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Physically Active Men Show Better Semen Parameters than Their Sedentary Counterparts
Paula C Lalinde-Acevedo1, B Jose Manuel Mayorga-Torres1, Ashok Agarwal2
1Reproduction Group, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Medical School, University of Antioquia, Antioquia, Colombia.
International Journal of Fertility & Sterility
|September 5, 2017
Summary
Vigorous physical activity significantly improves semen quality, including volume, viability, and motility, compared to a sedentary lifestyle. Regular exercise enhances male fertility parameters.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Andrology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Semen quality is influenced by lifestyle factors, including physical activity.
- Understanding the impact of exercise on male reproductive health is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare conventional and functional semen parameters between physically active and sedentary men.
- To evaluate the effect of vigorous physical activity on sperm quality.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive cross-sectional study involving 17 physically active and 15 sedentary men.
- Semen analysis followed World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
- Functional semen parameters assessed using flow cytometry.
Main Results:
- Physically active men exhibited superior semen volume, viability, progressive motility, total motility, normal morphology, and fewer moribund cells.
- Significant differences observed in viability, progressive motility, total motility, and moribund spermatozoa percentage.
- No significant differences in sperm DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, or mitochondrial potential.
Conclusions:
- Regular physical activity demonstrates a beneficial impact on semen fertility parameters.
- An active lifestyle can enhance male fertility status.
- Exercise is a positive factor for male reproductive health.
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