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AIIMS-trained doctor shares 3 surprising everyday habits quietly harming male fertility

Updated on: Sep 30, 2025, 10:33:57 IST
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Wearing tight underwear increases the heat around the testicles, which can negatively impact sperm production and quality over time. (Image by Freepik)
Wearing tight underwear increases the heat around the testicles, which can negatively impact sperm production and quality over time. (Image by Freepik)

Dr Saurabh Sethi, an AIIMS-trained gastroenterologist, shared 3 surprising habits that men practise every day without knowing that they harm their fertility. 

Male infertility is a condition that affects men, interfering with the ability of their reproductive system, caused by low sperm production, abnormal sperm function or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm. (Also Read | Jawed Habib shares simple 2-ingredient hair mask for dandruff, hair fall, and lice: Mix kapur in…)

According to a 2021 Lancet report, it is estimated that infertility affects 8–12 percent of couples globally, with a male factor being a primary or contributing cause in approximately 50% couples. Therefore, knowing everyday habits that could be affecting your fertility is essential.

3 habits impacting male fertility

In an Instagram post shared on September 29, Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS, Harvard and Stanford Universities, revealed the three everyday habits that may be worsening your fertility or causing fertility issues in males.

Sharing them, the expert wrote, “Surprising Male Fertility Killers You Should Be Aware Of. Did you know some everyday habits could be quietly harming fertility? Which one do you think is the most common?” Let's find out what these habits are:

1. Hot tubs and saunas

High temperatures from these can lower sperm count and quality because testicles need cooler temperatures to produce healthy sperm. A single prolonged exposure can impact sperm production for up to 3 months.

2. Tight underwears

Wearing tight underwear increases the heat around the testicles, which can negatively impact sperm production and quality over time.

3. Smoking and vaping

Smoking and vaping are not only injurious to your general health but also to your fertility. Both of these habits introduce harmful chemicals into your body that can reduce sperm quality and motility.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

  • Krishna Pallavi Priya
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Krishna Pallavi Priya

    Krishna Priya Pallavi is a journalist with over 9 years of experience, covering health, fashion, pop culture, travel, wellness, entertainment, festivals, mental health, art, decor, fitness, and sex and relationships. She is an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal, and holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi. Her strong academic foundation informs her analytical and detail-oriented approach to storytelling, helping her uncover stories where none seem to exist. Before joining Hindustan Times, Pallavi worked with some of India’s leading media organisations. She spent close to three years at India Today, where she honed her newsroom skills and developed a sharp editorial sensibility. She also worked for over a year and a half at Vagabomb, ScoopWhoop’s feminist digital platform, where she explored stories through a gender-sensitive, socially aware lens. Pallavi has a deep interest in global fashion trends and international fashion seasons, and enjoys interviewing celebrities and tracking pop culture movements—interests that frequently translate into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Alongside lifestyle and entertainment, she has a keen eye for impactful health and wellness journalism, regularly interacting with doctors, designers, and digital content creators to bring nuance and credibility to her work. Born and raised in Haryana, Pallavi remains deeply connected to her ancestral roots in Odisha. Her ability to spot fresh angles brings curiosity and depth to stories she pursues. When not chasing deadlines, she enjoys spending time with her dog, planning her next vacation, reading, running new trails, and discovering new destinations.Read More

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