Several studies have previously associated obesity and other systemic disorders as risk factors for male infertility. On the other hand, some studies have reported that physical activity can actually be harmful to sperm, in particular high intensity training among elite athletes, but what about moderate physical activity? In the recent October 2014 issue of Fertility and Sterility, Author Minguez-Alarcon and others attempted to answer this question in a study of two hundred fifteen young, healthy men from Spain.
The men who were aged 18 to 23 years and were mainly students underwent a physical examination, and provided a semen sample. A questionnaire regarding their medical history as well as their athletic activity was also completed. It should be noted that almost a third of these men were cigarette smokers.
Findings show total physical activity was simply unrelated to the sperm count or sperm motility. There was a statistically NON-significant association between more activity and lower sperm morphology. The group then examined the amount of TV watching as well as Body Mass Index as possible associated variables and found no correlation as well. Therefore, at the very least, it appears that at least moderate physical activity poses no threat to one’s fertility.
