By pooling the results of three studies, the Rome-based organisation concluded that more than 33 per cent of men aged between 18 and 20 years suffer from a severe loss of sperm to urban factors like pollution and smoking.
The study was financed by the Italian health ministry.
City life also promotes a sedentary lifestyle, and obesity also negatively impacts sperm count, the study said.
"It's worth reminding youths because they are completely ignorant about the risk to fertility," it said.