From laptops to lifestyle: How modern habits are affecting male fertility
Male fertility isn't only about having a medical problem, but it's also about how you live every day. There are some habits, like poor sleep, stress, junk food, and heat from laptops, that can slowly decrease your chances of becoming a father.
New Delhi: Modern lifestyle is quietly affecting male fertility, and it is evident. Today, there are many young men who are using laptops directly on their laps, spending hours on phones, sleeping late, eating junk food, and living stressful lives. These habits may look normal, but they can lower sperm count and reduce the chances of becoming a father. Dr. Saarthak Bakshi, CEO of RISAA IVF, decoded this for TV9 English.
What is Male Infertility and Why is it Important?
Male infertility means when a man faces issues to make his partner pregnant even after trying for a year without protection. It usually happens due to low sperm count, poor sperm movement, or other issues with sperm health. This is important because male problems cause about 40–50% of infertility cases. There are many people who think infertility is only a female issue but that’s not true. So, it’s very important to know about male infertility for couples to get the right treatment on time and increase the chances of having a baby.
What are the Hidden Risks?
There are some daily habits that may look normal but can quietly affect male fertility over time. Here are some daily habits that can affect a man’s sperm health:
⦁ Using laptops directly on the lap
⦁ Keeping mobile phones in front pockets
⦁ Wearing tight underwear or pants
⦁ Sitting for long hours without any movement
⦁ Living under constant stress
⦁ Sleeping late or having poor sleep
⦁ Eating too much junk or processed food
⦁ Smoking, alcohol, or drug use
⦁ Exposure to pollution or harmful chemicals
⦁ Lack of physical activity or exercise
Signs That You May Have Male Infertility
There are no clear signs of Male infertility but some small changes in the body or sexual health can be early warnings. So, it’s important to notice these signs to get the right treatment.
⦁ Issues in getting your partner pregnant after a year of trying
⦁ Low sexual desire or loss of interest in sex
⦁ Difficulty in getting or keeping an erection
⦁ Pain, swelling, or lumps in the testicles
⦁ Less facial or body hair than normal
⦁ Small or soft testicles
⦁ Reduced amount of semen during ejaculation
⦁ Feeling stressed, anxious, or low without a clear reason
⦁ History of infections or surgeries in the groin area
⦁ Problems with ejaculation (like delayed or no release)
Simple Lifestyle Changes for Better Fertility
Male infertility can be managed by following some simple tips. Here are some lifestyle changes that you can make to improve your sperm health:
⦁ Avoid placing laptops on your lap
⦁ Keep mobile phones away from your groin area
⦁ Eat a healthy, balanced diet (rich in zinc, vitamin C, omega-3s)
⦁ Exercise regularly, but avoid heavy steroids
⦁ Get 7–8 hours of sleep daily
⦁ Manage stress with yoga, walks, or meditation
⦁ Avoid smoking, alcohol, and heat exposure
Final Words
Male fertility isn’t only about having a medical problem, but it’s also about how you live every day. There are some habits, like poor sleep, stress, junk food, and heat from laptops, that can slowly decrease your chances of becoming a father. Many men don't realise this until it’s too late. However, most of these problems can be fixed with simple lifestyle changes. So don’t ignore it and start taking care of your health.