Researchers in Ghana studied 221 men who were being tested for fertility issues. They found that many men had problems with sperm shape and quality, not just low sperm counts. Interestingly, what men ate and drank seemed to matter—sugary drinks were linked to slower-moving sperm, while caffeine was connected to better sperm shape. The study used the newest international standards for measuring sperm health and found that diet changes might help men with fertility concerns. This research gives doctors important information about male infertility in Africa and shows that lifestyle choices could be a real solution.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How lifestyle choices like diet affect sperm quality and male fertility problems in men visiting a fertility clinic
  • Who participated: 221 men in Ghana who came to a fertility hospital for sperm testing between September 2022 and August 2024
  • Key finding: About 4 out of 10 men had abnormally shaped sperm or low sperm counts, but surprisingly, 8 out of 10 had high levels of white blood cells in their semen. Men who drank sugary beverages had slower sperm, while those who consumed caffeine had better-shaped sperm.
  • What it means for you: If you’re concerned about fertility, your diet choices—especially limiting sugary drinks—may help improve sperm quality. However, this research is from one hospital in Ghana, so talk to your doctor about what’s best for your situation.

The Research Details

This was a retrospective cohort study, which means researchers looked back at medical records from men who had already visited the fertility clinic. They reviewed records from 221 men tested between September 2022 and August 2024 at Oak Specialist Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. The researchers collected information about each man’s sperm quality using the newest international testing standards (WHO 2021 guidelines) and asked about their lifestyle habits like diet, caffeine use, and other factors.

The researchers measured five important things about sperm: how much semen was produced, how many sperm cells were present, how well the sperm moved, what percentage had normal shape, and whether there were too many white blood cells. They then used statistics to figure out which lifestyle factors were connected to sperm problems.

Looking at past medical records is a practical way to gather real-world information quickly without waiting years for results. This approach works well for understanding patterns in a specific population. Using the newest WHO standards ensures the results can be compared fairly with other studies worldwide. The focus on lifestyle factors is important because these are things men can actually change, unlike genetic factors.

The study used consecutive sampling, meaning they included all eligible patient records in order, which reduces bias. They used standardized international testing criteria, making results reliable and comparable. However, the study only looked at one hospital in one city, so results may not apply everywhere. The researchers relied on medical records, so some lifestyle information might be incomplete or missing.

What the Results Show

The most striking finding was that 80.54% of men (about 8 out of 10) had high levels of white blood cells in their semen. This is much higher than expected and suggests possible inflammation or infection may be common in this population. Additionally, 38.91% of men had low sperm counts (oligozoospermia), and 38.46% had abnormally shaped sperm (teratozoospermia).

Interestingly, when researchers looked at the actual numbers, the men’s median sperm volumes, concentrations, and movement were actually above the minimum standards set by the WHO. This suggests that while some men had problems, the group overall performed reasonably well on basic sperm counts and movement.

When examining lifestyle factors, the research revealed two important connections: Men who consumed sugary drinks had significantly slower-moving sperm (p = 0.038, meaning this finding is statistically reliable). Conversely, men with higher caffeine intake had better sperm shape (p = 0.011, also statistically reliable). These findings suggest diet plays a measurable role in sperm quality.

The high prevalence of white blood cells in semen is particularly noteworthy because it may indicate underlying inflammation or infection that could affect fertility more than simple sperm count problems. The study suggests that sperm shape and white blood cell levels may be more important for fertility in this population than previously thought. The paradox of men having good overall sperm numbers but high rates of abnormal shape suggests different factors may affect different aspects of sperm quality.

This study provides updated information using the newest WHO 2021 standards, which are more recent than previous guidelines. The high prevalence of white blood cells is notably higher than reported in many other populations, suggesting this may be a specific concern in this geographic region. The findings about diet and sperm quality align with some previous research suggesting that nutrition affects male fertility, though the specific connections found here add new details to that understanding.

The study only included men from one hospital in Ghana, so results may not apply to other regions or countries. The researchers relied on existing medical records, which may have incomplete information about lifestyle factors like diet and caffeine use. The study couldn’t prove that sugary drinks or caffeine directly caused the sperm changes—only that they were associated. Other unmeasured factors could explain the connections found. The study was retrospective, meaning it looked backward at existing data rather than following men forward over time.

The Bottom Line

Men concerned about fertility should consider reducing sugary drink consumption, as this study suggests a connection to slower-moving sperm (moderate confidence). Moderate caffeine intake may be beneficial for sperm shape, though more research is needed (low to moderate confidence). Any man with fertility concerns should see a doctor for proper evaluation, as this study only looked at one population and individual situations vary greatly. Lifestyle changes should complement, not replace, medical evaluation and treatment.

Men who are having trouble conceiving or are planning to start a family should pay attention to these findings. Men in Sub-Saharan Africa may find this particularly relevant since the study was conducted in Ghana. Men with known fertility issues should discuss dietary changes with their healthcare provider. Women whose partners have fertility concerns may also benefit from understanding these connections. However, men with no fertility concerns don’t need to make changes based solely on this research.

Sperm production takes about 74 days, so dietary changes would likely take at least 2-3 months to show effects on sperm quality. Most men would need to maintain changes for several months before seeing improvements in fertility. Individual results will vary based on overall health, genetics, and other factors.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily sugary drink consumption (number of drinks per day) and correlate with energy levels and mood over 12 weeks to establish a personal baseline, then monitor changes after reducing intake
  • Set a specific goal to reduce sugary beverages by 50% over 4 weeks (for example, replacing one soda daily with water), then track this change in the app with weekly check-ins and reasons for success or difficulty
  • Create a 3-month dietary tracking log focusing on sugary drinks and caffeine intake, with monthly notes on energy and overall wellness. If fertility is a concern, follow up with medical testing at 3-month intervals to assess any changes in sperm parameters

This research describes patterns found in one hospital in Ghana and should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. If you have concerns about fertility or reproductive health, consult with a qualified healthcare provider or fertility specialist. Dietary changes may support fertility but cannot replace medical evaluation and treatment. The findings about sugary drinks and caffeine are associations, not proven causes. Individual results vary based on genetics, overall health, and other factors not measured in this study. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.