New Delhi: He exercises regularly, doesn’t smoke, eats clean, and feels fine. But when he and his partner try to conceive, nothing happens. And months into trying, all eyes turn to her—until a test shows the issue lies on his side. This story isn’t rare anymore. Across clinics today, more men in their late 20s and 30s—otherwise healthy, confident, and proactive—are being diagnosed with low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology. For many, it comes as a shock. Fertility struggles have long been viewed as a woman’s concern. But in reality, male factors contribute to nearly half of all infertility cases. And the numbers seem to be climbing.
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr Prasad C, Consultant – Endourologist, Andrologist & Infertility Specialist, Gleneagles BGS Hospital, explained how, despite healthy choices, fatherhood is becoming a far-fetched dream for men in their 30s.
So, What’s Going On?
The decline in male fertility isn’t about one single cause. It’s a combination of small, silent stressors that pile up over time. Environmental toxins—from plastics and air pollution to pesticides—have been shown to affect sperm production. Add to that the daily wear of modern life: chronic stress, poor sleep, high screen time, and constant exposure to heat (think laptops on laps, long drives, tight clothing).
Even habits that seem health-positive on the surface—like intense gym routines or unregulated supplements—can be risky. Some men take protein powders, testosterone boosters, or anabolic steroids without realizing these can suppress natural hormone production and impact fertility. Others follow extreme diets that reduce fat intake, which in turn affects hormone balance.
Why Men Are Getting Tested Earlier
For many years, male fertility testing was something done late in the game—usually after months or years of trying without success. But that’s changing. More men are now choosing to get tested early, sometimes even before they plan to start a family. The reasons are simple: they want clarity, control, and time to fix what can be fixed.
This shift toward proactive fertility screening is a welcome one. A basic semen analysis is non-invasive, quick, and often reveals more than expected. In some cases, issues are mild and reversible. In others, they may need medical guidance, but either way, early insight allows for early action.
When Fitness Doesn’t Equal Fertility
Perhaps the most confusing part for young men is this: they feel healthy. They’re active, they eat well, and they don’t have any obvious symptoms. But sperm health doesn’t always reflect overall health. It’s entirely possible to be fit and still face fertility issues. That’s why it’s important to stop thinking of fertility as a “women’s topic” or a problem that only shows up in older men. Sperm quality is sensitive to internal and external factors. And because it takes around 74 days for sperm to mature, today’s habits show up in results two to three months later.
What You Can Do
Start with awareness. If you’re planning a pregnancy—or even thinking about one shortly—consider getting a baseline semen analysis. Avoid heat exposure to the groin area. Be cautious with supplements and consult a doctor before using any hormone-related products. Keep body fat in a healthy range, manage stress, and don’t ignore sleep.
And most importantly: talk about it. Fertility is not just a woman’s issue, and there’s no weakness in getting tested. Taking charge of your reproductive health is one of the most responsible things you can do for yourself and your future family.