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Sperm analysis may signal hidden health problems in men
Last reviewed: 15.07.2025
Semen analysis has traditionally been used as part of a male fertility assessment, but researchers from the University of Adelaide believe it has the potential to promote healthier lifestyles.
The development of mature sperm in the male reproductive organs is an extremely sensitive process that can be affected by a variety of factors. For this reason, Dr Hannah Lyons and Dr Nicole MacPherson from the School of Biomedicine and the Robinson Research Institute believe that semen analysis could be used to predict long-term health risks.
Traditional analysis measures characteristics such as physical volume, pH, sperm concentration, motility, shape and viability of semen samples.
"While the test is not a definitive measure of fertility, it does provide valuable insight into reproductive health, which is an important component of overall health and well-being," says Dr. McPherson of the Robinson Research Institute's Male Reproductive Life Course group and the Freemasons Centre for Men's Health.
A review published in the journal Nature Reviews Urology explores the complexity of male fertility, the vulnerability of sperm to lifestyle and environmental factors, and how semen analysis can be used to motivate lifestyle changes and reduce the risk of chronic disease in men.
"Male fertility is highly dependent on environmental, lifestyle and medical conditions, with evidence that both short-term and long-term interventions - such as nutritional supplements and lifestyle changes - can improve sperm quality and reproductive potential," says Dr MacPherson.
"Over time, there has been a shift towards greater male involvement in the preconception and pregnancy periods."
Increased sedentary lifestyles, as well as technological and medical advances, have led to changes in lifestyle in general and, in some cases, to increased prevalence of obesity, chronic exposure to hazardous chemicals, and increased incidence of cancer and chronic diseases associated with male factor infertility.
"We know that changes in the internal environment of the body due to external environmental and lifestyle influences at any stage of sperm development can lead to disruption of sperm production and deterioration of sperm quality," Lyons notes.
“Obesity is associated with decreased basic sperm parameters such as concentration, motility, morphology, and an increased incidence of infertility.
Additionally, obesity is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and complications of obesity such as metabolic syndrome and sleep apnea may also impact sperm quality.
Recreational drug use, intense long-term exercise, smoking and alcohol abuse also have negative effects."
However, as Dr McPherson points out, improving lifestyle factors where possible can lead to rapid and significant improvements in a man's reproductive health.
"It must be taken into account, however, that although men are increasingly interested in their reproductive health, receiving news of abnormal semen analysis results can be very traumatic: men often perceive it as a serious blow to their masculinity, which is accompanied by feelings of guilt and shame," she said.
“It’s important that this information is conveyed with empathy and respect – it can help motivate men to make lifestyle changes that will improve not only their fertility but their overall health.
Abnormal semen analysis results will likely lead to additional fertility evaluation and medical care from primary care physicians, but may also prompt a general health examination to identify the cause of the abnormal semen analysis results and detect chronic medical conditions early.
Including male fertility assessment as an integral part of a broader men's health assessment could change the way men's reproductive health is perceived, increase awareness of its relationship with healthier lifestyles, and reduce the overall stigma associated with male infertility.
Men who want to start a family are generally highly motivated and respond well to advice on preparing for conception and lifestyle changes that help improve both fertility and overall health."