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Quality of 4-hourly ejaculates--levels of calcium and magnesium

J Valsa1, K P Skandhan, P H Gusani

  • 1Department of Physiology, Government Medical College, Surat, India.

Andrologia
|May 1, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Frequent ejaculation over 16 hours decreased semen volume and sperm count but improved sperm motility. Increased seminal calcium and magnesium may help clear motility inhibitors.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Human physiology
  • Andrology

Background:

  • Understanding the physiological effects of frequent ejaculation on semen quality is crucial for reproductive health.
  • Previous research has explored ejaculation frequency, but the impact of sustained, frequent ejaculation over extended periods requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the changes in semen parameters, including volume, sperm count, and motility, during a four-hourly ejaculation regimen.
  • To analyze the levels of seminal plasma and intracellular calcium and magnesium in relation to ejaculation frequency.
  • To explore the potential role of these minerals in modulating sperm motility.

Main Methods:

  • A four-hourly ejaculation study involving eleven healthy male subjects.
  • Semen samples were collected over a period of up to 16 hours.
  • Analysis included semen volume, sperm count, sperm motility (total, active, sluggish), and seminal plasma and intracellular calcium and magnesium concentrations.

Main Results:

  • A decrease in semen volume and sperm count was observed from the first to the last ejaculate.
  • Sperm motility, particularly actively motile spermatozoa, progressively increased, while sluggish spermatozoa decreased.
  • Significant increases in seminal plasma calcium and magnesium, as well as intracellular magnesium, were noted from the first to the fourth ejaculate.

Conclusions:

  • Frequent ejaculation over 16 hours leads to reduced semen volume and sperm count but enhanced sperm motility.
  • Elevated calcium and magnesium levels may play a role in improving sperm motility by mitigating inhibitory factors.
  • These findings suggest a potential benefit of calcium and magnesium in maintaining sperm motility under conditions of frequent ejaculation.

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