Emerging research findings, highlighted during World Infertility Awareness Month and recently reported by ABC News, have thrust male infertility into the public spotlight, identifying five modifiable lifestyle factors that could be quietly undermining men’s reproductive health. As families across Thailand increasingly seek answers to fertility challenges, these latest insights carry crucial implications both for personal wellness and for future generations.
Although infertility discussions often focus on women, specialists estimate that male factors significantly contribute to around a third of all cases worldwide (ABC News). “When we think about fertility, there’s a lot of focus placed on females,” noted an ABC medical contributor. “But male issues can include problems with sperm volume or quality, congenital obstructions, infections, and various underlying medical conditions.” With nearly 186 million people globally affected by infertility—half of whom face male-related issues—the urgency of understanding male-specific risks has never been greater (Tesarik, 2025; Amoah et al., 2025; WHO 2025).
In Thailand, declining birth rates and the rise of advanced reproductive technologies have pushed male reproductive health into mainstream public discourse. Several university hospitals and leading fertility clinics now report a steady increase in men seeking evaluation for fertility issues—a cultural shift from previous years, when such matters were considered taboo or solely a “women’s problem.”
As pinpointed by leading researchers and summarized in the recent ABC News story, five key lifestyle factors have emerged as culprits: cannabis use, alcohol consumption, smoking, being overweight, and high stress levels. Each factor, often overlooked or dismissed as mild habits in daily Thai life, can exert significant adverse effects on male fertility through discrete yet interconnected biological pathways.
Research throughout the past five years has solidified the link between lifestyle and male fertility. A comprehensive review published in 2025 by an international team of andrology specialists, for example, details that obesity, poor diet, tobacco and alcohol use, chronic stress, and environmental exposures (such as air pollution and increased heat) all converge on one damaging process: oxidative stress in sperm cells (Tesarik, 2025). When the production of harmful reactive oxygen species exceeds the antioxidants’ ability to counteract them, damage accumulates in sperm DNA, affecting motility, morphology, and viability.
Let’s break down the latest evidence for each factor:
Marijuana Use Recent studies from both North America and Europe reveal that marijuana (cannabis) consumption is associated with reduced sperm concentration, poor morphology, and hormonal disruptions (Gundersen et al., 2020; Barazani et al., 2023). THC, cannabis’s active psychoactive compound, acts through the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays an essential role in regulating sperm motility and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, which governs hormone secretion crucial for reproduction. Regular cannabis use—more than once per week—has been linked to a 29% reduction in sperm count. One expert cited by ABC News stressed: “Limiting cannabis use is advisable when trying to conceive.”
In the Thai context, the recent decriminalisation and changing attitudes toward recreational cannabis have rapidly increased its availability and social acceptance. Recent government data and local studies note a sharp uptick in cannabis use among young men in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. While used by some for medical reasons, the latest health advisories recommend caution. Medical faculty at a prominent Bangkok university hospital advised that men planning families abstain from cannabis, supporting findings published in Thai Journal of Reproductive Medicine.
Alcohol Consumption Daily or excessive alcohol drinking disrupts hormone balance, directly harming sperm volume and increasing rates of abnormal morphology (Nguyen-Thanh et al., 2023). Alcohol is thought to raise the ratio of estrogen to testosterone and elevate oxidative stress within the testes. Routine moderate drinking may not generate significant changes for all men, but chronic exposure is consistently linked to longer conception times and higher risks of miscarriage and genetic disorders in offspring (Frontiers, 2025).
Social customs in Thailand, such as regular beer gatherings or whisky after office hours, pose a marked cultural challenge. Public health officers at the Department of Disease Control noted increasing marketing of alcoholic beverages, especially in urban centers, and urged men of reproductive age to moderate intake or abstain while preparing for fatherhood.
Smoking (Cigarettes and E-Cigarettes) Cigarette smoke contains over 5,000 toxic chemicals, including known carcinogens and substances that damage sperm DNA (Sharma et al., 2016). Smoking is correlated with lower sperm concentration, poor motility, increased rates of DNA fragmentation, and higher prevalence of sperm with abnormal morphology. The oxidative stress inflicted by smoking further accentuates DNA damage, and new animal studies suggest e-cigarette vapors may exert similar or even worse effects compared to combusted tobacco (Vivarelli et al., 2019). A meta-analysis cited by reproductive health specialists confirmed that even “occasional” tobacco use increases male infertility risk, while moderate to heavy smokers fare even worse.
In Thailand, where the male smoking rate remains among the highest in Southeast Asia, national and local campaigns aim to reduce tobacco use as part of broader reproductive health education. Programs by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation encourage men seeking children to quit tobacco in all forms, firmly supported by scientific evidence (Tesarik, 2025).
Obesity and Physical Inactivity Obesity contributes to a cascade of hormonal and metabolic disturbances affecting sperm production, motility, and DNA integrity. Increased adipose (fat) tissue raises scrotal temperature, disrupting the delicate environment required for optimal sperm development. Excess weight also leads to lower testosterone and higher estrogen levels, further compounding fertility problems. The negative effects can extend to DNA methylation patterns in sperm, with long-term consequences for offspring (Tesarik, 2025; Amoah et al., 2025).
Physical inactivity—common in increasingly urbanized societies like Bangkok—may further restrict reproductive potential. Yet, new research also cautions that “too much of a good thing” applies; overly intense exercise regimens, seen among marathon or fitness enthusiasts, can also suppress testosterone and sperm quality. The evidence from a multinational survey in 2024 reinforced that moderate, regular movement—such as weekly walks, cycling, or swimming—improves sperm motility and hormone balance, in line with traditional Thai activities such as ramwong (folk dance) or leisure badminton.
High Stress Levels Psychological stress is frequently underestimated as a source of fertility problems, but recent studies demonstrate that elevated cortisol—a major stress hormone—suppresses testosterone and disrupts the pulsatile release of hormones from the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, which are vital for sperm production (Nargund, 2015). Men who report high stress, whether due to financial concerns, job insecurity, or the social stigma of childlessness, tend to have lower sperm counts, reduced motility, and more sperm with abnormal forms.
In Thai society, the pressures of family expectation and communal involvement in personal matters often compound stress for those unable to conceive. Buddhist mindfulness and meditation, increasingly promoted by health clinics in conjunction with modern counseling services, offer culturally resonant coping mechanisms. Fertility clinics in Bangkok have begun integrating relaxation techniques into their male infertility programs, supported by mounting scientific evidence.
Environmental and Technological Threats: The Emerging Risks Beyond lifestyle, a raft of modern exposures threaten male fertility, including air pollution, harmful chemicals (pesticides, bisphenols, phthalates), and even frequent use of mobile phones and laptops near the genitals. Although more research is needed, pilot studies from Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor point to higher rates of impaired sperm parameters in workers at high-pollution or high-heat worksites such as factories, refineries, and roadside vendors. The electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile devices are being actively studied worldwide, with preliminary evidence showing a reduction in sperm motility and viability when phones are habitually kept in trouser pockets (Agarwal et al., 2011).
Nutrition: The Forgotten Pillar of Fertility A revolutionary body of research now confirms that food choices can meaningfully protect or restore male fertility. The Mediterranean diet—rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, lean seafood, and healthy fats—has consistently demonstrated a positive effect on sperm parameters, as confirmed in a 2025 meta-analysis (Agarwal et al., 2025). Key nutrients such as zinc, selenium, folate, coenzyme Q10, and omega-3 fatty acids are all critical for optimal semen quality.
For Thai men, incorporating more local vegetables (pak boong, morning glory), fruits (papaya, guava), and grains (brown rice)—as opposed to processed Western fast food—is a culturally appropriate way to boost antioxidant intake. Seafood, long recognized in the Thai coastal diet, confers further protection through omega-3s.
Conversely, highly processed snacks, sweetened beverages, and “Western” fast food, increasingly common among Bangkok youth, adversely affect both general and reproductive health. Thai dietitians specializing in male health now recommend daily fruit and vegetable servings, moderate nut consumption, and reducing fatty meats.
Expert Opinions and Practical Recommendations The consensus among reproductive urologists, endocrinologists, and fertility dietitians is clear: lifestyle and environmental factors are modifiable risks, and targeted interventions can restore or enhance male fertility for most men. “If you’re trying to improve fertility, focus on eating a regular diet, exercising, managing stress, and reducing both cannabis and alcohol use,” advised the medical expert cited in the original ABC News report. It’s equally important, specialists say, to have open conversations with one’s physician about substance use, environmental exposures, and occupational risks.
Thailand’s leading reproductive medicine clinics now include lifestyle counseling as a standard service before invasive treatments. Some, such as university-affiliated fertility centers in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, offer integrated programs including nutrition workshops, smoking cessation support, mindfulness training, and even guided group exercise tailored for men.
Keys for Thai Readers: What You Can Do Right Now
- Abstain or minimize use of cannabis and tobacco. If you use marijuana for medical reasons, consult a physician.
- Limit alcohol intake. For those trying to conceive, experts recommend no more than 14 units per week, with alcohol-free days.
- Maintain a healthy body weight. This can be achieved through gradual dietary adjustments and consistent, moderate physical activity.
- Prioritize healthy, traditional foods. Fill your plate with fresh vegetables, fruits, brown rice, fish, and nuts.
- Manage daily stress. Leverage mindfulness, meditation, or spiritual routines, and consider professional guidance if necessary.
- Reduce exposure to environmental pollutants where possible. If you work in factories, kitchens, or roadside settings, take regular breaks and use protective gear.
- Limit laptop and smartphone exposure to the genitals. Avoid keeping electronics on your lap or in trouser pockets when possible.
Where Thailand Stands in the Global Landscape Rising male infertility rates and declining national fertility have begun to shape policies within Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, which now recognizes reproductive health as a matter for all genders. Health technology innovators have piloted digital fertility screening services for men in both urban and rural regions, while the government considers broader measures to regulate marketing of unhealthy products and pollutants. Integration of male reproductive health into reproductive education in schools is also under discussion. Some Buddhist temples have even begun to address fertility through counseling—bridging tradition and modern medicine.
Historically, issues around male infertility were shrouded in silence or regarded as a woman’s concern in Thai society. However, as shifting demographics, economic growth, and changing values bring these issues into the public eye, scientific research, clinical practice, and grassroots support are finally converging to empower Thai men with actionable knowledge.
Future Directions and Policy Implications With further research underway to clarify the effects of environmental toxins and new technologies, calls grow louder for personalized fertility assessments and public health interventions. Long-term, multi-country studies, including several based in Thailand, aim to map sperm quality trends and connect them to lifespan, chronic disease, and social wellbeing (Priskorn et al., 2025). Policymakers are also being urged to include reproductive health in national goals for sustainable development, recognizing the societal importance of fertility alongside economic and environmental priorities.
Actionable Takeaways for Thai Men and Families The latest research makes clear: many causes of male infertility are within one’s power to address. Whether you are planning a family, facing unexplained infertility, or simply wish to optimize your health for the future, the evidence shows that adjusting these five lifestyle factors can have a transformative impact. Conversation with your healthcare provider, honest self-assessment, and cultural acceptance of male reproductive health as a legitimate concern will guide you towards success.
For those already struggling, do not lose hope. Traditional values of perseverance, familial support, and the willingness to try new approaches can all be strengths in this journey. Seek evidence-based advice, participate in available support programs, and remember that lifestyle changes today will benefit not just fertility, but overall health far into the future.
Sources:
- ABC News: Male infertility—5 lifestyle factors that could be hurting your fertility
- Lifestyle and Environmental Factors Affecting Male Fertility: Tesarik, 2025, PMC11943017
- Frontiers in Reproductive Health: Amoah et al., 2025
- BDA: Men’s Health Week 2025—Diet and Male Fertility
- PubMed: Gundersen et al., 2020
- PubMed: Barazani et al., 2023
- PubMed: Sharma et al., 2016
- PubMed: Nargund, 2015
- PubMed: Vivarelli et al., 2019
- PubMed: Agarwal et al., 2011