On this page 5 sections
Quick answer
- Sperm quality is a common factor in fertility – check both partners.
- Alcohol, smoking, weight, heat and chemicals can all affect sperm.
- Semen analysis is a simple first test.
- Lifestyle changes take a few months to show.
Fertility conversations often focus on the person with the uterus, but it really is a team sport. The NHS notes that poor-quality semen is a common cause of difficulty conceiving – and that both partners should be checked.
What can affect sperm
- Smoking and drinking heavily
- Being overweight
- Recreational drugs, including anabolic steroids and cocaine
- Heat around the testicles – tight underwear can raise temperature
- Workplace chemicals like pesticides, solvents and some heavy metals
- STIs such as chlamydia
- In severe cases, stress
Easy wins
- Stick to 14 units of alcohol a week or less, spread over 3+ days
- Stop smoking – support is free on the NHS
- Wear loose-fitting underwear
- Move more and aim for a healthy weight
The test: semen analysis
A semen analysis checks how many sperm there are, how well they move and their shape. If something looks off, the NHS says it’s usually repeated around 3 months later before any referral.
MythFertility problems are usually the woman’s “fault”.
There’s no fault here – and problems can affect either or both partners. That’s why the NHS recommends both partners see the GP.
Sources
Written by the Splash teamSources checked
This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US). How we write and check articles.