Men’s semen quality has been found to be linked with their lifespan, according to a groundbreaking study involving nearly 80,000 men. Published in Human Reproduction, the study followed men for up to 50 years and discovered that those with a high total number of motile sperm could expect to live longer than those with a low count.
Led by Dr. Lærke Priskorn and Dr. Niels Jørgensen from Copenhagen University Hospital, the research analyzed data from men who had their semen quality assessed between 1965 and 2015 due to reported infertility. The study found that men with a total motile sperm count of over 120 million lived two to three years longer than those with a count between 0 and 5 million.
The study, the largest of its kind, provided valuable insights into the connection between semen quality and mortality. It revealed that poor semen quality might be an indicator of underlying health issues that could affect fertility and overall well-being.
Dr. Priskorn highlighted the importance of understanding this association, stating that the study aimed to provide an estimate of how semen quality predicts a man’s lifespan. The researchers suggested that fertility evaluations could serve as an opportunity to identify men at increased risk of developing certain diseases later in life.
Dr. Jørgensen emphasized the need to further investigate the link between semen quality and men’s general health. He mentioned that future studies would explore whether poor semen quality was associated with earlier deaths from specific causes like cancer or heart disease.
In a commentary accompanying the study, Professor John Aitken from The University of Newcastle suggested that oxidative stress could be a key factor in the relationship between semen quality and lifespan. He explained that imbalances in free radicals and antioxidants could impact semen quality and contribute to the aging process.
The study’s findings have significant implications for men’s health and underscore the importance of monitoring semen quality as a potential indicator of overall well-being. By identifying subgroups of men with impaired semen quality, healthcare professionals can implement preventive strategies to mitigate the risks of future health problems.
This groundbreaking research sheds light on the intricate relationship between semen quality and lifespan, offering new perspectives on male fertility and longevity. Further studies are needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and potential interventions to improve men’s health outcomes.
