the type of assessment required. A semen analysis is usually the first step and evaluates sperm count, movement (motility) and shape (morphology). Additional tests, such as hormone blood tests or a specialist consultation, may incur extra charges. Contact IVF Matters for current pricing and to find out which tests may be appropriate for you.

Treatment success depends on the cause and severity of male-factor infertility, sperm quality, the female partner's age and fertility, and the treatment used. Some cases can be managed with targeted treatment or lifestyle changes, while IVF with ICSI can help when sperm-related problems make fertilisation difficult. No treatment can guarantee pregnancy, so a fertility specialist can explain the options and likely outcomes based on your individual assessment.