Physical Activity and Male Reproductive Health
Summary
Physical activity exerts a multifaceted influence on male reproductive health, encompassing hormonal regulation, oxidative stress balance and testicular function. Moderate exercise supports optimal hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis function, promoting regular testosterone production, enhancing testicular blood flow and bolstering antioxidant defences that safeguard spermatozoa from reactive oxygen species. In contrast, extreme or prolonged endurance activities may elevate scrotal temperature, induce oxidative damage and disrupt hormonal feedback loops, occasionally leading to reduced sperm concentration, impaired motility and increased DNA fragmentation. The interplay between exercise intensity, duration and type shapes semen parameters in a non-linear fashion, with evidence suggesting an inverted U-shaped relationship between total physical activity and sperm quality. Practical implications extend from lifestyle guidance for men seeking fertility optimisation to the design of tailored exercise prescriptions in clinical settings. Globally, these insights inform public health recommendations, underscoring the importance of balanced activity to support reproductive longevity and counter rising rates of male subfertility.
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Physical Activity and Male Reproductive Health publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in physical activity and male reproductive health across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Sperm concentration: Number of spermatozoa per millilitre of ejaculate, a primary indicator of semen quality.
Sperm motility: Proportion of sperm capable of active forward progression, essential for fertilisation.
Sperm morphology: Percentage of sperm exhibiting normal shape and structural features, reflecting spermatozoal integrity.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Chemically reactive molecules that, in excess, cause lipid peroxidation and DNA damage in spermatozoa.
Metabolic equivalent of task (MET): A unit estimating the energy expenditure of physical activities relative to resting metabolic rate.
References
- The Effect of Endurance Exercise on Semen Quality in Male Athletes: A Systematic Review. Sports Medicine - Open (2024).
- Intensity and type of physical activity and semen quality in healthy young men. Fertility and Sterility (2024).
- Association between physical activity and infertility: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Translational Medicine (2022).
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