Fitness and Fertility for Men
Both overweight and underweight men can have fertility problems. With too much weight, there can be hormonal disturbances, and when a man's too lean, he can have decreased sperm count and functionality. Fitness is important - but never overdo the exercise.
Main Points
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Don't over exercise.
Men who exercise excessively can reduce their sperm count due to the heat that builds up in their testicles. This is particularly true for men who cycle a lot. More Science... 
No science just yet... [ x ] |
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Avoid excessive cycling.
Any exercise that raises the temperature of the testicles should be avoided - and cycling is one such exercise. More Science...
No science just yet... [ x ] |
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Avoid tight underwear.
 Tight underwear and trousers have previously been associated with poor sperm count because in order to produce a sufficient quality of sperm, the temperature of the testes has to be lower than the core body temperature. Evidence however is lacking and whilst tight underwear may raise the temperature of the testes slightly, effects are likely to be minimal. More Science...
A 1998 study published in the Journal of Urology, entitled, "Are boxer shorts really better?" looked at the role of underwear type in male subfertility. The study, conducted by Munkelwitz and Gilbert of the State University of New York looked at 97 male volunteers who had been monitored while wearing jockey or boxer shorts. The scientists found “no difference in scrotal temperature depending on underwear type”. They concluded that it was “unlikely that underwear type has a significant effect on male fertility”. Other studies have shown similar results, but men trying to become fathers are still routinely advised to avoid tight underwear.
It’s often suggested that the belief in avoiding tight underwear originated in a Dutch study which showed that wearing tight leather trousers and tight plastic underwear together (but not individually) affected sperm viability. [ x ] |
Things to Avoid
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Smoking.
Smoking cigarettes can lower sperm count and make sperm more sluggish, reducing their motility. Smoking may cause genetic changes that affect the offspring. Additionally, a 1999 study found that men who smoke have lower sex drives and less frequent sex. More Science...
No science just yet... [ x ] |
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Recreational drugs.
Cocaine, Heroine and Ecstasy could reduce male fertility dramatically. Use of such drugs can lead to a loss of libido, low sperm count and poor morphology (abnormally shaped sperm).
Long-term use of Marijuana results in low sperm count and sperm that exhibit abnormal development. It can temporarily reduce the number of quality sperm by 50 per cent. More Science...
Cocaine or heavy marijuana use appears to temporarily reduce the number and quality of sperm by as much as 50%. Sperm actually have receptors for certain compounds in marijuana that resemble natural substances and which may impair the sperm's ability to swim and may also inhibit their ability to penetrate the egg. [ x ] |
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Alcohol.
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can significantly affect the quantity and quality of sperm. As well as harming liver function, alcohol can raise oestrogen levels and interfere with sperm development and hormone levels. Alcohol can also deplete the sperm generating cells in the testicles. More Science...
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Cycling.
Cycling has been linked to impotence in men and also may affect the sperm count. Pressure from the bike seat may damage blood vessels and nerves that are responsible for erections. Mountain biking, which involves riding on off-road terrain, exposes the perineum (the region between the scrotum and the anus) to more extreme shocks and vibrations and increases the risk for injuries to the scrotum. More Science...
No science just yet... [ x ] |
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