Infertility: Stress affects sperm quality

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MunichObesity, high blood pressure or diabetes - there are many reasons for infertility. Stress can also reduce sperm quality and thus fertility. The decisive factor, however, is what kind of stress causes men to worry, US researchers have now found out.

Types of stress in comparison

For the study, the research team led by Pam Factor-Litvak compared data from 193 men between 38 and 49 years of age who had participated in the "Environment in Reproduction Study" in Oakland between 2005 and 2008. The scientists wanted to find out how subjectively perceived stress at work or a general feeling of being stressed, as well as objective stress triggers such as unemployment or separation, affect sperm quality. To this end, the participants answered questions that determined the different dimensions of stress. In addition, the gentlemen gave semen samples, which were examined with regard to the concentration and motility of the sperm contained. Because these traits are crucial for fertility.

Unemployment affects quality

It was shown: "Stressed men often have a lower sperm concentration and less motile sperm," says the head of the study, Factor-Litvak. However, not all types of stress are harmful to little swimmers. In contrast to stressful life events and generally perceived stress, stress at work had no effect on sperm quality.

Another result: The quality of unemployed men was worse than that of men with a job - regardless of how stressed they were. The researchers took into account in their calculations whether the participants had previously suffered from impotence or other health problems.

Mechanisms unclear

The mechanism behind this effect is still unclear. It is possible that steroids are released under stress, which lower testosterone levels and thus impair sperm production.

"Stress has long been known for its negative effects on health," explains study author Teresa Janevic. "Our results now indicate that the social situation of men also has an influence on fertility".

Normal erection and still sterile

Some men whose fertility is impaired can have a normal erection and have no problems having sex. However, you still cannot father children if the quality of the sperm is too poor - for example because there are too many damaged sperm in the ejaculate, too few or even none at all. (jb)

Source: Janevic, T. et al. Effects of work and life stress on semen quality. Fertility and Sterility. 05/22/2014

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