Physically Active Men Show Better Semen Parameters than Their Sedentary Counterparts

Objective The quality of semen depends upon several factors such as environment, life style, physical activity, age and occupation. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the conventional and functional semen parameters in men who practice vigorous physical activity to those of sedentary men. MaterialsAndMethods Semen samples from 17 physically active men and 15 sedentary men were collected for analysis. Semen analysis was performed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, while functional parameters were evaluated by flow cytometry. Results Our results showed that several semen parameters (semen volume, viability, progressive motility, total motility, normal morphology, moribund cells) were superior in the physically active group compared to the sedentary group. Semen parameters such as viability, progressive motility and total motility, as well as the percentage of moribund spermatozoa were significantly different between both groups. However, sperm DNA damage, lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial potential were not significantly different between the groups. Conclusion Nevertheless, the physical activity was directly related in the improvement of essential semen parameters. Taken together, our results demonstrate that regular physical activity has beneficial impact in sperm fertility parameters and such life style can enhance the fertility status of men.