health
Abstinence and sperm deterioration: what is the best option to improve fertility?
A group of researchers found that male sperm deteriorates over time when stored in the body, which could directly affect fertility.
TL;DR
- Male sperm quality deteriorates with prolonged storage time in the body.
- Longer abstinence periods increase DNA damage and oxidative stress in sperm.
- This deterioration can reduce sperm viability and motility, crucial for fertilization.
- A meta-analysis of human and animal studies supports the notion of sperm deterioration over time.
- Current WHO recommendations for sperm donation focus on quantity, not necessarily quality, through prolonged abstinence.
- Shorter abstinence periods (less than 48 hours) showed higher pregnancy rates in an IVF trial.
- The optimal abstinence period may be a balance between sperm quantity and quality.
- Experts suggest fresher sperm may have better motility and less DNA damage.
- Recommendations may vary; diagnostic analyses may still benefit from longer abstinence for comparison, while fertility treatments prioritize quality.