How Lifestyle Choices and Hormonal Imbalances Affect Men’s Reproductive Health: What You Need to Know

A new study published in Volume 12 of Oncoscience highlights how lifestyle and hormonal factors can affect men’s reproductive health, especially in India, where male infertility rates are rising. Researchers Saniya Imtiyaz Chamanmalik, Rajendra B. Nerli, and Pankaja Umarane from KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, along with Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, conducted this critical study.

Infertility is a growing issue, impacting one in six couples worldwide. Male factors contribute to nearly half of these cases, making this research important. The study looked at 278 Indian men aged 21 to 50 and revealed that almost half had abnormal semen parameters. While age didn’t affect semen volume or motility, men over 40 exhibited higher sperm DNA fragmentation, a sign of genetic damage that can hinder fertility.

The researchers found clear links between unhealthy lifestyle choices and poor sperm function. For instance, tobacco and alcohol use significantly decreased sperm count and movement, while also increasing DNA damage. Additionally, exposure to high temperatures at work had a negative impact on sperm quality. Body weight also mattered—both underweight and overweight men had lower semen quality compared to those at a normal weight.

In their findings, the researchers stressed the importance of hormones in male fertility. Men with low testosterone or high prolactin levels showed poorer semen profiles. Specifically, low levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) correlated with increased sperm DNA fragmentation. AMH, produced by cells that support sperm development, may be a promising marker for sperm health.

This study employed the latest guidelines from the World Health Organization for semen analysis and included advanced assessments for sperm DNA fragmentation. This approach suggests that traditional semen analysis may overlook vital fertility indicators. Incorporating lifestyle evaluations and hormone tests could help detect reproductive issues sooner, leading to better treatment options.

Although limited to one center and lacking long-term follow-up, the study sheds light on the escalating challenge of male infertility in India. These results advocate for public health campaigns to encourage healthier lifestyles and regular hormone testing.

Recent statistics remain alarming: a report from the World Health Organization noted that male infertility rates have increased by about 20% over the last two decades. Experts argue that stress and environmental factors also contribute to deteriorating sperm quality, emphasizing the need for a multidimensional approach to addressing reproductive health.

Overall, this research opens the door for future studies to explore whether changing lifestyles or hormone therapies might restore sperm health and improve fertility. The implications extend beyond individual health, potentially affecting family planning and public health initiatives around the globe.

For more insights, visit the study here.

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Infertility, Male Infertility, Alcohol, DNA, Education, Fertility, Genetic, Hormone, Hospital, Reproduction, Research, Semen, Sperm, Tobacco