In a groundbreaking study published on September 30, 2025, in the peer-reviewed journal Oncoscience, researchers from India have shed new light on the intricate relationship between lifestyle factors, hormonal imbalances, and male fertility. This extensive investigation entitled “Lifestyle and hormonal factors affecting semen quality and sperm DNA integrity: A cross-sectional study,” conducted by Saniya Imtiyaz Chamanmalik, Rajendra B. Nerli, and Pankaja Umarane, explores the growing concern of male infertility through a detailed analysis of semen quality and genetic integrity of sperm cells in Indian men.
Male infertility is a significant global health issue, contributing to nearly half of all infertility cases among couples. Despite this, there remains a critical lack of comprehensive data addressing modifiable risk factors associated with male reproductive decline, especially within the Indian subcontinent. Tackling this gap, the study meticulously evaluated 278 men aged between 21 and 50 years, applying the latest World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for semen analysis alongside advanced tests measuring sperm DNA fragmentation, a paramount marker of sperm genomic damage.
One of the most startling findings from this cohort was the pervasive prevalence of abnormal semen parameters, found in almost half of the participants. The study revealed a subtle but meaningful trend associated with advancing age: while parameters like semen volume and motility exhibited no significant decline, men older than 40 years manifested notably elevated sperm DNA fragmentation. This DNA damage compromises genetic fidelity and directly threatens fertilization potential and embryo viability, underscoring the importance of genomic integrity in fertility assessments.
Lifestyle choices emerged as critical determinants of sperm health. The consumption of tobacco and alcohol, two widespread habits, were strongly correlated with reduced sperm concentration, motility, and abnormal morphology. Alcohol consumption, in particular, was linked not only to these traditional semen parameters but also to increased levels of DNA fragmentation in sperm. Such genetic disruptions can impair embryonic development post-fertilization, posing serious implications for reproductive success.
The environmental context of the subjects also played a definitive role. Men exposed to elevated occupational heat displayed significantly higher sperm DNA damage, highlighting thermal stress as a potent adversary to male fertility. This finding is particularly relevant in regions and industries where heat exposure is endemic, suggesting that workplace conditions require closer monitoring to mitigate reproductive health risks.
Body mass index (BMI) was identified as another significant factor influencing semen quality and DNA integrity. The study found a nonlinear relationship between body weight and sperm health: both underweight and overweight men exhibited compromised semen parameters and heightened DNA fragmentation compared to men with normal BMI. This correlation emphasizes the nuanced role of metabolic health in maintaining male reproductive function and suggests that optimal body composition is crucial for sperm integrity.
Importantly, the research also broke new ground in evaluating the hormonal milieu associated with male fertility. Testosterone and prolactin, two pivotal hormones, demonstrated strong associations with semen quality. Men exhibiting low testosterone or elevated prolactin levels were found to have deteriorated semen profiles, affirming the necessity of hormonal balance for reproductive competence.
Perhaps the most novel hormonal marker investigated was the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), conventionally linked to female reproductive health but now increasingly recognized in males. The study uncovered a significant inverse relationship between AMH levels and sperm DNA fragmentation, proposing AMH as an emerging biomarker for assessing sperm health and genetic integrity. The supportive role of AMH-producing cells in spermatogenesis provides a plausible biological mechanism for this association.
Notably, other critical gonadotropins such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) remained stable across different subjects, suggesting that traditional hormone tests might not sufficiently reflect the subtle hormonal disruptions impacting sperm quality. This insight points towards the potential benefits of incorporating comprehensive hormone profiling in male fertility evaluations to achieve more precise diagnostics.
The research methodology incorporated stringent adherence to WHO semen analysis protocols paired with cutting-edge techniques measuring sperm DNA fragmentation through the sperm chromatin dispersion test. The integration of these advanced assays ensures a multifaceted understanding of sperm functionality beyond conventional parameters, which may often overlook critical indicators of fertility potential.
These findings advocate for a paradigm shift in male fertility assessment and management, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle modifications and detailed hormonal evaluations. The researchers propose that interventions targeting tobacco cessation, alcohol reduction, weight normalization, and minimization of occupational heat exposure could substantially enhance semen quality and reduce sperm DNA damage.
While the study represents a major step forward in understanding male infertility in India, its limitations include its cross-sectional design and single-center setting, which preclude causal inferences and broader generalizability. Nevertheless, the compelling evidence advocates for public health initiatives to promote healthier lifestyles and standardized hormonal screenings as integral components of fertility care.
Looking ahead, this pioneering work paves the way for longitudinal studies to evaluate the efficacy of lifestyle and hormonal interventions in reversing sperm damage and improving reproductive outcomes. Understanding whether targeted therapies can restore sperm DNA integrity holds promise for advancing infertility treatments and offering new hope to millions affected by reproductive challenges worldwide.
In conclusion, this comprehensive study elucidates the complex interplay between lifestyle habits, environmental exposures, and hormonal factors contributing to male infertility. By integrating traditional semen analysis with sperm DNA fragmentation and hormonal profiling, it opens new avenues for early identification and personalized management of male reproductive health risks, marking a significant advance in the global fight against infertility.
Subject of Research: People
Article Title: Lifestyle and hormonal factors affecting semen quality and sperm DNA integrity: A cross-sectional study
News Publication Date: 30-Sep-2025
Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.18632/oncoscience.627
Image Credits: Copyright © 2025 Chamanmalik et al. Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0)
Keywords: male infertility, lifestyle risk factors, sperm chromatin dispersion test, sperm DNA fragmentation, reproductive hormones
