# Sperm health: male fertility basics

> It takes two – and sperm have their own needs.

Category: Fertility & TTC · 4 min read · Written by the Splash team · Sources checked October 2026
URL: https://splash.care/learn/fertility-ttc/male-fertility-basics

## 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](https://splash.care/learn/cycle-basics/stress-travel-illness)

## Easy wins

- Stick to 14 units of [alcohol](https://splash.care/learn/nutrition/caffeine-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

> **Splash says:** sperm take a couple of months to develop, so lifestyle changes need a little time to show up. Start together and cheer each other on!

## The test: semen analysis

A [Semen analysis](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/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.

**Myth:** Fertility problems are usually the woman’s “fault”.

**Fact:** There’s no fault here – and problems can affect either or both partners. That’s why the NHS recommends both partners see the GP.

### When to see a doctor

A partner should see a GP if you haven’t conceived after a year (or straight away if the female partner is 36 or over), or sooner if they have a lump, pain or swelling in the testicles, erection or ejaculation problems, or past testicular surgery or cancer treatment.

## Sources

1. [NHS – Low sperm count](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/low-sperm-count/)
2. [NHS – Infertility: causes](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility/causes/)
3. [NHS – Infertility](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility/)
4. [NICE NG257 – Fertility problems: assessment and treatment (March 2026, replaces CG156)](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng257)

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).