A comprehensive new study has revealed that men who have regular sex or ejaculate frequently possess higher quality sperm with significantly less DNA damage. The research highlights a clear link between the frequency of ejaculation and the overall health of sperm, suggesting that “stored” sperm tends to deteriorate rapidly regardless of the age of the male. These findings provide a meaningful insight into male reproductive health and could offer a simple yet effective boost to fertility for couples trying to conceive.
The study, which involved a major analysis of 115 human studies covering nearly 55,000 men, found that abstaining from sex or masturbation is associated with increased oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation. Researchers also observed reduced sperm mobility and viability in samples where ejaculation was infrequent. This deterioration in quality subsequently lowered fertilisation success rates and led to a noticeable decrease in embryo quality, making it more challenging for successful reproduction to occur.
According to co-lead author Dr Rebecca Dean from the University of Oxford, sperm cells are particularly vulnerable because they have minimal cytoplasm and limited energy reserves. Unlike other types of cells in the human body, sperm have a very restricted capacity for self-repair, making prolonged storage in the testes especially damaging. The study also analysed 56 separate studies across 30 non-human species, including primates and birds, confirming that the degradation of stored sperm is a widespread biological phenomenon.
These findings may have significant implications for clinical practices, particularly for couples undergoing In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF). Current World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines typically recommend an abstinence period of two to seven days before providing a semen sample for assisted reproduction. However, the research suggests that the upper limit of seven days may be counterproductive, as more recent evidence indicates that ejaculating within 48 hours of providing a sample can lead to better IVF outcomes.
In addition to the frequency of ejaculation, scientists are also raising concerns about environmental factors affecting male fertility, such as the presence of microplastics. Recent investigations have detected various microplastics in both seminal and follicular fluids, which could potentially induce inflammation and further DNA damage. While more research is needed to confirm the direct impact of plastics on human reproduction, the current study emphasises that maintaining a regular cycle of sperm production and ejaculation is a vital component of male reproductive health.
