Why Men’s Fertility Is Collapsing and What It Means for Our Future | Dr. Michael L. Eisenberg
Mark Hyman
Jan 28, 2026
Mindsip insights from this episode:
Choose noseless saddle design to enhance male cycling health
For men who cycle over five hours a week, a noseless saddle design, such as the V-Seat, can help mitigate the risk of reduced blood flow and sexual dysfunction.
Prioritize sperm count to assess mortality risk
Having a low sperm count is a greater mortality risk than being a smoker with a high sperm count.
Reassess low testosterone's role in erectile dysfunction
Low testosterone is often thought to be a major driver of erectile dysfunction, but it likely only contributes about 5% to the problem.
Avoid long-term testosterone therapy to protect fertility
Long-term testosterone replacement therapy can shut down sperm production, and this effect may not be recoverable even after stopping the therapy.
Address microplastics in testicles to combat declining sperm quality
Microplastics, which are endocrine-disrupting chemicals, have been found in the testicles of most men and are hypothesized to be a cause of declining sperm quality.
Prioritize paternal health to support placenta and reduce pregnancy complications
A father's health contributes to the placenta's genetics and epigenetics, and poor paternal health is linked to pregnancy complications like preeclampsia in the mother.
Enhance male fertility with targeted supplement ingredients
The company Swim Club offers a supplement with targeted ingredients like CoQ10, spermidine, and omega-3s, which are backed by data to improve sperm quality.
Address testosterone decline accelerating in younger men
Age for age, testosterone levels have declined over the last few decades, and this decline is accelerating, especially in men born after 1970.
Increase testosterone levels with daily sunlight exposure
Each additional hour of daily sunlight exposure is correlated with an approximate 10-point increase in testosterone levels.
Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep for optimal hormonal health
For optimal hormonal health, the sweet spot for sleep is seven to nine hours, as both too little (under six) and too much (over nine) can lead to declines.
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