Overview
Male reproductive health is shaped by a mix of lifestyle choices and hormonal balances. A recent cross-sectional study published in Volume 12 of Oncoscience (September 30, 2025) delves into how modifiable behaviors and endocrine changes can influence semen quality and the genetic integrity of sperm. Conducted at KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research and Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College in India, the research offers important insights as male infertility rises globally and in India.
Study design and scope
The study evaluated 278 Indian men aged 21 to 50, applying the World Health Organization’s latest guidelines for semen analysis and incorporating advanced assessments of sperm DNA fragmentation. The investigators sought to fill a research gap in India by exploring how daily habits and hormone levels correlate with both conventional semen parameters and genetic integrity of sperm.
Key findings
Nearly half of the participants exhibited abnormal semen parameters, underscoring the prevalence of subfertility within the sample. Notably, age alone did not reduce semen volume or motility; however, men above 40 showed higher levels of sperm DNA fragmentation, a marker associated with compromised fertility and potential embryo development challenges.
The data revealed robust links between lifestyle factors and semen function. Tobacco use and alcohol consumption were strongly connected with lower sperm concentration, reduced motility, and abnormal sperm shape (morphology). Alcohol consumption, in particular, was associated with increased sperm DNA fragmentation, suggesting downstream risks for embryo viability.
Environmental and occupational heat exposure emerged as another risk factor. Men subjected to higher temperatures at work had more DNA-damaged sperm, highlighting how heat stress can impair genetic integrity in the male germline.
Body weight also played a significant role. Both underweight and overweight participants tended to have poorer semen quality and greater DNA fragmentation than those with normal weight, indicating that an optimal body mass index supports healthier sperm both in function and in genetic stability.
Hormonal influences on fertility
Beyond lifestyle, the study examined hormones. Lower testosterone levels and higher prolactin levels were linked with worse semen profiles, while anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) proved to be a particularly interesting marker: lower AMH levels were strongly associated with higher sperm DNA fragmentation. AMH is produced by supporting cells in the testes and may reflect the environment in which sperm develop. In contrast, levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) remained comparatively stable, pointing toward potential targeted testing strategies rather than broad-based hormone panels.
Clinical implications
The findings suggest that relying solely on traditional semen analysis may miss important indicators of fertility potential. Incorporating lifestyle assessments and focused hormone profiling could improve early detection of reproductive problems and guide more personalized interventions. For instance, identifying men with low AMH or abnormal hormonal patterns could help tailor therapies aimed at preserving or improving sperm DNA integrity.
Limitations and future directions
While informative, the study’s single-center design and lack of long-term follow-up limit the ability to generalize results across diverse populations or to confirm causal relationships. Nonetheless, the work provides a valuable foundation for public health initiatives that promote healthier lifestyles and routine hormone screening as part of fertility care. Future research could explore whether lifestyle modifications or hormonal therapies can reverse DNA fragmentation and enhance fertility outcomes over time.
Public health relevance
With infertility affecting roughly one in six couples globally, and male factors contributing to nearly half of cases, these insights could influence clinical practice and health policy. Encouraging healthy habits—cessation of tobacco and moderated alcohol use, weight management, and reduced occupational heat exposure—alongside targeted hormonal testing could become part of standard fertility care in India and beyond.
