ASRM ABSTRACTS: Excessive exercise may be harmful to sperm

This is one of a series of news items from abstracts of studies presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine as complied by Dr. David Meldrum, Scientific Director of Reproductive Partners. We appreciate the enormous amount of work it takes to compile and comment on these abstracts.


In a study of triathletes, weekly cycling kilometers correlated with sperm DNA fragmentation. Extreme exercise causes oxidative stress, which is worsened by sugar and carb loading. In a prior study, semen quality was decreased by more than 5 hours of cycling per week. Heat accumulation in tight cycling garb may contribute to sperm damage.

Of course this is an example of extreme athletic stress. But there could be similar, though less severe, stress from recreational exercise. We recommend reducing exercise to a recreational level and a combination of antioxidants and vitamins to try to reverse oxidative stress. You can find details on our Lifestyle and Fertility pages of the website where you can also link to Life Choices and Fertility for even more information.