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How Thyroid Diseases Affect Male Fertility

Sep 11, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, thyroid diseases can affect male fertility by interfering with hormone balance, reducing sperm count, impairing sperm motility, disrupting sperm morphology, and hindering the development of reproductive organs. In addition, thyroid diseases may also lead to problems such as decreased libido and erectile dysfunction in men.

Under normal circumstances, thyroid diseases affect male fertility by interfering with hormonal balance, reducing sperm count, affecting sperm motility, damaging sperm morphology, and impeding the development of reproductive organs. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Interference with Hormonal Balance

When hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism occurs, hormone levels secreted by the thyroid gland become abnormal. These hormonal imbalances affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to disordered secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone. This subsequently impacts testosterone synthesis and secretion, disrupting the normal hormonal environment of the male reproductive system and impairing fertility.

2. Reduction in Sperm Count

Abnormal thyroid hormone levels interfere with the proliferation and differentiation of spermatogenic cells in the testes. In hyperthyroidism, excessive thyroid hormone may suppress the activity of these cells. In hypothyroidism, insufficient thyroid hormone affects the metabolism and energy supply of spermatogenic cells. Both situations can lead to a decreased sperm count produced by the testes.

3. Impact on Sperm Motility

Sperm motility is an important indicator of sperm quality and directly affects the ability of sperm to reach the fallopian tubes and fertilize an egg. Abnormal thyroid hormone levels disrupt the energy metabolism of sperm, resulting in insufficient energy supply and reduced motility. Sperm with low motility are unable to complete the fertilization process effectively, thus affecting fertility.

4. Disruption of Sperm Morphology

Normally shaped sperm are essential for successful fertilization. Thyroid diseases can affect the morphological development of sperm. Abnormal thyroid hormone levels may lead to morphological defects during sperm formation, such as head abnormalities or curled tails. These morphologically abnormal sperm cannot properly bind with the egg, reducing the likelihood of conception and negatively affecting male fertility.

5. Impairment of Reproductive Organ Development

In adolescent males, thyroid disease can severely impair the normal development of reproductive organs. Hypothyroidism, characterized by insufficient thyroid hormone production, can delay the development of reproductive organs such as the testes and penis, leading to underdeveloped genitalia. These developmental abnormalities prevent the reproductive organs from functioning properly, affecting fertility in adulthood.

In addition, thyroid diseases may also cause problems such as reduced libido and erectile dysfunction in men. Therefore, men should undergo regular medical checkups, monitor thyroid function, and seek timely medical intervention if any abnormalities are detected.

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