Can lifestyle changes significantly improve male fertility: A narrative review?

Abstract

Male infertility is increasingly recognized as a significant global health concern, with lifestyle factors being critical contributors to declining male fertility rates. This narrative review comprehensively analyzes the impact of various lifestyle choices, including diet, physical activity, substance use, stress, sleep, weight management, sexual habits, and environmental and occupational exposures on male reproductive health. The review examines the biological and ecological mechanisms through which these lifestyle factors affect spermatogenesis and sperm quality. Furthermore, it discusses potential interventions, such as dietary modifications, weight management strategies, substance cessation programs, stress reduction techniques, and workplace policy changes to improve male fertility outcomes. Emphasis is placed on the role of oxidative stress, hormonal regulation, and DNA integrity in mediating the effects of these lifestyle factors. While lifestyle modifications can significantly enhance male reproductive health, the available evidence highlights the need for more rigorous research to establish solid guidelines and interventions for mitigating male infertility.