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

• Smoking: Both tobacco and marijuana smoking can reduce sperm count, efficacy, and quality. Toxins and contaminants from smoking make their way from the lungs through the circulatory system to the testicles, which can lower sperm count by as much as 17.5% .

• Obesity: As a males body mass index (BMI) increases, his sperm count decreases. Even slightly overweight men with a BMI of 25 can have a 22% lower sperm count. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is one way to fight off those extra pounds and may help sperm in more ways than one.

• Drug use: Anabolic steroids taken to stimulate muscle strength and growth can cause the testicles to shrink and sperm production to decrease. Other drugs, such as opioids, can also reduce sperm production.

• Medical issues: Low sperm count can be caused by a number of health issues and medical treatments. Some of these include varicocele, a swelling of the veins that drain the testicle, and long-term sickness such as kidney disease.

• Lifestyle factors: Sitting for long periods, wearing tight clothing, or working on a laptop computer for long stretches of time can increase the temperature in your scrotum and slightly reduce sperm production. Emotional stress, depression, and heavy alcohol consumption can also negatively affect sperm concentration.

• Diet: Processed meats, trans fats, soy products, and pesticides can decrease sperm health and male fertility. On the other hand, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly green leafy vegetables and beans, has been linked to higher sperm concentrations and better sperm motility.

Its important to note that most of these factors can be reversible, and making lifestyle changes can help improve sperm count. If you or your partner has been diagnosed with a low sperm count, there are several options available, including lifestyle modifications, medications, and assisted reproductive techniques.