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Male Reproductive Health and Fertility: Why Men’s Health Month Matters

June is Men’s Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness around the importance of preventive care, wellness, and long-term health for men. It is also an important opportunity to discuss a topic that is often overlooked: male reproductive health.

Infertility is frequently perceived as a women’s health issue, yet male factor infertility contributes to nearly half of all infertility cases. Despite this, conversations around male fertility often remain limited, leaving many individuals without the information or support they need.

At NYU Langone Fertility Center, we believe reproductive health should be approached with the same attention and medical expertise as any other aspect of healthcare. Understanding male fertility is an important part of comprehensive family-building care and can provide valuable insight into both reproductive and overall health.

Understanding Male Factor Infertility

Male factor infertility refers to conditions that affect sperm production, sperm quality, or sperm transport.

Fertility depends on multiple factors working together successfully, including healthy sperm count, movement, and morphology, as well as the ability for sperm to reach and fertilize an egg.

A semen analysis is often one of the first diagnostic tools used during fertility evaluation and provides important information regarding:

• Sperm concentration
• Motility (movement)
• Morphology (shape)
• Semen volume and quality

Male infertility may present as an isolated factor or occur alongside female reproductive factors, which is why evaluating both partners is considered a standard part of fertility assessment.

Importantly, infertility is not uncommon. Globally, infertility affects approximately one in six individuals during their reproductive years, reinforcing the need for greater awareness and earlier evaluation.

Common Causes of Male Infertility

Male fertility can be influenced by a wide range of medical, genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors.

Some of the more common contributors include:

Varicocele

A varicocele refers to enlarged veins within the scrotum and may interfere with sperm production and quality. It is among the most frequently identified and potentially correctable causes of male infertility.

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormones play a central role in sperm production. Conditions affecting testosterone or pituitary hormone regulation may impact fertility.

Genetic Conditions

Certain chromosomal or inherited conditions may contribute to reduced sperm production or absent sperm.

Prior Medical Treatment

Cancer therapies, including chemotherapy and radiation, may affect fertility. This highlights the importance of fertility preservation discussions prior to treatment whenever possible.

Reproductive or Structural Conditions

Previous surgeries, infections, undescended testicles, or obstruction within the reproductive tract may also affect fertility potential.

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

Smoking, excessive alcohol use, obesity, chronic stress, poor sleep, and environmental exposures may negatively influence sperm quality and reproductive health.

In some cases, no clear cause is identified, a situation known as unexplained male infertility.

Male Reproductive Health Reflects Overall Health

Male fertility is often closely connected to broader health and wellness.

Emerging research continues to reinforce the relationship between reproductive health and general medical health, including metabolic function, hormone balance, cardiovascular health, and lifestyle habits.

For this reason, fertility evaluation can sometimes identify underlying health concerns that may otherwise go undetected.

Several lifestyle factors may influence reproductive health, including:

• Nutrition and body weight
• Exercise habits
• Tobacco and nicotine use
• Alcohol and substance exposure
• Sleep quality
• Stress management
• Heat exposure and environmental factors

While lifestyle changes alone may not resolve all fertility challenges, they may support overall reproductive health and complement medical treatment when appropriate.

When to Consider Fertility Evaluation

Many individuals and couples are uncertain about when to seek fertility care.

In general, evaluation is recommended after:

• Twelve months of attempting conception without pregnancy for individuals under age 35
• Six months for those over age 35
• Earlier when known reproductive, medical, or male-factor concerns exist

Men should also consider earlier evaluation if they have:

• Prior testosterone use
• History of undescended testicles
• Cancer treatment history
• Erectile or ejaculation concerns
• Previous reproductive surgery or trauma
• Known hormonal or genetic conditions

Earlier assessment may help identify contributing factors sooner and create a more personalized treatment strategy.

Advances in Male Fertility Care

The field of reproductive medicine continues to evolve, offering expanded options for diagnosing and treating male infertility.

Depending on the underlying cause, treatment may include:

• Lifestyle and wellness modifications
• Hormonal management
• Surgical intervention
• Treatment of underlying medical conditions
• Assisted reproductive technologies such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF), sometimes combined with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

Fertility preservation, including sperm freezing, also remains an important consideration for individuals planning medical treatment, delaying parenthood, or seeking to preserve future reproductive options.

These advances continue to improve outcomes and expand family-building possibilities for many patients.

Reframing the Conversation Around Men’s Health

Men’s Health Month serves as a reminder that reproductive health deserves greater visibility and discussion.

Male infertility is common, medically relevant, and treatable in many cases. Yet stigma and misinformation can delay evaluation and prevent people from seeking care.

At NYU Langone Fertility Center, we believe informed, evidence-based care begins with open conversation and individualized evaluation. Fertility is not solely a women’s issue—it is a shared medical and personal experience that deserves thoughtful attention and expert care.

Prioritizing reproductive health is not simply about fertility. It is an investment in long-term wellness, informed decision-making, and future family-building possibilities.

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