Impact of lack of exercise, psychological stress and poor sleep to Male Infertility
In general, EXERCISE boosts men’s sperm count and a moderate degree of intensity of exercise can increase the semen volume. However, the exercise level has to be maintained .. if not, the sperm count, shape and concentration will drop back to normal levels. Scientifically, at least half an hour of exercise 3 times a week may boost men’s sperm count.
However, though running in particular may improve a man’s fertility, decreased seminal parameters and sex hormone levels have been reported in male athletes, with a possible impairment of male fertility linked to exercise according to volume, intensity and modality.
Working out in general causes the testosterone to decrease but Bicycling, in particular, has shown that subjects have a lower percent of normal morphology (appearance of the sperm) which could be linked to male infertility.
PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS can be linked to a decrease in the quality of sperm and semen. It may trigger the release of steroid hormones called glucocorticoids which, in turn, could reduce levels of testosterone and sperm production.
Researchers from the University of California, Davis, used standard fertility testing methods and analyzed semen concentration, and sperm shape and size (morphology) and movement (motility) in each sample. The researchers found that, compared with men who did not experience much stress in their lives, those who did have stressful life events showed a lower percentage of both sperm motility and morphology. They note this finding remained even after accounting for other factors that may influence semen quality, such as genetical reproductive health problems, age and such like.
Research has proved that, although stress in the workplace did not directly affect the quality of semen in men, those who did experience job stress did have lower levels of testosterone, the hormone, which could affect reproductive health.
Although Stress itself does not impact egg fertility, it can lead to behaviours that can increase infertility. Mood swings, anger and depression are some of these effects.
SLEEP DEPRIVATION may harm men’s sperm. Sleep disturbances may alter nighttime testosterone rhythms without affecting the overall testosterone levels. However, research has proved that poor sleep causes lowered semen quality.
Sleep dysfunction is associated with an increased risk of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, which can lead to lower rates of fertility.
This shows that Exercise, Stress and Lack of Sleep does play a part in the success of Male Fertility. Most importantly, done in moderation will lead to a healthy lifestyle and reduce chances of any fertility related issues.
In the event you would like to check for your sperm quality, we have both a basic semen analysis and a more advanced Sperm DNA Fragmentation test which we offer for couples trying to conceive. Please contact us on info@andrologycenter.in or call +91 9443793934 to get more information or make an appointment.
