Maria Katrina Paras

Article (news)

Male Fertility Today

<p><strong>Fertility</strong> has long been misunderstood as something only <strong>female bodies </strong>struggle with. But in recent years, research is blowing the whistle that <strong>male fertility</strong> is on the decline.</p><p>Sure, it might not exactly be the stuff of casual barbershop banter, but maybe it should be. Because the truth is, fertility is no longer an issue exclusive to women; rather, it is a shared concern for couples, with men representing half of the equation.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1753942207858pexels-jonathanborba-28352934.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from Pexels</span></span></span>Let’s get into facts: Male fertility is not immune to the ticking of the biological clock. As reported by the <a href="https://www.who.int/news/item/04-04-2023-1-in-6-people-globally-affected-by-infertility" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">World Health Organization (WHO)</a>, about <strong>one in six couples worldwide experience infertility</strong>, and <strong>male factors are solely responsible in about 20%</strong> of cases and <strong>contribute in up to 50%</strong> of all cases. </div><p>In a nutshell, <strong>it’s not just a matter of women’s hormones, eggs, or age. It’s also about men’s sperm count, motility, morphology, and lifestyle choices</strong>. Studies show that <strong>sperm counts globally have dropped by over 50% in the last 40 years</strong>, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down. Environmental toxins, stress, diet, and lifestyle choices are all playing a role in rewriting the male fertility narrative.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>The lifestyle link</strong></div><p>Men over 40 are more likely to experience a decrease in testosterone levels, reduced sperm quality, and a higher risk of genetic mutations in sperm, which can impact conception and pregnancy outcomes. But beyond genetics and age, an average man today is up against a minefield of lifestyle choices that can be critical contributors to male fertility issues. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1753942548783pexels-willpicturethis-1954524.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from Pexels </span></span></span></div><p>Starting with the obvious, chronic stress floods the body with cortisol that disrupts the delicate hormonal balance needed for sperm production. Be it the constant pressure to grind or the hustle culture mindset, this is one of the biggest culprits. </p><p>Unwinding with a beer, lighting up, or hitting your vape might feel like no big deal. But when it comes to sperm health, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and recreational drug use all take a serious toll. Even regular exposure to environmental toxins (yes, even the ones in plastic containers and pesticides) can quietly chip away at fertility. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1753942891699pexels-pavel-danilyuk-5858083.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from Pexels </span></span></span></div><p>Also on the hormonal havoc list is lack of sleep. Scroll-happy nights and overpacked schedules mean fewer hours of rest, which translates to hormonal chaos and reproductive burnout. And in this age of screens and signals, there’s even some concern about electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation from devices. Though research is still developing, keeping your phone in your front pocket all day or working with a laptop directly on your lap could be worth reconsidering. You may also limit heat exposure by opting for looser boxers and skipping the sauna.</p><p>Diets high in processed food, sugar, and alcohol can lower sperm count, while obesity is directly linked to poor sperm quality. On the flip side, a clean diet rich in antioxidants and regular moderate exercise can give your swimmers a boost.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>How to take charge of your fertility</strong></div><p>If the idea of male fertility challenges once felt taboo, today’s conversations are beginning to normalize it. And the good news is that you have more control than you think. It can be preserved, improved, and even optimized. </p><p>For starters, <strong>consider a fertility check-up</strong>. A simple semen analysis and hormone panel can give you insight into your reproductive baseline. This is quick, accessible, and can reveal vital information early on. Many men only get tested after months or years of trying to conceive. Take note, being proactive is a thoughtful step toward care. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1753943100560pexels-cottonbro-7579831.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from Pexels</span></span></span></div><p>And if you’re not trying for kids just yet? There’s still value in knowing where you stand. More men today are opting to freeze their sperm in their 20s and early 30s to preserve their options for the future. </p><p>Eat clean and cut back on vices. Supplements like zinc, folic acid, CoQ10, and omega-3 fatty acids are now recommended by many fertility specialists. However, before you stock your cabinet with these products, it is essential to consult a doctor. What you really need is a tailored approach, rather than a one-pill-fits-all solution.</p><p>Move your body since regular exercise improves blood flow, hormone health, and libido. Aim for at least 150 minutes of activity per week. And of course, watch your weight. Maintaining a healthy one can improve your fertility profile.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1753943380021pexels-roman-odintsov-8084797.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from Pexels</span></span></span></div><p>Mental health, too, plays a key role. Issues such as anxiety, depression, and pressure related to sexual performance can all interfere with fertility. Talking to a therapist or seeking support groups is both an act of self-care and an investment in your future family. </p><p>Millennial and Gen Z dads-to-be are not merely stepping into parenting, as they’re also doing the prep work. They’re tweaking their habits years before trying, and understanding that fertility is a shared journey. After all, there’s something undeniably powerful about a man who takes charge of his health, not only for the present but also for the future he dreams of building.</p>

<p>If the idea of male fertility challenges once felt taboo, today’s conversations are beginning to normalize it.</p>

If the idea of male fertility challenges once felt taboo, today’s conversations are beginning to normalize it.

The New Generation of Males Is Dealing With Infertility—What's Causing It?

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The New Generation of Males Is Dealing With Infertility—What's Causing It?

Leigh Sofia Lazo

Published July 31, 2025 03:00 PM PHT

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Updated August 01, 2025 03:45 PM PHT

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