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From infertility to low libido, doctors reveal how alcohol, smoking and stress are harming men’s sexual health; and the steps to prevent long-term damage.
Alcohol, smoking, and stress harm men’s sexual health.
For decades, men in India have avoided conversations around sexual health. Shame, silence, and the fear of appearing ‘less masculine’ have kept many from seeking help – even as symptoms worsen. But doctors nationwide warn that sexual health problems among Indian men are rising faster than ever. The biggest culprits? Alcohol, smoking, chronic stress, and increasingly unhealthy lifestyles.
The NFHS-5 (2019–2021) reports that 22 per cent of Indian men between 15 and 49 drink alcohol. Doctors believe the actual number is significantly higher. Paired with smoking and poor lifestyle habits, these behaviours are now major contributors to low libido, erectile dysfunction, declining sperm count, and hormonal imbalance – even in men as young as their late 20s.
How Lifestyle Habits Are Damaging Men’s Sexual Health
“Today’s lifestyle is harming men’s bodies more than they realize,” says Dr. Vineet Malhotra, Director and Founder, VNA Hospital, Delhi. Stressful jobs, late nights, junk food, pollution, and lack of exercise create a perfect storm for sexual dysfunction. Many men complain of fatigue, low energy, and poor sexual desire without realising that their everyday habits are quietly disturbing hormones, damaging blood vessels, and affecting fertility.
Dr. Malhotra notes that several men seek help only after months or even years of suffering. “Drinking and smoking feel harmless. But these habits are damaging male sexual health more today than ever. These are medical issues and need timely treatment.”
The Silent Decline In Male Fertility
One of the most worrying trends is the sharp drop in sperm count and sperm quality over the past 15–20 years. Pollution, especially in North India, plays a significant role, but so do lifestyle choices.
“We see young men who look physically strong, but their sperm reports tell a completely different story. Pollution affects the lungs, but it also affects sperm. Add alcohol, smoking, poor sleep, and fast food, and sperm quality naturally goes down,” says Dr. Vikas Agarwal, Director & HOD – Robotic Urology, Aakash Healthcare, Delhi.
He also notes that many young couples struggle to conceive because of male-factor infertility, a topic still rarely discussed in Indian households.
Why Sexual Health Is Linked To Overall Health
Doctors emphasise that sexual health doesn’t exist in isolation. Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and obesity, now extremely common among Indian men, directly impact erections and libido.
Dr. Aakaar Kapoor, Founder & Designated Partner, City Imaging and Clinical Labs, says, “Most men ignore early symptoms because they think it is ‘just stress.’ But when we do diagnostic tests, we often find issues such as hormone imbalance, vitamin deficiencies, early diabetes, or inflammation. These directly affect sexual health.”
“Many men come thinking they have only a sexual problem. But once evaluated, we often find early diabetes or high blood pressure. These conditions reduce blood flow and energy, which affects sexual performance. Sexual issues are often the first warning sign of a bigger health problem,” explains Dr. Rajiv Kumar Sethia, Director & Head, Urology & Andrology, Asian Hospital, Delhi.
Early Action Makes Recovery Faster
Experts agree on one thing: the longer men stay silent, the harder recovery becomes. Early diagnosis, lifestyle correction, and open communication with partners can prevent long-term sexual and reproductive issues.
As Dr. Malhotra puts it, “The cost of silence is high. It affects relationships and delays treatment. Small changes such as reducing alcohol and smoking, managing stress, regular check-ups can transform sexual health.”
Indian men must break the silence around sexual health. The combination of pollution, stress, alcohol, smoking, and unhealthy lifestyle choices is creating a crisis that can no longer be ignored. Taking charge early can protect fertility, hormonal health, confidence, and overall well-being, before it’s too late.
Delhi, India, India
November 21, 2025, 20:45 IST
