Summary
New research suggests that men who abstain from sex for longer periods may experience decreased sperm quality. The study found that extended sperm storage in the body is linked to increased DNA damage and lower sperm mobility, although these effects did not consistently impact fertility in humans.
Key Facts
- The research was published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences.
- It included data from 115 human studies and 56 animal studies.
- Long periods of abstinence were linked to lower sperm motility and increased DNA damage.
- Oxidative stress and aging affect sperm stored in the body.
- The study did not find a consistent impact on human fertilization rates or embryo quality.
- The design of studies affected findings, with longitudinal studies showing stronger negative effects.
- There is a trade-off between sperm quantity and quality based on abstinence duration.
- In assisted reproduction, different abstinence durations might be optimal depending on the technique used.
