A new study suggests that men with higher-quality semen may live longer than those with lower-quality semen. Published in Human Reproduction on March 5, the research found that semen quality could be linked to life expectancy.
Study Methodology
Researchers at Copenhagen University Hospital tracked nearly 80,000 men over a 50-year period to study the relationship between semen quality and longevity. The study focused on factors like sperm concentration and motility. The results showed that men with healthier semen lived nearly three years longer on average compared to those with lower-quality semen.
“We found that the better the semen quality, the longer the life expectancy,” said lead author Lærke Priskorn, PhD, of Copenhagen University Hospital. “This was a clear, consistent trend.”
Exploring the Connection Between Semen Quality and Lifespan
Previous studies have suggested that poor semen quality and infertility might be linked to higher mortality, but they didn’t consider other factors like overall health. This study aimed to fill that gap.
Researchers analyzed data from 78,284 men who had their semen quality tested between 1965 and 2015. Of these, 59,657 men provided semen samples after 1987 and shared information about their health and education. Over the 50-year study period, 8,600 participants died.
Semen Quality and Life Expectancy
Semen quality was measured by the total volume, sperm concentration, and the percentage of motile sperm (sperm that swim straight). The more motile sperm a man had, the longer his life expectancy appeared to be.
For instance, men with the healthiest semen—more than 120 million motile sperm—could expect to live 80.3 years. Those with less healthy semen—fewer than 5 million motile sperm—had a life expectancy of 77.6 years.
Priskorn emphasized that these results were not influenced by pre-existing health conditions, as the study accounted for diseases diagnosed in the 10 years before the semen quality assessment.
Expert Opinions
Michael Eisenberg, MD, a Stanford University professor, praised the study’s methodology and significance. He explained that underlying health could be a factor, but the semen analysis itself offers valuable insights into overall health and longevity.
However, the study has some limitations. For example, the researchers didn’t account for other lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, or stress, which can also affect semen quality. Additionally, the study participants were men seeking fertility assessments, so the findings may not apply to the general population.
Roger Hart, MD, a professor at the University of Western Australia, believes the study’s data could be useful in various communities but suggests it should be replicated in different ethnic groups.
Should You Have Your Semen Tested?
Despite the study’s findings, experts do not recommend routine semen testing outside of fertility clinics. “We believe men undergoing fertility evaluations may have a chance to identify and address health issues that could otherwise go unnoticed,” Priskorn said. However, she stressed that knowing your semen quality isn’t a clear indicator of lifespan.
Routine semen screening could cause unnecessary anxiety, said Dr. Hart. If your semen quality isn’t optimal, it doesn’t necessarily mean your life expectancy will be affected.
For men looking to improve their semen quality, experts recommend making healthy lifestyle choices. Factors like alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, and stress can negatively impact semen health. A study in 2022 showed that following a Mediterranean-style diet and regular exercise might slightly improve semen quality.
However, there is limited evidence supporting the use of supplements to boost semen quality.
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