Association between penultimate ejaculatory abstinence and sperm quality: a cross-sectional study.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Andrology
• Sperm Biology

Background:

• Ejaculatory abstinence (EA) duration is known to affect semen parameters.
• The specific impact of penultimate ejaculatory abstinence (PEA) on sperm quality remains less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between PEA duration and conventional and functional sperm parameters.
• To evaluate the relationship between PEA and the risk of specific sperm abnormalities, including high DNA fragmentation index (DFI).

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study of 1,503 men analyzed semen samples, clinical data, and physical examinations.
• Generalized linear models and logistic regression were used to assess PEA's impact on sperm parameters and DFI, adjusting for EA and other confounders.

Main Results:

• Increased PEA duration showed a positive association with sperm DNA fragmentation (DFI) and a negative association with progressive sperm motility.
• Longer PEA (>9 days) correlated with higher semen concentration, total sperm count, and sperm vitality.
• Prolonged PEA (>9 days) significantly increased the risk of high DFI (>30%), asthenozoospermia, and necrozoospermia compared to shorter PEA (1-3 days).

Conclusions:

• Prolonged PEA adversely impacts sperm DFI, motility, and vitality, elevating risks for asthenozoospermia, necrozoospermia, and high DFI.
• Both EA and PEA durations are crucial for accurate male fertility assessments.
• Shorter PEA durations may be associated with superior sperm quality, potentially improving fertility evaluations and outcomes.