THE IMPACT OF LIFESTYLE ON MALE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

We continue our series of articles on male infertility. Together with an expert, Stepan Krasnyak, a leading researcher in the Department of Andrology and Reproduction at the N. Lopatkin Scientific Research Institute of Urology and Interventional Radiology — a branch of the National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation — we will explore how daily habits can affect reproductive health.

Diet can be not only a source of energy but also a key factor in maintaining fertility. A diet rich in antioxidants, whole grains, fish, nuts, vegetables, and fruits helps preserve the quality of male reproductive material. On the other hand, an excess of saturated fats and trans fats combined with red and processed meats can negatively impact male reproductive function. Similarly, low fruit and vegetable consumption, along with a preference for sugary drinks, deteriorates the quality of reproductive material.

Certain foods, such as chicken and fish, have a positive effect. Research (Xia, 2015 Fertil Steril) shows that men who include poultry in their diet have a higher likelihood of successful fertilization during IVF.

Smoking is a proven harmful habit that not only damages lung and cardiovascular health but also directly affects reproductive function. Nicotine and the chemicals in tobacco disrupt the structure of seminiferous tubules, impair spermatogenesis, and reduce sperm motility. It is crucial to understand that even nicotine-free electronic cigarettes negatively impact reproductive health by increasing oxidative stress, which, in turn, reduces sperm activity.

Smoking not only diminishes the quality of reproductive material but also raises the risk of passing on predispositions to several conditions, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This significant aspect is often overlooked.

Alcohol increases the likelihood of passing behavioral and cognitive issues, as well as tendencies toward aggression and alcoholism, to their children. Few are aware that alcohol raises the percentage of sperm with DNA fragmentation and negatively affects ejaculate parameters, significantly reducing the chances of successful conception.

Lack of sleep affects reproductive health more than one might expect. Studies show that men with sleep disturbances, particularly those who frequently wake up during the night, experience reduced sperm motility and up to 28% lower ejaculate volume compared to those who sleep soundly. This is because sleep is essential for maintaining testosterone levels, a hormone critical to fertility.

If you dream of becoming a father, prioritize sufficient quality sleep, maintain a healthy diet, and eliminate harmful habits!

These simple lifestyle changes will not only increase your chances of successful conception but also help prevent potential health problems in the next generation.