There are several factors that can lower sperm count, including:

• Diet: Consuming certain foods may harm sperm. Processed meats, trans fats, soy products, and pesticides are some foods to avoid that may decrease sperm health and male fertility.

• Drug use: Anabolic steroids taken to stimulate muscle strength and growth can cause the testicles to shrink and sperm production to decrease.

• Environmental factors: Sperm production or function can be affected by overexposure to certain environmental elements, including industrial chemicals, heavy metal exposure, and radiation or X-rays.

• Smoking: Smoking either tobacco or marijuana may reduce sperm count, efficacy, and quality.

• Obesity: Researchers have found that as a male’s body mass index (BMI) increases, his sperm count decreases. Even slightly overweight men with a BMI of 25 can have a 22 percent lower sperm count.

• Alcohol: Consuming alcoholic beverages lessens sperm count and concentration as well as the percentage of normal sperm.

• Stress: Severe or prolonged emotional stress, including stress about fertility, might interfere with hormones needed to produce sperm. Stress can actually cause sperm abnormalities and lower sperm concentration.

• Ejaculation problems: In some men, the tubes within the reproductive organs are blocked. This causes reduced or even no semen to be released during orgasm.

Its important to note that most activities men engage in wont hurt their fertility. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating well, getting regular exercise, and a healthy amount of sleep every night are some of the best things you can do to maintain healthy sperm count and overall sperm health.