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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffA number of risk factors are linked to male infertility. They include:
- Age. Men older than 35 may have a gradual decline in fertility.
- Tobacco smoking. Fertility may improve when you quit smoking.
- Alcohol use. Heavy alcohol use can lower testosterone levels, cause erectile dysfunction and decrease sperm production.
- Being overweight — or too thin. Being at an unhealthy weight can reduce sperm count.
- Celiac disease. A digestive disorder caused by a sensitivity to gluten, untreated celiac disease can cause male infertility. Fertility may improve after adopting a gluten-free diet.
- Prostate infections. Past prostate or other genital infections such as mumps or a sexually transmitted disease can affect fertility.
- Exposure to toxins. Examples include heavy metals, industrial chemicals and radioactivity.
- Exposure to certain drugs and medications. Examples include cancer medications and anabolic steroids.
- High temperatures. Exposing the testicles to high temperatures — such as a hot tub or sauna — can temporarily reduce fertility.
- Previous vasectomy. Some men who've had a vasectomy reversed remain infertile.
