While the World Cup has captured public attention, reports on smog have gradually diminished. Yet absence of coverage does not mean the problem has vanished. Smog will continue to affect our air quality for an extended period, and its adverse effects are something we must bear ourselves. Experts warn that smog can impair reproductive capacity, potentially leading to male infertility.
The newly released "Green Paper on Climate Change" specifically highlights smog's impact on reproductive capacity, drawing significant attention from reproductive health specialists. Experts emphasize that environmental pollution affects both male and female fertility, and reproductive health serves as a "barometer" for overall well-being, warranting serious consideration.Experts advise citizens to start with personal actions: protect the environment while maintaining healthy lifestyles—such as avoiding late nights, refraining from smoking and excessive drinking, and actively managing stress. "Human reproductive capacity truly serves as a barometer for overall health and warrants attention," explained the expert. His team's research data indicates electromagnetic radiation impacts male sperm quality.
Research confirms that over the past decade, as environmental conditions have deteriorated, male semen quality has progressively declined. Data indicates that the incidence of male infertility in Shanghai is rising annually. Statistics from Shanghai Sperm Bank over the last ten years show that only one-third of donors have semen quality meeting World Health Organization standards, while two-thirds fail to meet sperm motility requirements.
Four Major Culprits Behind Male Infertility
Top Culprit #1: Environmental Factors like Smog
"Smog is one reason couples experiencing infertility are rapidly increasing," experts analyze. On one hand, smog contains heavy metals like lead and manganese, which impair male sperm quality;On the other hand, smog affects the respiratory system and organ function, directly impacting testosterone secretion and consequently fertility.
Male testes and spermatogenesis are particularly sensitive to certain heavy metals. Toxic substances in smog have a detrimental effect on male germ cells.Spermatogonia are primitive cells with self-protective capabilities. When they detect elevated toxic substances in the bloodstream, they enter a dormant state. Excessive replication requires significant metabolic resources from the blood, so once dormant, they cease reproductive function.
Clinically, there is also evidence of increasing male infertility cases.The high rate of IVF procedures in China further indicates declining male reproductive function. Reference values for semen volume have been revised downward: what was once considered normal at 100 million sperm per ejaculation dropped to 60 million four years ago and further declined to 20 million two years ago. This rapid downward trend confirms that conceiving children has indeed become more challenging in recent years.
Furthermore, unexplained oligospermia in many men may be linked not only to smog but also to air pollution, water contamination, and radiation exposure—particularly from sources like cell phones and Wi-Fi, which warrant attention.
Top 2 Culprit of Male Infertility: Genitourinary Infections
Infections account for a significant proportion of male infertility cases.Male reproductive tract infections commonly cause orchitis, epididymitis, prostatitis, seminal vesiculitis, and urethritis. Pathogens responsible for these infections include gonococcus, tuberculosis bacillus, viruses, mycoplasma, Chlamydia trachomatis, and trichomonads, with mycoplasma and chlamydia infections being the most prevalent.
All genital tract infections can impair sperm production, motility, and transport, significantly affecting male fertility. However, most patients underestimate the severity of these infections. During treatment, they often discontinue therapy prematurely upon slight improvement, leading to potentially disastrous consequences.
Top 3 Culprits of Male Infertility: Congenital Genital Malformations
Cryptorchidism is the most common congenital organ abnormality, characterized by the absence of testicles in the scrotum at birth. This includes undescended testicles and ectopic testicles.When testicles remain in the abdominal cavity, they are exposed to relatively high temperatures, hindering their growth and leading to gradual atrophy. This prevents sperm production and results in infertility. More critically, testicles retained in the abdomen face a significantly increased risk of developing malignant tumors. Therefore, cryptorchidism warrants high priority and early correction. Generally, if testicles have not descended by age 1, surgical intervention is recommended.
Beyond cryptorchidism, other common congenital developmental abnormalities can also cause male infertility. These primarily include:
(1) Congenital organ malformations preventing normal sexual intercourse.
(2) Hypospadias or epispadias, where semen cannot enter the female body.
(3) Abnormal development of the vas deferens, seminal vesicles, or prostate gland, which similarly impacts fertility.
While some congenital male organ deformities are difficult to correct, others can be treated with early childhood surgery if detected promptly.
Top 4 Causes of Male Infertility: Sexual Dysfunction and Related Psychological Disorders
Infertility stemming from sexual issues is often overlooked. The exact prevalence of such cases remains unclear, as it involves complex factors including knowledge, lifestyle, and functional capabilities.Male sexual dysfunction refers to the following manifestations in men aged 20–50 during their peak physiological function: physiological abnormalities, primarily including lack of sexual desire or low libido.
Pregnancy requires the union of a woman's egg and a man's sperm. Conditions such as ED, premature ejaculation, anejaculation, and ejaculatory dysfunction can all lead to infertility.
Functional causes dominate male sexual dysfunction, often stemming from abnormal habits like excessive sexual activity, or psychological factors such as fear, anxiety, or lack of confidence, which disrupt neuroendocrine function. Certain medications may also suppress male function. Only rarely are these issues caused by diseases like spinal cord injury, chronic inflammation of the accessory glands, or endocrine disorders.
Preventing the "Tragedy" of Male Infertility
Although male infertility has complex and diverse causes, some forms are preventable and avoidable.
1. Actively prevent infectious diseases harmful to male fertility, such as mumps and sexually transmitted infections.
2. Begin comprehensive sexual and health education during adolescence. Understand the physiological characteristics and care measures for male reproductive organs. Be vigilant about unexplained testicular swelling, hardening, irregularities, or pain. Seek medical attention promptly if any of these occur.
3. Strengthen self-protection awareness, particularly through occupational safeguards. Workers frequently exposed to radioactive materials, high-temperature environments, or toxic substances must strictly adhere to operational protocols and protective regulations, avoiding negligence. Protect reproductive organs like the testicles by avoiding prolonged bicycle riding or hot baths to prevent damage. Additionally, quit smoking and drinking.
4. Undergo thorough premarital examinations to detect developmental abnormalities or reproductive organ defects, thereby preventing marital distress.
5. Maintain mutual understanding and cooperation in marital relations. Failure to do so may lead to sexual dysfunction such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, or abnormal ejaculation, potentially causing infertility in severe cases.
Traditional Chinese Medicine refers to this condition as "infertility," attributing it to deficiencies in the vital energy and essence of the kidneys (the root of innate constitution), the spleen (the root of acquired constitution), and the Conception and Thrusting Vessels. Hand massage techniques that tonify the kidneys, strengthen the spleen, and harmonize the Conception and Thrusting Vessels may offer therapeutic benefits for infertility.
Friendly reminder: To avoid infertility, protect your environment and start with yourself. Individuals should also take personal responsibility by avoiding unhealthy habits, minimizing or eliminating late nights, maintaining regular daily routines, managing stress and emotions, and adhering to a scientifically sound lifestyle.