Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026
08:48
Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects
Published on: April 21, 2022
Modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for poor semen quality: a case-referent study
A C Povey1, J-A Clyma, R McNamee
1Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Community-Based Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK. apovey@manchester.ac.uk
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|June 15, 2012
Summary
Common lifestyle choices have minimal impact on low sperm concentration. Factors like testicular surgery and manual work are associated with low sperm motility, not diet or alcohol use.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Male Fertility
- Sperm Health
Background:
- Male subfertility reviews often cite lifestyle factors, but evidence is weak.
- This study investigates associations between lifestyle and low motile sperm concentration (MSC).
- Previous assumptions about lifestyle's impact on male fertility require re-evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if common lifestyle factors are associated with low motile sperm concentration (MSC).
- To assess the contribution of lifestyle choices to male subfertility risk.
- To inform recommendations regarding lifestyle changes for men seeking conception.
Main Methods:
- An unmatched case-referent study involving 939 cases and 1310 referents.
- Participants were men aged 18+ attempting conception for over 12 months.
- Exposures included self-reported alcohol, tobacco, drug use, occupational factors, and underwear type.
Main Results:
- Low MSC was associated with testicular surgery, manual work, unemployment, and Black ethnicity.
- Wearing boxer shorts and prior conception were associated with higher MSC.
- No significant associations were found with alcohol, tobacco, recreational drugs, or high BMI.
Conclusions:
- Common lifestyle choices contribute little to the risk of low MSC.
- Recommendations to delay assisted conception for lifestyle changes are unlikely to enhance conception.
- Further research is needed on less common or poorly reported exposures and sperm quality parameters beyond motility.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Infertility in Males
Male infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, arising from various factors that impact different stages of the reproductive process. An endocrine imbalance resulting from conditions like hypogonadism, Klinefelter syndrome, or pituitary disorders can disrupt hormone levels and reduce sperm production. Testicular defects, such as tumors, cryptorchidism, atrophic testes, abnormal sperm morphology, and low sperm count or motility, may arise due to genetic factors, structural...
01:41Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis is the process by which haploid sperm cells are produced in the male testes. It starts with stem cells located close to the outer rim of seminiferous tubules. These spermatogonial stem cells divide asymmetrically to give rise to additional stem cells (meaning that these structures “self-renew”), as well as sperm progenitors, called spermatocytes. Importantly, this method of asymmetric mitotic division maintains a population of spermatogonial stem cells in the male reproductive...
01:22Sperm Structure and Semen Composition
During ejaculation, males release around 2-5 milliliters of semen, which is a complex mixture of mature sperm and various fluids produced by accessory glands. The mature sperm cells measure approximately 60 micrometers in length and consist of a head, neck, midpiece, and tail. The head is flattened and tapered, measuring about 4 to 5 micrometers in length. It contains a nucleus with condensed chromosomes and an acrosome, a cap-like structure filled with enzymes essential for penetrating the...
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
01:20Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Men's health issues are increasingly recognized as significant, with several conditions posing common threats. Among these, testicular cancer is especially prevalent in younger men, particularly those aged 20 to 35 years. The disease often manifests as a painless mass in the testicles, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of heaviness or a dull ache.
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...
01:23Types of Biopharmaceutical Studies: Controlled and Non-Controlled Approaches
Biopharmaceutical studies constitute a vital field aiming to enhance drug delivery methods and refine therapeutic approaches, drawing upon diverse interdisciplinary knowledge. In research methodologies, the choice between controlled and non-controlled studies significantly influences the study's reliability and accuracy.
Non-controlled studies, commonly employed for initial exploration, lack a control group, rendering them susceptible to biases and external influences. In contrast, controlled...
Non-controlled studies, commonly employed for initial exploration, lack a control group, rendering them susceptible to biases and external influences. In contrast, controlled...