Though 2020 was an extreme case, stress is still an unavoidable part of life even during less difficult times. Yet even when we are experiencing it, it can be difficult to measure its effects.
To help solve part of this mystery, a recent study of 1,362 young men was conducted to quantify the effects of psychological stress on male fertility. The study, co-sponsored by the Danish Ministry of Health, looked for possible connections between stress and testicular function. The study included semen and blood samples and a questionnaire to determine each man’s stress levels and lifestyle factors.
How Stress Affects Male Fertility
The study showed that men who experienced high levels of stress had lower sperm count, decreased sperm quality, and lower motility, which is the sperm’s ability to move and reach a woman’s egg. Stress also releases chemicals that have been proven to damage cell structures, including sperm cells. In addition, since people commonly drink too much alcohol or use other drugs to cope with stress, this can have related negative consequences of their own.
Though eliminating stress from your life is unrealistic, there are things you can do to reduce it while improving male fertility. These include getting regular aerobic exercise, deep breathing, meditation or prayer, taking a daily walk, spending time with loved ones, or engaging in a favorite hobby you.
To learn more, read about some lifestyle factors that affect your fertility as well as tips for reducing stress and improving male fertility. You can also contact one of our client services coordinators at [email protected] or (206) 588-1484 if you have other general questions about male fertility or about becoming a sperm donor at Bellevue Sperm Bank.
