The Silent Crisis – The Decline in Male Fertility

Testosterone and Sperm Quality

Testosterone plays a central role in male reproductive health, including sperm production and maturation. While some studies suggest average testosterone levels may be lower in certain populations than in previous decades, the reasons aren’t simple or singular. Factors such as physical inactivity, higher body weight, ongoing stress, and dietary patterns have all been associated with changes in testosterone levels.

Sperm health is part of the same story. Parameters like sperm count, movement, and shape can vary widely, and no single factor explains it all. Testosterone matters — but it’s not acting alone. Lifestyle habits such as smoking, excess alcohol, and recreational drug use have also been linked to poorer sperm quality, reminding us that male fertility is very much a whole-body, whole-life conversation.

Toxins, Chemicals, and Male Fertility

Environmental exposures also get a seat at the fertility table. A growing body of research has explored links between certain pesticides, heavy metals, industrial chemicals, and endocrine-disrupting compounds — including those found in plastics and some personal care products — and changes in hormonal signalling and sperm parameters. These substances may interfere with normal hormone function, which can influence sperm development.

Environmental pollution has also been associated with variations in sperm count and motility. Air pollution, for example, contains particulate matter that may affect reproductive health, while occupational exposure in industries such as agriculture and manufacturing has been linked to altered fertility markers in some studies. It’s not about blame — just awareness of the modern environment men are living (and working) in.

Poor Lifestyle Choices

Lifestyle matters — a lot. Excess weight, low movement, nutrient-poor diets, and chronic stress have all been associated with changes in hormones and sperm quality. Obesity, in particular, is linked to lower testosterone and less-than-optimal sperm production.

Smoking and heavy drinking don’t help either. Both have been associated with poorer sperm parameters, including DNA integrity, movement, and count, as well as altered hormone levels. In short: what men do daily shows up in their fertility — no lectures required, just awareness.

Addressing the issue

Male fertility isn’t failing because of one thing — it’s a mix. Hormones, sperm health, environmental exposures, and everyday habits all play a role. There’s no single fix, but a whole-person approach matters: move more, manage stress, eat well, minimise unnecessary chemical exposures, and avoid the usual fertility saboteurs.

Nutrition also counts. Diets rich in key nutrients help support sperm health and protect against oxidative stress. In some cases, targeted nutrients such as zinc, selenium, and coenzyme Q10 have been studied for their potential role in supporting sperm parameters — always best considered in the context of individual health needs