TTC - does anything impact male fertility?

[mrs canada]

My husband and I are ttc our second child. I am 33, always have excellent checkups, and had a successful pregnancy 6 years ago. We are coming up on a year now trying to conceive a second child, and it's just not happening. I am wondering if any of these factors would have an effect on my husband's sperm, thus making our attempts less successful:

1. Age (he is 56)
2. Smoking (he smokes a pack a day)
3. Alcohol (due to his career, he consumes alcohol pretty much daily and sometimes in large quantities depending on the event).

I have not found solid evidence on any website that any of these things impact male fertility but I have to believe they do and would appreciate some ammo to convince him to change his lifestyle, to increase our odds. I am planning to seek fertility counselling soon, but would appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks very much!

[mgi]

my RE says smoking, alcohol or excessive excercise are all things that effect male fertility

[USF-M.D.-DK]

mrs canada,  smoking and alcohol can decrease sperm counts and sperm movement.  marijuana can do the same.  age has less effects on sperm.  one of the biggest challenges in marriage is to come to a consensus about how to move forward together, and deciding to have a baby is a difficult decision for men to make.  david