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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
04:36
The Examination of Peroxidase-Positive Leukocytes in Semen
Published on: January 19, 2024
Occupational Physical Activity Is Negatively Associated With Semen Quality
Michal Efrat1, Sharon Barak2, Anat Stein3,4
1Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.
Andrology
|July 23, 2026
Summary
Occupational physical activity, like sweating or feeling tired at work, is linked to lower semen quality in men. This suggests that strenuous work may negatively impact male reproductive health.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Occupational Health
- Andrology
Background:
- Global semen quality decline is a growing concern.
- Lifestyle factors are known to influence semen parameters.
- The impact of occupational physical activity on semen quality remains under-researched.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between male occupational physical activity and key semen quality parameters.
- To explore how different aspects of physical exertion at work affect sperm health.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 280 males undergoing routine semen analysis.
- Semen quality assessed using WHO criteria (volume, concentration, motility, morphology).
- Validated questionnaires captured occupational physical activity, lifestyle, and demographics.
Main Results:
- Most occupational physical activity metrics, excluding sitting, showed significant associations with semen parameters.
- Work-related sweating and physical tiredness were negatively linked to sperm concentration, morphology, and motility.
- Physical tiredness independently predicted lower sperm concentration and morphology in regression analyses.
Conclusions:
- Occupational physical activity demonstrates a negative association with semen quality.
- Work-related physical exertion may adversely affect male reproductive function.
- Further research is needed to establish thresholds for safe occupational physical activity levels in male fertility assessment.
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