Your sperm health plays a major role in your ability to have children. Unfortunately, many men unknowingly harm their sperm through certain everyday habits and lifestyle choices. Over time, these behaviors can lead to a low sperm count, poor sperm quality, or other fertility issues.
Here are 5 common things you should stop doing if you want to protect your reproductive health:
1. Using the Wrong Lubricant
Some personal lubricants may feel good or reduce friction during intimacy, but they’re not all sperm-friendly. Many contain ingredients that can reduce sperm movement or kill sperm cells altogether.
What to do: If you’re trying to conceive, switch to a fertility-safe lubricant that won’t harm your sperm’s ability to reach the egg.
2. Drinking Too Much Alcohol
Regular or heavy alcohol intake can lower testosterone and reduce sperm production. Studies show that people who drink excessively — especially more than 25 drinks per week — tend to have lower sperm quality and count.
What to do: Cut back on alcohol or enjoy it only in moderation — your reproductive system will thank you.
3. Too Much Soda and Sugary Drinks
Excess sugar, especially from soda and artificially sweetened drinks, has been linked to sperm damage and infertility. One study found that men who drank soda daily had a much lower sperm count compared to those who didn’t.
What to do: Limit sugary drinks, and drink more water or natural fruit juice instead.
4. Living Under Constant Stress
Stress doesn’t just affect your mind — it messes with your reproductive hormones too. High stress levels can hurt sperm development and lower sexual performance. Stress also raises inflammation in the body, which may harm sperm quality.
What to do: Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, regular exercise, or meditation to manage stress better.
5. Overheating Your Groin Area
Wearing tight underwear, sitting for long hours, or using hot tubs too often can cause the temperature around your testicles to rise — which may reduce sperm production. The testicles need a slightly cooler temperature to create healthy sperm.
What to do: Wear loose-fitting boxers, take breaks from sitting too long, and limit exposure to extreme heat.
Leave a Reply