How Your Desk Job May Be Hurting Your Fertility? Know From A Doctor

In today’s fast-paced digital world, most professionals find themselves glued to their desks for hours on end, barely moving except to grab a quick bite or attend yet another virtual meeting. While the impact of sedentary jobs on back pain and weight gain is widely recognised, what’s often overlooked is the silent toll this lifestyle takes on reproductive health. Prolonged sitting, chronic stress and physical inactivity are gradually emerging as hidden culprits behind rising fertility issues among both men and women.

Fertility isn’t just about reproductive organs, it’s a reflection of your overall health and lifestyle. Extended periods of sitting can slow blood circulation, disrupt hormone regulation and contribute to conditions like obesity, diabetes and thyroid dysfunction, all of which directly affect reproductive function. In conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr Kanika Sharma, Fertility Specialist, Birla Fertility & IVF, West Delhi, sheds light on how a daily desk job could be interfering with the fertility and what simple, actionable steps you can take to protect your reproductive well-being.

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Men’s Reproductive Health Under Pressure

A desk-bound lifestyle can lead to low sperm count and poor sperm quality in men. Dr Kanika Sharma states, “In severe cases, it can even affect sperm motility (movement) and morphology (shape), making it challenging for them to reach the egg and fertilise it in the fallopian tube.” Furthermore, sitting for a long time can also increase the risk of diabetes, thyroid imbalances, and high blood pressure. “These conditions can interfere with sexual function, including erection and ejaculation, and damage sperm parameters in the process,” she adds.

Silent Toll Of Inactivity On Women’s Fertility

In women, sitting for long periods throws key reproductive hormones, such as oestrogen and progesterone, out of balance. Dr Kanika Sharma explains, “This can impact ovulation and reduce the uterus’ ability to support implantation, making conception harder.” Living a sedentary lifestyle can also put women at risk of fibroids, adenomyosis, and endometriosis, all of which can affect fertility. On top of that, the growing prevalence of lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypothyroidism can affect egg quality and embryo development.

Desk Job Affects Women's Fertility (Image Credits: Canva)

Simple Steps To Protect Reproductive Health

Here is the good news! You don’t need to overhaul your daily routine to maintain a healthy lifestyle and minimise health risks.

Dr Kanika Sharma suggests, “Just focus on getting at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week. It can be as simple as walking during lunch breaks, getting up from your seat and stretching every hour, or even using a standing desk for part of the day.”

ALSO READ: 5 Simple Ways For Staying Fit, Healthy And Energised In Desk Job

Being mindful of daily habits and making gradual changes can protect your reproductive health in the long run. If you're planning to conceive, paying attention to your workday routine is a good place to start.