Overview: A pivotal look at lifestyle, hormones and male fertility
A newly published cross-sectional study in Volume 12 of Oncoscience (September 30, 2025) examines how everyday lifestyle choices and hormonal changes can influence men’s reproductive health. Led by researchers 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, the study sheds light on factors that may underlie the rising rates of male infertility in India and beyond.
Key findings: Semen quality, DNA integrity, and age
The study analyzed 278 Indian men aged 21 to 50. Notably, nearly half of participants exhibited abnormal semen parameters. While advancing age did not reduce semen volume or motility, men over 40 showed higher levels of sperm DNA fragmentation, a critical indicator of genetic damage that can affect embryo development and fertility potential.
Modifiable lifestyle factors and their impact
Researchers found strong associations between lifestyle choices and semen function. Tobacco use and alcohol consumption were linked to significantly lower sperm count, reduced motility, and altered morphology (shape) of sperm. Moreover, alcohol intake was associated with increased sperm DNA fragmentation, raising concerns about potential impacts on embryo viability even if fertilization occurs.
Workplace heat exposure emerged as another threat: men exposed to higher temperatures had more DNA-damaged sperm, highlighting the damaging effect of sustained heat on germ cells. Body weight also mattered. Both underweight and overweight participants had poorer semen quality and greater DNA fragmentation compared with men of normal weight.
These associations held statistical significance, with tobacco and alcohol use showing strong links to reduced sperm concentration, motility, and morphology (p < 0.001).
Hormonal factors and new markers of fertility health
Beyond lifestyle, the study underscores the role of hormones in male fertility. Men with low testosterone or elevated prolactin demonstrated impaired semen profiles. Of particular interest is the finding that very low anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels correlated with higher sperm DNA fragmentation. Since AMH is produced by supporting cells in the testis involved in sperm development, AMH may emerge as a useful new marker for assessing sperm health.
Testosterone (total and free), along with luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), showed stable patterns in the study cohort. This stability suggests that targeted hormone testing could refine fertility assessments and tailor interventions more precisely for men facing infertility.
Implications for clinical practice and public health
The study adds to the growing body of evidence that conventional semen analysis may miss critical indicators of fertility. By integrating lifestyle assessments and hormone profiling with standard semen analysis, clinicians may identify reproductive problems earlier and design more effective treatment strategies. In particular, evaluating AMH alongside traditional hormones could offer a more nuanced view of sperm health.
Limitations and future directions
While the study provides valuable insights, it was conducted at a single center and lacked long-term follow-up. Nevertheless, its findings emphasize the need for broader research across diverse populations to confirm these associations and determine whether lifestyle modifications or targeted hormone therapies can repair sperm damage and improve fertility outcomes.
Takeaway for individuals and policymakers
With infertility affecting about one in six couples worldwide and male factors contributing to roughly half of cases, these insights stress the importance of public health strategies that promote healthier lifestyles and regular hormone screening. The India-focused study highlights how simple lifestyle changes—such as avoiding tobacco, moderating alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing heat exposure—could meaningfully impact semen quality and genetic integrity of sperm. As researchers pursue deeper answers, patients and clinicians can consider comprehensive evaluations that include lifestyle and hormonal health in fertility assessments.
