Global average sperm count and concentration have declined by over 50% in the past four decades, with the rate of decrease accelerating in recent years. This trend is forcing many young couples to seek medical intervention for conception. Master, Doctor Le Duc Phuc, from the Andrology Department at Military Central Hospital 108, issued this warning, highlighting work pressure, unhealthy lifestyle habits, and obesity as primary contributors to male infertility in modern society.

According to Doctor Phuc, fertility decline linked to lifestyle factors differs significantly from infertility caused by congenital medical conditions. Men experiencing a reduction in sperm quality due to lifestyle typically have reproductive organs that are normal in both structure and size. However, external negative impacts diminish semen analysis parameters. In contrast, pathological infertility often stems from physical abnormalities such as congenital absence of the vas deferens, undescended testicles, testicular atrophy, chromosomal disorders, or severe varicocele.

Stress and lack of sleep can impact male vitality. *Himsedpills*

Daily life pressure is a primary factor damaging male reproductive health. Chronic stress stimulates the body to increase cortisol secretion, which strongly inhibits testosterone production—the hormone crucial for spermatogenesis. Additionally, staying up late and sleeping less than six hours daily severely reduces sperm density, viability, and motility.

Beyond psychological pressure, the rising prevalence of obesity among adults also directly threatens reproductive capacity. Significant fat accumulation in the abdominal area of overweight men converts a portion of testosterone into estrogen. This hormonal disruption directly impedes spermatogenesis in the testicles. Furthermore, habits like consuming fast food, excessive alcohol, and smoking increase free radicals, causing DNA damage and leading to abnormal sperm morphology.

The temperature of the work environment and daily habits also inadvertently harm sperm. For healthy sperm production, testicles need to maintain a temperature one to two degrees C lower than body temperature. However, prolonged sitting for many hours by office workers, the habit of placing laptops on laps, wearing tight clothing, or frequently using hot saunas can increase scrotal temperature, weakening or destroying sperm.

Encouragingly, young men experiencing sperm decline purely due to lifestyle factors can fully restore semen analysis parameters after a few months of consistent habit changes and weight management. Since a spermatogenesis cycle typically lasts about 70 to 90 days, men should prioritize a diet rich in zinc and vitamins, engage in regular physical activity, maintain a balanced physique, and quit smoking.

However, Doctor Phuc cautions that not all cases can self-recover, particularly for individuals also suffering from conditions such as genitourinary infections or blocked vas deferens, which require specialized medical intervention. The expert advises men against self-prescribing and using unregulated 'kidney-tonifying and yang-boosting' supplements found on the market without a doctor's recommendation. Such actions risk severe endocrine disorders, liver or kidney damage, or irreversible side effects.

Le Nga