Sperm Counts Declining? 5 Simple Ways to Protect Your Fertility

If you've heard sperm counts are declining, you're not imagining things. A major 2017 study led by Dr. Hagai Levine and co-authored by Dr. Shanna Swan found that sperm counts in Western men dropped by over 50% between 1973 and 2011. That’s more than a 1% decline per year—and the trend continues.

Dr. Swan, a leading reproductive epidemiologist and author of Count Down, points to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) like BPA and phthalates, along with lifestyle factors, as key culprits behind this fertility crisis.

Then vs Now: What’s Considered Normal?

In the 1940s–70s, 60–100 million sperm/mL was typical. Today, the World Health Organization calls 15 million/mLthe new “normal,” with 39 million per ejaculate as the total count threshold.

Quick Tips to Support Sperm Health

Especially important during the 3–4 month window before TTC

1. 🔌 Keep Your Phone Out of Your Pocket
   Phones emit heat and low-level radiation, which can harm sperm. Use speakerphone, wired headsets, or text instead of holding your phone near your testes.

2. Use Wired Internet and Turn Off Wi-Fi When Possible
   Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from Wi-Fi can negatively impact sperm quality. If you work on a computer all day, connect via Ethernet and turn off Wi-Fi when you don’t need it.

3. Wear Loose Cotton Underwear
   Tight underwear and excessive heat can reduce sperm production. Choose breathable, cotton fabrics to keep things cool.

4. Stay Hydrated with Properly Filtered Water and Avoid Plastic Bottles
   Water supports hormone balance and sperm production. Avoid plastic bottles and containers that can leach harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates. Use filters certified to remove heavy metals and endocrine disruptors instead of basic Brita or fridge filters.

5. Avoid Excessive Heat Exposure
   Skip hot tubs, saunas, and laptops on your lap to prevent overheating your testes.

🧠 Bottom line: Protecting sperm doesn’t mean overhauling your life—it means getting smart about daily habits that add up. These changes are small but can make a real difference for your fertility future.

References:

1. Levine H, Jørgensen N, Martino-Andrade A, et al. Temporal trends in sperm count: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis. Hum Reprod Update. 2017;23(6):646-659. doi:10.1093/humupd/dmx022

2. Swan SH, Colino C. Count Down: How Our Modern World Is Threatening Sperm Counts, Altering Male and Female Reproductive Development, and Imperiling the Future of the Human Race. Scribner; 2021.