For men, longevity is linked to fast, strong sperm

Poor quality sperm may be a sign of health problems that go beyond fertility issues, according to a new study.

Key Takeaways

• Men with high-quality sperm had a nearly three-year longer life expectancy than men with low-quality sperm in a recent study.
• Sperm quality is a potential marker for disease or illness.
• Measures that improve overall health may improve sperm quality.

So, here’s something interesting. A large study involving nearly 80,000 men found that those with high-quality sperm may live about three years longer than those with poor-quality sperm.

”For all types of measured semen parameters, we saw a dose-response association to mortality—the better the semen quality and quantity, the longer life expectancy,” says a coauthor from Copenhagen University Hospital.

This held true even when researchers considered factors like education level and health status. These factors, surprisingly, did not explain the connection.

Low-quality sperm may be a ‘canary in the coal mine’

The researchers analyzed data from men in Copenhagen who were evaluated for infertility between 1965 and 2015. They measured semen quality by volume, sperm shape and concentration, and how many sperm could move properly.

Over a follow-up period of up to 50 years, 8,600 deaths happened. The analysis revealed men with more than 120 million moving sperm had a 2.7-year longer life expectancy than those with 0 to 5 million.

The results, published in Human Reproduction, showed the higher-count group could expect to live to 80.3 years, compared to 77.6 years for the lower-count group.

Our bodies give us subtle warning signs before serious conditions develop. The quality of reproductive health can signal overall well-being.

A urologist calls male infertility a “canary in the coal mine,” indicating potential health problems. “Many issues can affect sperm count—genetic problems, cystic fibrosis, cancers, and more,” he explains. “Low or zero sperm count can also result from sexually transmitted infections.”

Limitations of sperm to assess health

The study aligns with other research showing poor-quality sperm links to health issues like cancer. A professor of medicine notes the study is observational and cautions against using sperm to gauge overall health.

”The predictive power of sperm assessment is less than measures like weight and blood sugar,” he says.

While the authors don’t suggest routine semen analysis for general health, they advise men with fertility assessments to consider other health risks linked to low-quality sperm.

”Fertility workups can provide a ‘window of opportunity’ for clinicians to identify and mitigate potential health risks,” says one researcher.

What impacts sperm quality?

A distinguished professor mentions oxidative stress affects sperm quality. Oxidative stress is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants. It’s part of aging and could influence semen quality.

To reduce oxidative stress and improve sperm quality, men should avoid tobacco, limit alcohol, eat healthily, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep.

”If sperm count is low, take this as a warning to check your health,” advises an expert.

Health science uncovers surprising connections in our physiology. This study shows that reproductive health might offer insights into broader health.

How does sperm quality affect lifespan?

High-quality sperm might hint at good overall health, which relates to longer lifespans. Men with faster, stronger sperm tend to live longer. Researchers suggest a link between sperm quality and overall health because they share similar contributing factors.

Factors that impact sperm quality also affect general health, like diet, exercise, and avoiding harmful substances. Healthier men, therefore, tend to have better sperm and longer lifespans. Maintaining overall well-being helps improve sperm quality and longevity.

Summary

This article explored the link between sperm quality and longevity in men. Researchers found men with high-quality sperm often live longer. The study suggests overall health affects sperm quality, serving as a broader health indicator. For readers, consider lifestyle changes that benefit both sperm and general health. Up next—understanding more about how our reproductive health clues us in about our broader well-being.