Why Men’s Fertility Is Collapsing and What It Means for Our Future | Dr. Michael L. Eisenberg

Mark Hyman

Jan 28, 2026

Episode description

Around the world, we’re seeing declining sperm counts, rising infertility, more erectile dysfunction, and lower testosterone—even in younger men.

These trends aren’t just affecting family planning; they’re pointing to something much bigger happening in men’s health.

Joining me today on The Dr. Hyman Show is Dr. Michael Eisenberg, a Stanford researcher and leading voice in male reproductive health. We talk about why sperm quality matters far beyond fertility—and how everyday health choices quietly shape it. Watch the full conversation on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

[YOUTUBE THUMBNAIL]

We cover:

• Why sperm quality may be one of the strongest early indicators of overall health and longevity

• How metabolic dysfunction, belly fat, and low testosterone impact fertility and sexual function

• The role environmental toxins and endocrine disruptors play in declining sperm counts

• What men can do right now to protect fertility and long-term vitality

When we look at fertility through the lens of whole-body health, it changes how we think about prevention, risk, and longevity. Male fertility isn’t just about reproduction. It’s a signal.

View Show Notes From This Episode

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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.

#blood-flow

#equipment

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.

#mortality

#sperm

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.

#erection

#testosterone

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.

#fertility

#testosterone

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.

#microplastics

#sperm

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.

#epigenetics

#fertility

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.

#fertility

#supplement

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.

#aging

#testosterone

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.

#sunlight

#testosterone

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.

#hormones

#sleep

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