8 Common Causes of Male Infertility

Male infertility is an issue many couples face, accounting for roughly 30–50% of fertility challenges. Improving sperm count, motility, and quality is central—and using well-designed male fertility supplements can be an important support when combined with healthy habits. Let’s explore some of the most frequent causes of male infertility and how one might respond.

1. Low Sperm Count (Oligospermia)

When sperm concentration in semen falls below about 15 million per millilitre, fertility may be impacted. Causes include hormonal imbalance, testicular problems, infections, and lifestyle factors. Dame Health’s Men’s Preconception Boost multivitamin offers nutrients such as zinc, folic acid, and antioxidants that support healthy sperm production.

2. Poor Sperm Motility

Sperm must swim well to reach and fertilize an egg. Any reduction in motility—moving too slowly, weakly, or erratically—can reduce chances of conception. Environmental heat, toxins, or oxidative stress are known culprits. Antioxidant-rich diets, lowering exposure to heat (e.g., laptops on laps, hot tubs), and male fertility supplements containing CoQ10 can help improve motility.

3. Abnormal Sperm Morphology

Shape matters. Sperm with abnormal head or tail shapes may struggle to penetrate the egg or manoeuvre through the female reproductive tract. Some genetic disorders, toxins, or nutritional deficiencies can contribute. Support via key nutrients and antioxidants—as found in tailored supplements—may improve morphology.

4. Hormonal Imbalances

If levels of testosterone, thyroid hormones, or other regulating hormones are off, sperm production and function can suffer. Conditions such as hypogonadism or thyroid disorders fall here. Lifestyle (diet, sleep, stress) plays a big role. Also, focused male fertility supplements may contain ingredients that support hormonal health.

5. Medical Conditions and Structural Issues

Several medical issues directly affect male fertility:

• Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum) can degrade sperm quality.

• Infections such as epididymitis, orchitis or STIs may cause blockages or damage.

• Ejaculation problems (retrogade ejaculation, lack of semen emission) often connected with diabetes, spinal injury or surgery.

• Genetic disorders (e.g. Y chromosome microdeletions, Klinefelter’s syndrome) also impact sperm production.

6. Environmental Toxins & Exposure

Exposure to pollutants, heavy metals, endocrine disruptors from plastics or personal care products compromises sperm health: increasing oxidative stress, damaging DNA, affecting motility. Reducing exposure, choosing cleaner products, and diets rich in antioxidants are helpful. Dame Health emphasizes antioxidants (like CoQ10, vitamin C, E, zinc, selenium) in its offerings.

7. Lifestyle Factors

A number of everyday habits influence fertility:

• Smoking reduces sperm count, motility, and quality.

• Heavy alcohol consumption damages hormone regulation and sperm production.

• Obesity or being underweight both disrupt hormone levels and sperm parameters.

• Stress, poor sleep, and sedentary or extreme physical activity also impair fertility.

• Heat exposure: keeping laptops on laps, hot baths, tight clothing.

8. Age & Genetic Factors

Though fertility is often more discussed in women, male fertility also declines with age: sperm quality, motility and DNA integrity tend to worsen over time. Genetic factors like inherited conditions can further reduce fertility. Testing and medical consultation help in these cases. Supplements may mitigate some age-related decline, especially antioxidants that protect against oxidative damage.

What Can Be Done: Remedies & Support

Given these causes, there are practical steps men can take to improve fertility:

• Lifestyle changes: Quit smoking, reduce alcohol intake, maintain healthy body weight, reduce exposure to heat and environmental toxins.

• Balanced diet: Rich in antioxidants, adequate in vitamins and minerals (zinc, selenium, folic acid, vitamins C, D, E).

• Regular exercise and sleep: Moderate activity, good sleep hygiene help with hormonal balance.

• Stress management: Chronic stress can disrupt hormone levels and reduce sperm metrics. Practices like meditation, mindfulness are beneficial.

• Medical consultation and testing: Semen analysis (count, motility, morphology), hormone panels, checking for structural issues.

• Supplementation: Adding targeted male fertility supplements such as multivitamins (e.g. Men’s Preconception Boost), antioxidants (CoQ10 etc.), may help particularly when nutritional gaps, oxidative stress, or age are factors. These supplements are not magic fixes, but as Dame Health emphasizes, when used alongside healthy lifestyle and medical guidance, they support fertility improvements.

Conclusion

Infertility in men often stems from a combination of biological, environmental, lifestyle, and sometimes genetic factors. Recognising the cause early gives the best chance of addressing it. While changes in daily habits are foundational, well-formulated male fertility supplements can offer meaningful support—especially where diets are lacking, oxidative stress is high, or age is a factor. If you suspect any issues, seeking medical advice, doing proper fertility testing, and adopting an overall healthier lifestyle are important first steps.