Can Medications and Habits Affect Sperm Health?

When you’re trying to conceive, it’s easy to focus on timing sex or tracking ovulation. But sperm health plays just as big a role, and it can be quietly influenced by things you might not expect.

Certain medications and everyday habits may lower sperm count, reduce motility, or even affect sperm DNA. You can learn more about what causes low sperm count and what might help improve it if you’re curious. That doesn’t mean your fertility is ruined or that you need to panic. It simply means there may be small, manageable changes that can gently support your chances of conception.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common medications and lifestyle habits that may impact sperm health, what to ask your doctor, and how to support healthy sperm naturally.

Medications That May Affect Sperm Quality

Some medications can temporarily or permanently interfere with how sperm are made, how they move, or how well they function. But the effects aren’t always permanent, and in many cases, sperm health may improve after a break or a switch in treatment. If you’re actively trying to conceive, it’s worth checking in with your healthcare provider to explore your options.

Here are a few types of medications that have been linked to changes in sperm quality:

Testosterone Therapy and Anabolic Steroids

Testosterone therapy might seem like a helpful boost, especially if levels are low, but when taken externally, it can actually signal the testes to stop making their own testosterone. This slows or halts sperm production. Anabolic steroids used for muscle gain have a similar effect by disrupting natural hormone signals needed for sperm development.

The hopeful part? Many men see improvement in sperm production within a few months after stopping. Recovery isn’t always immediate, but it’s often possible with time and support.

SSRIs and Antidepressants

Some studies suggest that SSRIs, a common class of antidepressants, may temporarily reduce sperm motility or alter DNA structure. Not everyone experiences these effects, and they often reverse after stopping the medication. Still, if you’re on an SSRI and trying to conceive, it’s worth a conversation with your provider to weigh the benefits and timing.

Certain Antibiotics and Antifungals

A few medications in these categories, like nitrofurantoin or tetracyclines, have been linked to lower sperm counts or reduced movement. These effects are typically short-lived and improve once the medication is stopped. The same is true for some alpha-blockers, which may interfere with ejaculation.

For a helpful overview of medications that may influence male fertility and how long recovery can take, the University of Washington provides a patient-friendly PDF that’s worth bookmarking.

Habits That Can Quietly Undermine Sperm Health

You don’t have to be perfect, but some everyday habits may quietly impact sperm quality over time. The good news? Many of these effects are reversible, and even small changes can start to help within a few months.

Here’s a look at common habits that may interfere with healthy sperm production:

Smoking and Vaping

Cigarette smoke contains toxins that can damage the DNA inside sperm cells, reduce motility (how well they move), and lower overall sperm count. Vaping may be less studied, but early research shows similar risks due to nicotine and oxidative stress.

The hopeful note: Studies show that sperm parameters often improve within three to six months after quitting. If this feels overwhelming, even cutting back may help support your chances.

Heavy Alcohol Use

While an occasional drink is unlikely to hurt, excessive alcohol can interfere with testosterone production and disrupt the cells that make sperm. This may lead to lower sperm count, slower movement, and abnormal shapes.

If alcohol is part of your routine, shifting toward lighter drinking (or taking a break while trying to conceive) may gently support hormone balance and fertility.

THC and Recreational Drugs

Marijuana use, especially frequent or long-term, has been linked to reduced sperm concentration and disrupted hormone signals. Other recreational substances like cocaine and MDMA may also impair motility and DNA integrity, even in low doses.

While research is still ongoing, reducing or avoiding these substances when trying to conceive is generally recommended.

Heat Exposure (Laptops, Hot Tubs, Tight Underwear)

Sperm production is sensitive to temperature. That’s why the testes sit outside the body, they need to stay slightly cooler. Long soaks in hot tubs, resting a laptop on your lap, or wearing tight briefs for extended periods can raise scrotal temperature and impair sperm development. You may also be wondering how long sperm survive or when sex is most likely to lead to pregnancy. Our guide on sperm survival and timing sex for conception breaks it down clearly.

Simple swaps, like using a laptop desk, opting for looser underwear, or limiting hot baths, can be easy ways to help protect sperm health.

What to Ask Your Doctor If You’re Concerned

If you’re taking a medication or facing a health treatment, and you’re trying to conceive, or thinking about it, it’s okay to ask questions. You’re not being difficult or overthinking. You’re simply advocating for your future family.

Here are a few conversation starters you can bring to your next appointment:

• Could this medication affect my fertility?
• If it does, are the effects temporary or long-term?
• Are there alternatives that might be more fertility-friendly?
• Would sperm banking be something to consider before starting treatment?

Not all medications affect sperm health, and even those that do may not impact everyone the same way. Still, knowing your options can make the road ahead feel more supportive and less uncertain. If you’re not sure whether it’s time to look deeper, our guide on when to check his fertility offers gentle encouragement and practical insights.

If fertility preservation is on your mind, the Cleveland Clinic offers a clear overview of sperm banking and when it makes sense. This might be especially helpful if you’re preparing for treatments like chemotherapy, testosterone therapy, or long-term prescriptions.

And remember: you don’t need to make every decision all at once. Just opening the conversation is a powerful first step.

What You Can Do Instead: Gentle Habits That May Support Sperm Health

If you’ve discovered that a medication or habit might be affecting sperm quality, you’re not stuck. The body is always adapting, and because sperm regenerate roughly every 2 to 3 months, small shifts now can lead to better results down the road.

Here are a few supportive habits that may gently help:

Prioritize Rest and Stress Relief

Poor sleep and high stress can disrupt the hormones that support sperm production. Try to aim for 7–9 hours of sleep and find moments of calm where you can, whether it’s a walk outside, deep breathing, or even just turning off your phone for a bit.

Choose Sperm-Friendly Foods

Foods rich in antioxidants, like berries, leafy greens, nuts, and fish, may help protect sperm from damage. A balanced, nutrient-dense diet supports hormone health and may reduce inflammation.

Curious about what to eat (and what to skip)? Our article on how to improve sperm health naturally offers simple ideas to get started.

Stay Active, but Not Extreme

Regular movement helps regulate testosterone and reduce oxidative stress. Moderate, consistent activity, like walking, swimming, or cycling, tends to be more helpful than intense training, which can sometimes lower testosterone.

Limit Heat and Toxins

Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and tight-fitting underwear when possible. Swap your laptop from lap to desk, and try to minimize exposure to pesticides or industrial chemicals if your work involves them.

Consider a Semen Analysis

If you’re curious about where things stand, a semen analysis is a simple way to get clarity. It checks sperm count, movement, and structure, and can help guide next steps. You can learn more in our post on when to get a semen analysis.

Small Shifts Can Matter

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by what could be affecting your fertility, you’re not alone. Many people don’t realize how much medications and habits can play a role until they start looking for answers.

But the body is resilient. Sperm regenerate every couple of months, which means that what you do today can have a positive effect down the line.

You don’t have to do everything perfectly. Just take it one step at a time. Whether it’s asking your doctor about a medication, cutting back on alcohol, or swapping tight underwear for something looser, it all counts.

Your path to parenthood is uniquely yours. And you’re allowed to take it gently.

FAQs About Sperm Health, Medications, and Habits