Publication:

Impact of lifestyle factors and digital device exposure on semen quality and sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile men

Background Lifestyle and environmental factors may influence semen quality and sperm DNA integrity. This study evaluated the associations of lifestyle habits, digital device use, substance use, abstinence duration, and socioeconomic factors with semen parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) in infertile men.

Methods This retrospective observational study included 195 infertile men attending the Infertility Clinic at Ashirwad Hospital, Raipur India, between 2022 and 2024. Participants were categorized according to physical activity, occupation, dietary habits, digital device use, substance use, abstinence duration, and annual income. Semen analysis and DFI assessment were performed according to WHO 2021 recommendations. Factors associated with DFI were evaluated using a multivariable generalized linear model adjusted for major confounders.

Results Active smoking was independently associated with increased DFI and was the strongest predictor of sperm DNA fragmentation (p 2 days) was associated with increased sperm DNA fragmentation. Vegetarians had significantly higher normal sperm morphology (p=0.004), although dietary pattern was not independently associated with DFI. Physical activity, occupational activity, and annual income showed no independent associations with DFI.

Conclusions Active smoking, prolonged mobile phone use, and extended abstinence duration were independently associated with increased sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile men. These findings highlight the importance of modifiable lifestyle factors in male reproductive health and support lifestyle counselling during infertility evaluation to improve sperm genomic integrity.