Overview: A New Look at Male Fertility in India
Reproductive health is a growing global concern, with male factors contributing to nearly half of infertility cases. A recent cross‑sectional study published in Volume 12 of Oncoscience (September 30, 2025) examines how lifestyle choices and hormonal variations influence semen quality and the genetic integrity of sperm among Indian men. Conducted at KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research and Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, the study sheds light on modifiable behaviors and endocrine signals that can affect fertility, offering timely insights for clinicians and public health professionals in India and beyond.
What the Study Found
The researchers analyzed 278 Indian men aged 21 to 50 and found that nearly half exhibited abnormal semen parameters. Notably, age did not reduce semen volume or motility in general, but men over 40 showed higher levels of sperm DNA fragmentation, a key indicator of genetic damage with potential implications for embryo development and fertility potential.
Two broad themes emerged: lifestyle choices and hormonal balance. The study linked several modifiable behaviors to diminished semen quality and elevated DNA fragmentation, underscoring the importance of comprehensive fertility assessments that go beyond conventional semen analysis.
Lifestyle Factors with a Strong Impact
Tobacco and alcohol: The study found robust associations between tobacco use and reductions in sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, while alcohol consumption was linked not only to poorer semen parameters but also to increased DNA fragmentation. These findings align with other research suggesting that lifestyle choices can have direct biological effects on germ cells.
Workplace heat exposure: Men exposed to elevated temperatures at work demonstrated more DNA-damaged sperm, highlighting environmental heat as a risk factor for genetic integrity in sperm.
Body weight: Both underweight and overweight participants showed lower semen quality and higher DNA fragmentation compared with those within a normal weight range, suggesting that optimal body mass is relevant for reproductive health.
Hormonal Influences on Semen and DNA Integrity
The hormonal profile mattered as much as lifestyle factors. Men with low testosterone or high prolactin had poorer semen parameters overall. A particularly striking finding was the association between low anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and higher sperm DNA fragmentation. AMH, produced by supporting cells in sperm development, may serve as a useful new marker for sperm health. In contrast, levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) largely remained stable, suggesting that targeted hormone testing could improve fertility assessment without broad hormonal shifts being necessary.
Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment
By incorporating lifestyle evaluation and targeted hormonal profiling, clinicians might identify fertility problems earlier and tailor interventions more effectively. The study used contemporary World Health Organization guidelines for semen analysis and added advanced tests for sperm DNA fragmentation, illustrating that traditional semen parameters alone may miss critical clues about reproductive capability.
The researchers emphasize a more holistic approach to male infertility—one that considers modifiable behaviors alongside endocrine signals. This approach could lead to personalized recommendations, including lifestyle modification programs, weight management, and hormone-focused therapies where appropriate.
Limitations and Future Research
As a single-centre study, the findings warrant validation in broader populations and with long-term follow-up. Nevertheless, they illuminate the growing challenge of male infertility in India and globally. Future research should explore whether lifestyle changes or hormone therapies can repair sperm damage and translate into improved fertility outcomes, as well as whether early hormonal screening can prevent deterioration of semen quality over time.
Public Health Significance
These results support public health initiatives that promote healthier lifestyles and routine hormone screening as part of reproductive health care. Education about the impacts of smoking, alcohol, and heat exposure, along with guidance on maintaining a healthy body weight, could reduce the burden of male infertility and improve family planning outcomes in diverse settings.
Conclusion
The study reinforces a key message: semen quality and sperm DNA integrity are influenced by a combination of lifestyle choices and hormonal balances. In India and globally, integrating lifestyle assessment with targeted hormonal testing could improve the early detection and treatment of male-factor infertility, helping more couples achieve healthy, successful pregnancies.
