"Male physiological issues are increasingly common, stemming from daily unhealthy habits that directly affect reproductive function," shared Associate Professor, Doctor Nguyen Quang, President of the Vietnam Society for Sexual Medicine (VSSM), at the 21st Asia-Pacific Society for Sexual Medicine Conference and the International Advanced Training Course on Andrology and Sexual Medicine 2026, held on 26/7 in Hanoi.
A prime example is prolonged sitting, working continuously for over 8 hours daily, which increases the temperature in the genital area. Testicles produce optimal sperm when the temperature is about 1-2 degrees Celsius lower than body temperature. This daily, silent heating can reduce sperm quality, contributing to infertility and subfertility.
Beyond temperature, prolonged sleep deprivation also significantly impacts reproductive health. Individuals who regularly stay up late, sleeping only 4-5 hours per night, combined with using coffee and cigarettes to stay alert under stress, increase free radicals (ROS). These free radicals damage sperm DNA, leading to malformed sperm or reduced motility.
Smoking and alcohol directly impair male reproductive function. The longer the duration of smoking and the greater the number of cigarettes smoked, the higher the risk of infertility. Additionally, smoking is a cause of erectile dysfunction in men. Meanwhile, heavy alcohol consumption affects certain male hormones: testosterone, LH, FSH, hindering sperm development. Toxins in alcohol can damage the DNA structure of sperm, increasing the risk of defects and reducing sperm quality and quantity.
"To protect reproductive health, men should stand up and move for about 5 minutes after every hour of sitting, sleep before 11 p.m., and minimize smoking and alcohol consumption," advised Associate Professor Quang.
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Late-night habits and prolonged sitting affect male physiology. *Photo: Pexels*
Many couples currently miss opportunities for early treatment because husbands are complacent, refusing examinations due to continued sexual desire. Research indicates that male factors account for approximately 40-50% of infertility cases.
Semen analysis is a simple, inexpensive, and painless method, yet it holds significant value in assessing fertility. It helps detect abnormalities early for timely intervention, rather than presuming the cause of infertility lies with women. Therefore, men experiencing physiological abnormalities should proactively seek medical examination for effective treatment.
Speaking at the program, Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen emphasized that sexual medicine is not only related to sexual and reproductive health but also connected to physical and mental health, non-communicable diseases, and population quality. He stated that modern medicine aims not only to treat diseases but also to preserve function and enhance quality of life.
On this occasion, experts also organized an international advanced training course on andrology and sexual medicine. The content focused on: individualized treatment, male infertility, male and female sexual dysfunction, reproductive endocrinology, regenerative medicine, genetics, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation in medicine. Many advanced techniques such as micro-TESE, testicular mapping, artificial corpus cavernosum implantation, Rezūm, pelvic floor rehabilitation, along with regenerative therapies, were also updated.
Le Nga
