Factors Contributing to Reduced Sperm Count in Young Men

<figure> <img alt="An illustration of a dead sperm with a halo." src="https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/GettyImages-1407985384.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption>Testosterone therapy has documented effects on sperm production. | nukrist via Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>Clavicular, a social media influencer, has been taking testosterone since he was 14 years old. He claims that the hormone supplement has helped him achieve a desired physical appearance, but he also believes it has made him infertile.</p> <p>Lowered sperm count, shrunken testicles, and impaired fertility are known side effects of some testosterone supplementation. While doctors can help manage these effects, the rise of direct-to-consumer medicine has led to more men taking testosterone without proper medical oversight.</p> <p>Justin Dubin, director of men’s sexual health at Baptist Health South Florida, noted that many men are unaware of the potential risks associated with testosterone therapy. He stated, “I think a lot of men think that taking testosterone should not compromise their fertility and would probably actually improve it.”</p> <h2>Effects of Testosterone on the Body</h2> <p>Testosterone is naturally produced in the body and plays a role in male puberty and adult male health. Levels of testosterone can decline with age, and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is recommended for men with low levels and related symptoms. When taken under medical supervision, testosterone is generally safe. However, unsupervised use can lead to testicular atrophy and reduced sperm production.</p> <p>Experts recommend that doctors counsel patients on the fertility effects of testosterone. However, many men obtain testosterone from direct-to-consumer clinics, which may not provide adequate counseling. In a study conducted by Dubin, six out of seven direct-to-consumer medical companies offered testosterone without adequately informing him about fertility risks.</p> <h2>Increasing Interest in Testosterone Therapy</h2> <p>Prescriptions for testosterone therapy have increased by 154 percent since 2020, particularly among men aged 35 to 44. Approximately one-third of men prescribed testosterone do not meet the medical criteria for deficiency. Influencers and podcasters have contributed to the rising interest in testosterone therapy, promoting it as a means to achieve a muscular physique.</p> <p>Despite the popularity of testosterone therapy, there are concerns about declining sperm counts globally. Some influencers have raised alarms about a “fertility crisis,” noting that sperm counts have decreased significantly since 1970. However, experts suggest that social changes, rather than testosterone supplementation, are more likely responsible for the decline in birth rates.</p> <p>Some individuals in the looksmaxxing community, which focuses on physical appearance, have reported negative effects on their fertility due to testosterone use. Clavicular mentioned that he discovered the impact of his testosterone usage when he participated in a fertility test and found his sperm count to be extremely low.</p> <h2>Changing Masculine Ideals</h2> <p>There is a growing trend among certain male-dominated subcultures to separate masculinity from reproduction. Sociologist Jordan Foster noted that discussions among these groups often focus on competition and virility rather than fatherhood. This shift in focus may lead some men to prioritize physical appearance and competition over traditional markers of masculinity, such as fatherhood.</p> <p>While there are ongoing discussions about masculinity and its implications, the rise of new ideals among young men indicates a need for updated frameworks to navigate these changes effectively.</p>